Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jose Ma. M. Angeles, Atcharaphan Wanlop, Minh-Anh Dang-Trinh, Masashi Kirinoki, Shin-ichiro Kawazu, Aya Yajima
Summary: Asian schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi is mainly diagnosed by stool microscopy. However, serodiagnosis using ELISA with soluble egg antigen (SEA) has shown better sensitivity. This study aims to evaluate recombinant S. japonicum antigens for the detection of S. mekongi infection.
Article
Parasitology
Yuanxi Shen, Rongyi Ji, Rui Chai, Nana Yuan, Jiyue Zhang, Yi Jing, Man Yang, Lanqi Zhang, Yang Hong, Jiaojiao Lin, Chuangang Zhu
Summary: A novel fluorescence immunochromatographic assay strip was developed for detecting anti-Schistosoma japonicum antibodies. The method proved to be rapid, sensitive, and accurate in identifying S. japonicum in host serum. This technique offers a convenient and effective approach for disease surveillance and diagnosis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Panpan Dong, Congjin Mei, Yingying Yang, Yonghua Zhou, Yongliang Xu, Lijun Song, Chuanxin Yu
Summary: Schistosomiasis is characterized by immunopathological liver fibrosis. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in autoimmune diseases and fibrosis, but its role in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis is unclear. This study found that BAFF level and its receptor BAFF-R increased and then decreased with the progression of S. japonicum infection, which was consistent with hepatic granuloma and fibrosis. Anti-BAFF treatment reduced histopathological damage, granuloma size, and liver fibrosis, while increasing IL-10 and decreasing IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, TGF-β, and antibody levels against S. japonicum antigens. This suggests that BAFF could be a potential target for treating schistosomiasis liver fibrosis.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alyaa Farid
Summary: In many tropical regions, schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality, second only to malaria. Diagnostic methods include microscopy, radiography, and serology. Proteases have been investigated as targets for immunological or chemotherapeutic anti-Schistosoma agents due to their importance in the parasitic life cycle.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Qunfeng Wu, Zheng Feng, Wei Hu
Summary: Different chemical reagents were tested to reduce autofluorescence in Schistosomes, with Sudan black B, trypan blue, and copper sulfate showing the most promising results. Optimized conditions were applied to the immunofluorescence of SjCRT protein, successfully reducing autofluorescence interference and providing a clearer signal. This method could be useful for immunofluorescence assays in other flukes with autofluorescence.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kaijuan Wu, Xingyu Zhai, Shuaiqin Huang, Liping Jiang, Zheng Yu, Jing Huang
Summary: Infection by Schistosoma japonicum can lead to serious organ damage and schistosomiasis japonica, with drug resistance being a continual concern. Protein kinases play essential roles in the growth and development of S. japonicum and interactions with hosts, providing potential drug targets for developing new treatments. The current challenges and problems in studying SjPKs can guide future development of anti-schistosomiasis drugs and vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Huijuan Yang, Hongqi Li, Weidong Chen, Zhijie Mei, Yuan Yuan, Xiaoli Wang, Liang Chu, Yu Xu, Yan Sun, Dingru Li, Hongyu Gao, Bin Zhan, Huihui Li, Xiaodi Yang
Summary: The study found that rSj-Cys has significant therapeutic effects on weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis, improving kidney functions by promoting macrophage polarization and regulating T cell responses. The results suggest that rSj-Cys could be developed as a therapeutic agent for lipid metabolism disorders and atherosclerosis globally.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Haoran Zhong, Ling Hou, Fanglin Qin, Yuqi Ren, Bowen Dong, Danlin Zhu, Hao Li, Ke Lu, Zhiqiang Fu, Jinming Liu, Shaopeng Gu, Yamei Jin
Summary: This study assessed the expression profiles of ANX A13 protein during the development of Schistosoma japonicum, and demonstrated its crucial role in the development and egg production of female worms. Furthermore, it found that SjANX A13 could enhance the production of specific antibodies and participate in host-parasite interactions through exosomes.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ailei Xu, Guanzhen Zhong, Jiwen Wang, Chong Liu, Yaqian Liu, Wei Wang
Summary: MiR-200a can inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells through the TGF-beta signaling pathway, improving fibrotic lesions. Upregulation of miR-200a may contribute to inhibiting schistosomiasis liver fibrosis by reducing fibrosis factors and inflammatory cytokines.
Article
Parasitology
Jing-Zhi Gong, Yi-Min Fan, Wanzhe Yuan, Ming Pan, Dandan Liu, Jian-Ping Tao, Si-Yang Huang
Summary: This study identified a novel member (cathepsin L7) of the cathepsin family from Fasciola spp. and developed a new iELISA for the diagnosis of fasciolosis. The results showed that CL7 iELISA had high sensitivity and specificity in sheep and cattle, and could also detect early infection in buffaloes.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Zheng Shang, Qinghong Guo, Xue Zhou, Yongcheng Yue, Kerou Zhou, Liying Tang, Zhizhong Zhang, Zhiqiang Fu, Jinming Liu, Jiaojiao Lin, Bin Xu, Min Zhang, Yang Hong
Summary: The gene encoding SjAAP was found to be expressed in all developmental stages of Schistosoma japonicum, with higher expression in 8, 14, 21, and 28-day-old worms. The recombinant SjAAP showed enzymatic activity and was primarily distributed on the tegument and parenchyma of schistosomes.
Article
Immunology
Jiling Ren, Yue Zhuo, Furong He, Lihui Lv, Man Xing, Yingying Guo, Yuchao Zhang, Jiaojiao Liu, Ying Li, Tinghui Bai, Yanan Chen, Guangru Li, Zhiqiang Qin, Dongming Zhou
Summary: This study reports the single-cell transcriptional landscape of BALB/c mouse splenocytes after Schistosoma japonicum infection. Exhausted CD4+ T cells, regulatory B cells, and myeloid cells were found to play important roles in the immunopathological process. The study also provides insights into the mechanism of liver fibrotic granulomatous response in schistosomiasis.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jesus Lopez Corrales, Krystyna Cwiklinski, Carolina De Marco Verissimo, Amber Dorey, Richard Lalor, Heather Jewhurst, Amanda McEvoy, Michael Diskin, Catherine Duffy, S. Louise Cosby, Orla M. Keane, John Pius Dalton
Summary: Fasciolosis, a parasitic disease of agricultural livestock caused by the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, is traditionally diagnosed using laborious methods with low sensitivity. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) offer a faster and more sensitive alternative for diagnosis, with recombinant cathepsin L proteins showing promise as effective antigens in detecting liver fluke infection in sheep.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Vicente Y. Belizario, John Paul Caesar R. delos Trinos, Olivia T. Sison, Raul V. Destura, John Robert Medina, April Joy E. Gigataras, Joy Ann G. Petronio-Santos, Adrian B. Abarientos
Summary: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and seroprevalence of schistosomiasis in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte and to compare the performance of ELISA Ab and LAMP for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The results show that schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in Siargao Island.
Article
Oncology
Yu Chen, Bangguo Wei, Panpan Xu, Huadong Tang, Langlang Yang, Yuhang Wang, Yingxiao Fu, Xiaodi Yang, Yingji Mao
Summary: The study found that cystatins from Schistosoma japonicum can inhibit osteoclast formation and bone resorptive capability by interfering with NF-kappa B signaling induced by M-CSF and RANKL, leading to downregulation of osteoclastogenesis-related genes and proteins during early-phase osteoclastogenesis.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Tadashi Itagaki, Sakura Jin, Syunsuke Takashima, Yuma Ohari, Jose Ma M. Angeles
Summary: This study revealed the coexistence of Fasciola gigantica and parthenogenetic Fasciola in the Philippines, with the former having a longer presence. The high genetic diversity of F. gigantica suggests its long-time existence in the country, while the identical ND1 haplotype of parthenogenetic Fasciola indicates its recent introduction from a neighboring continent.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Kazuki Nagai, Yasuyuki Goto
Summary: Parasites manipulate host immunity by producing immunomodulatory molecules, which may bring benefits to the hosts. Understanding the mechanisms of parasite regulation of host immunity can be applied not only to parasitic infections, but also to non-parasitic immunological disorders.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Jose Ma M. Angeles, Yasuyuki Goto, Minh Anh Dang Trinh, Pilarita T. Rivera, Elena A. Villacorte, Shin-ichiro Kawazu
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic potentials of two secretory enzymes (SjPGM and SjPCS) in schistosomiasis, with SjPCS showing better results compared to SjPGM.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jing Hong, Chizu Sanjoba, Wataru Fujii, Junya Yamagishi, Yasuyuki Goto
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which can lead to multinucleation of macrophages. Infection with Leishmania donovani induces multinucleation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), accompanied by increased expression of ATP6V0D2 protein. These infection-induced multinucleated macrophages exhibit enhanced phagocytic activity on red blood cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jose Ma. M. Angeles, Atcharaphan Wanlop, Minh-Anh Dang-Trinh, Masashi Kirinoki, Shin-ichiro Kawazu, Aya Yajima
Summary: Asian schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi is mainly diagnosed by stool microscopy. However, serodiagnosis using ELISA with soluble egg antigen (SEA) has shown better sensitivity. This study aims to evaluate recombinant S. japonicum antigens for the detection of S. mekongi infection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Atcharaphan Wanlop, Jose Ma. M. Angeles, Adrian Miki C. Macalanda, Masashi Kirinoki, Yuma Ohari, Aya Yajima, Junya Yamagishi, Kevin Austin L. Ona, Shin-ichiro Kawazu
Summary: The study developed a serological assay with high sensitivity and specificity to replace the traditional Kato-Katz stool microscopy for the detection of active human S. mekongi infection.
Article
Parasitology
Yasuyuki Goto, Haruka Mizobuchi
Summary: Macrophages are crucial in determining the fate of Leishmania infection and can either limit or allow parasite growth, leading to disease development or control. They also contribute to pathological outcomes during infection through various molecular and cellular responses, including inflammatory responses, reactive oxygen species-induced cell damage, and disordered phagocytosis. Importantly, the severity of leishmaniasis does not always correlate with parasite burdens, highlighting that the pathological roles of macrophages are not solely dependent on their ability to kill parasites. In this review, we focus on the roles of macrophages in leishmaniasis and their contribution to disease development.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hana Hirai, Jing Hong, Wataru Fujii, Chizu Sanjoba, Yasuyuki Goto
Summary: The shedding of cell surface receptors can have synergistic outcomes by disrupting cell signaling and binding with ligands. Soluble receptors, such as SIRPa, have biological and diagnostic importance in immunological disorders. In this study, increased levels of soluble SIRPa were observed in mice infected with Leishmania donovani, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for disorders like hemophagocytosis and anemia.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuyuki Goto, Tatsumi Ito, Souradeepa Ghosh, Budhaditya Mukherjee
Summary: Iron plays vital roles in various biochemical processes and is crucial for the survival and defense of Leishmania parasites. These parasites acquire and utilize iron and heme from host macrophages and employ iron superoxide dismutase to counter oxidative stress. Therefore, understanding the iron acquisition and utilization strategies of these parasites is of great significance for the development of antileishmanial drugs.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Prakash Ghosh, Rajashree Chowdhury, Md. Abu Rahat, Faria Hossain, Nur E. Arpha, Mojca Kristan, Matthew Higgins, Ahmed Abd El Wahed, Yasuyuki Goto, M. M. Towhidul Islam, Susana Campino, Mary Cameron, Malcom S. Duthie, Rashidul Haque, Dinesh Mondal
Summary: The study demonstrates the excellent diagnostic efficiency of dried blood spots (DBS) for serological assays and suggests it as a viable alternative to whole blood sampling procedures. However, the sensitivity and specificity of molecular assays using DBS for DNA detection are lower compared to whole blood. The low cost and field feasibility of DBS, coupled with serology-based detection, make it suitable for mass surveillance in detecting residual visceral leishmaniasis transmission.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mahmud Usman, Audu Joseph Natala, Isa Danladi Jatau, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Ghulam Jeelani, Yasuyuki Goto, Tomoyoshi Nozaki, James H. Mckerrow, Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
Summary: This study investigated the species of sand flies and the Leishmania species they transmit in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that P. papatasi and sand flies belonging to the genus Sergentomyia are the most prevalent sand flies in the area, and they solely harbor and transmit L. infantum. This sheds light on the predominance of visceral leishmaniasis in the region.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hajime Koizumi, Wataru Fujii, Chizu Sanjoba, Yasuyuki Goto
Summary: The study examined the effects of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in B cell development in the bone marrow. It found that BAFF deficiency led to decreased expression of CXCR5, a B cell differentiation marker, in the bone marrow. In vitro studies revealed that BAFF increased the proportion of CXCR5+ cells in IgM+ cells and synergized with TNF-alpha and IL-6 to enhance CXCR5 expression. These findings suggest that BAFF directly affects B-lineage cells in the bone marrow to promote CXCR5 expression and influence B cell migration to secondary lymphoid organs.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
David Squarre, Herman M. Chambaro, Kyoko Hayashida, Lavel C. Moonga, Yongjin Qiu, Yasuyuki Goto, Elizabeth Oparaocha, Chisoni Mumba, Walter Muleya, Patricia Bwalya, Joseph Chizimu, Mwelwa Chembensofu, Edgar Simulundu, Wizaso Mwasinga, Nelly Banda, Racheal Mwenda, Junya Yamagishi, King S. Nalubamba, Fredrick Banda, Musso Munyeme, Hirofumi Sawa, Paul Fandamu
Summary: Leishmania infantum was detected in 3 mixed-breed dogs in Zambia, indicating the potential emergence of leishmaniasis in the country. This highlights the importance for physicians and veterinarians to consider the disease during diagnosis.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Tropical Medicine
Hiroyuki Kitano, Chizu Sanjoba, Yasuyuki Goto, Kazumasa Iwamoto, Hiroki Kitagawa, Toshihito Nomura, Keitaro Omori, Norifumi Shigemoto, Michihiro Hide, Yoshitsugu Matsumoto, Hiroki Ohge
Summary: This case report describes an imported case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Japan from Pakistan, with successful diagnosis and treatment using multiple testing modalities including blood tests, tissue culture, and DNA sequence analysis. The patient received intravenous treatment and showed improvement within weeks.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH
(2021)
