Article
Parasitology
Yixiao Tang, Yuanxi Shen, Yang Hong, Zuhang Zhang, Qi Zhai, Zhiqiang Fu, Hao Li, Ke Lu, Jiaojiao Lin
Summary: The study suggests a potential mutual regulation between miR-181a and the TLR4 signaling pathway during S. japonicum infection. miR-181a may regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors through the TLR4 receptor pathway and participate in the immunomodulatory effect of anti-S. japonicum infection. Differential expression of miR-181a in different hosts may affect the disease progression and parasite survival.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(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
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
Immunology
Nian-Nian Bi, Song Zhao, Jian-Feng Zhang, Ying Cheng, Chen-Yang Zuo, Gang-Long Yang, Kun Yang
Summary: This study used a label-free proteomics method to investigate potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The results revealed significant changes in host-derived proteins and S. japonicum proteins during infection and treatment, suggesting implications for early detection and treatment of the disease. These findings offer new insights into the pathogenesis of S. japonicum and guidance for potential biomarkers for schistosomiasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Xianyu Piao, Ning Jiang, Shuai Liu, Jiamei Duan, Hang Dai, Nan Hou, Qijun Chen
Summary: This study identified a novel schistosomula protein, SjEKLF, which showed potential for schistosomiasis japonica immunodiagnosis and immunoprotection. SjEKLF was highly expressed in hepatic schistosomula and adult worms, and immunization with SjEKLF reduced infection symptoms in mice. These findings provide a new target for controlling schistosomiasis japonica infection and transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yang Liu, PengPeng Zhang, JunHui Li, Hao Li, Chen Zhou, Yu Zhang, YingZi Ming
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between lipid profile and liver fibrosis in patients infected with Schistosoma japonicum and develop a new predictive index. The study found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), hemoglobin (HB), and platelets (PLT) were independently associated with liver fibrosis. The new index, (HDL x 100)/(LDL x HB), outperformed existing indexes in predicting liver fibrosis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Dehui Xiong, Saiqun Luo, Kunlu Wu, Yuanjing Yu, Jiameng Sun, Yanpeng Wang, Jingping Hu, Weixin Hu
Summary: Transcriptome analysis revealed that the IL-10-JAK2/STAT1-HSP90α axis is associated with the antischistosome effect of Mf-HSP90α, highlighting a potential novel therapeutic strategy for developing resistance to S. japonicum infection.
PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yu Zhang, Junhui Li, Hao Li, Jie Jiang, Chen Guo, Chen Zhou, Zhaoqin Zhou, Yingzi Ming
Summary: Our study used single-cell sequencing to explore the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis in murine schistosomiasis japonica. We found that NKT cells and Th2 cells were increased, and there was close communication between NKT cells and the FASLG signaling pathway. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis showed that the expression of Fasl in NKT cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells was higher in the schistosomiasis group. Marker genes of alternatively activated macrophages (M2) were mainly expressed in mononuclear phagocyte (MP(1)), suggesting M2-like polarization of Kupffer cells might occur in the fibrotic liver of schistosomiasis. Analysis of CXCL and CCL signaling pathways showed prominent interactions between T cells and mononuclear phagocytes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hao Chen, Ruizheng Sun, Jingyan Wang, Siqi Yao, Syeda Sundas Batool, Zheng Yu, Shuaiqin Huang, Jing Huang
Summary: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was found to effectively alleviate the pathological injuries of the liver and intestine in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum by modulating the intestinal microbiome. Treatment with B. amyloliquefaciens reduced the degree of granuloma and fibrosis in infected mice, restored diversity in the intestinal microbiome, and reshaped the interaction network between genera in the intestine. These findings suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens can serve as an effective therapeutic agent against schistosomiasis and provide auxiliary strategies for its prevention.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shun Li, Bikash R. Giri, Jingyi Liu, Xiaobing He, Pengfei Cai, Zhizhong Jing, Guofeng Cheng
Summary: The study investigated the microRNA profiles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from host plasma at different stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection, revealing a correlation between the abundance of miRNA cargo in host plasma EVs and the stages of infection. These miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis and immune regulation of schistosomiasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Datao Lin, Qiuyue Song, Yishu Zhang, Jiahua Liu, Fang Chen, Shuling Du, Suoyu Xiang, Lifu Wang, Xiaoying Wu, Xi Sun
Summary: Oral administration of Bacillus subtilis significantly alleviated hepatic and intestinal pathological injuries in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice, while reshaping the gut microbiota diversity and composition. Mice infected with S. japonicum and treated with OA B. subtilis showed overabundance of prevalent bacterial genera in the gut microbiota. The study suggests that B. subtilis supplementation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis and highlights the value of probiotics as a beneficial supplementary therapy during human schistosomiasis, but further studies are needed.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
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
Cell Biology
Dandan Zhu, Min Huang, Pei Shen, Bei Zhang, Guo Chen, Jinling Chen, Lian Duan, Yinong Duan
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease that damages the liver and poses a serious threat to human health. Macrophages play a key role in the development of liver granulomas and fibrosis by undergoing polarization from M1 to M2 type during schistosomiasis. Therefore, regulating macrophage polarization is important for controlling pathological changes that occur during this disease.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huaina Qiu, Ruohan Wang, Junmin Xing, Lu Li, Zhiyan Gao, Jiajie Li, Chao Fang, Feihu Shi, Feng Mo, Lin Liu, Yi Zhao, Hongyan Xie, Shan Zhao, Jun Huang
Summary: This study found that the percentage of IL-9-producing Th9 cells was higher in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of mice infected with S. japonicum, and the highest percentage was found in the MLN. These Th9 cells may play an important role in the early stage of S. japonicum infection.
MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhidan Li, Xiaoling Wang, Wei Zhang, Wenbin Yang, Bin Xu, Wei Hu
Summary: This study found that excretory/secretory products (ESPs) derived from schistosome eggs could effectively alleviate allergic airway inflammation, potentially through the upregulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, potential therapeutic proteins against allergic inflammation were identified in these ESPs.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hua Liu, Hongxia Ni, Shike Liu, Yujuan Shen, Rong Wang, Jianping Cao, Jianhai Yin
Summary: In this study, the molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium spp., and Cyclospora cayetanensis in fecal samples from 489 diarrheal outpatients in Ningbo, China was carried out. The results showed the presence of E. bieneusi and C. cayetanensis in the patients, with several known and novel genotypes identified. This study highlights the importance of these zoonotic pathogens in causing intestinal diseases and suggests the need for further investigations from a One Health perspective.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yanyan Jiang, Li Liu, Zhongying Yuan, Aiqin Liu, Jianping Cao, Yujuan Shen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of opportunistic intestinal pathogens in HIV/AIDS patients. By genotyping and sequencing, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were identified in a small percentage of the patients. The findings of this study should raise awareness about these pathogens and the importance of routine examination in clinical practice.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Haroon Ahmed, Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc, Figen Celik, Harun Kaya Kesik, Sami Simsek, Khawaja Shafique Ahmad, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Sumaira Farrakh, Waseem Safdar, Fahad Pervaiz, Sadia Liaqat, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: In recent years, there has been a comprehensive assessment of the use of natural plant products to treat helminth parasites in veterinary science. The study reviewed a large number of medicinal plants and their pharmacological effects, providing valuable information for the development of effective management strategies against helminth parasites. A total of 259 potential plant species were identified as sources of anthelmintic drugs, which could potentially reduce economic losses and improve livestock production.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nazeer Hussain, Rana Muhammad Kamran Shabbir, Haroon Ahmed, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Shafi Ullah, Abid Ali, Shumaila Irum, Syed Kamran-ul-Hassan Naqvi, Jianhai Yin, Jianping Cao
Summary: Ticks are abundant in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan and parasitize a variety of animals, including livestock and their associated canines and equines. This study identified 11 tick species belonging to 4 genera and examined the tick infestation rate among different hosts and zones. The overall tick prevalence was 14.3% and varied among different animals and zones.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yuhuan Wei, Wujun Li, Chunhai Shao, Hai Zhao, Yuan Hu, Hua Liu, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study investigated the genetic polymorphisms of Echinococcus granulosus in the Ngari region of Tibet. Seventy-nine hydatid cyst samples were collected from surgical patients and analyzed. The results showed that G1/G3 was the main genotype, with occasional presence of G6/G7. Analysis also indicated population expansion or negative selection in Echinococcus granulosus s.s. in the Ngari region. Further surveys and control efforts are recommended to investigate the transmission of G1/G3 and G6/G7 in this region.
Article
Parasitology
Wenwen Si, Chuantao Fang, Chuang Liu, Meng Yin, Wenyue Xu, Yanna Li, Xiaoli Yan, Yujuan Shen, Jianping Cao, Jun Sun
Summary: Babesia spp. lacks certain genes, especially those related to haem synthesis, found in Plasmodium spp., which likely contributes to their insensitivity to artemisinin. Single-cell sequencing analysis showed differences in gene expression between Babesia and Plasmodium when treated with drugs, indicating a distinct mechanism in Babesia. Iron supplementation promotes the reproduction of Babesia.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuan Gao, Xiaocheng Zhang, Tingting Jiang, Hao Zhou, Hua Liu, Yuan Hu, Jianping Cao
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that causes liver fibrosis, which endangers human health. NK cells play a crucial role in inhibiting liver fibrosis, but their function is significantly inhibited in Schistosoma japonicum infection. This study found that the inhibitory receptor Tigit is highly expressed on NK cells during infection, and Tigit knockout enhances NK cell function and reduces liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xu Wang, Yanyan Jiang, Weiping Wu, Xiaozhou He, Zhenghuan Wang, Yayi Guan, Ning Xu, Qilu Chen, Yujuan Shen, Jianping Cao
Summary: In this study, ecological niche models were used to predict the potential spatial distribution of Cryptosporidium in China, aiming at providing a risk warning and prevention and control strategies. The results showed that the suitable habitats for Cryptosporidium were mainly located in high-population density areas, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the lower reaches of the Yellow River, and the Huai and Pearl River Basins. Future climate change is expected to expand the suitable habitats for Cryptosporidium, particularly in the northeastern, southwestern, and northwestern regions.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Xihan Wang, Xu Wang, Jianping Cao
Summary: Environmental factors have a significant impact on the transmission of intestinal protozoan diseases, specifically cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. These diseases, characterized by diarrhea, are mainly spread through water and food contaminated with fecal-borne oocysts. The One Health approach is effective in addressing environmentally influenced zoonotic diseases. However, the influence of environmental factors on the survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia and disease transmission is not well characterized. This review examines the associations between climatic, soil, and water characteristics and Cryptosporidium/Giardia, highlighting the varying relationships found in different studies and locations.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sajida Riaz, Haroon Ahmed, Sana Azeem Kiani, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Sami Simsek, Figen Celik, Samia Wasif, Nazneen Bangash, Syed Kamran Naqvi, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis and fascioliasis among individuals living in close contact with livestock and pets in Pakistan. The majority of participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards these two diseases, but lacked awareness about snails as intermediate hosts.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sadia Liaqat, Mazhar Qayyum, Figen Celik, Sami Simsek, Faheem Ahmad, Xiaocheng Zhang, Haroon Ahmed, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study aimed to identify the best diagnostic method for the early detection of goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) by comparing three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The results showed that the indirect ELISA with the crude antigen of P. silenus was more sensitive and accurate. This method can accurately detect the prevalence of GWFI in goats in the Punjab region.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tingting Jiang, Xiaoying Wu, Hao Zhou, Yuan Hu, Jianping Cao
Summary: The study reveals that infection of Schistosomiasis japonica leads to pathological changes in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and liver fibrosis. The proportions, phenotype, and secretory function of LSECs are significantly altered during different stages of infection. The number of fenestrae in LSECs decrease, and complete basement membrane formation is observed after infection, along with changes in EMT and fibrosis-related indicators.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fariha Ayub, Haroon Ahmed, Tehreem Sohail, Khuram Shahzad, Figen Celik, Xu Wang, Sami Simsek, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study used bioinformatics tools to evaluate the physio-chemical properties, sequence alignment, structures, modification sites, and epitopes of T. gondii rhoptry proteins ROP7, ROP21, and ROP22, aiming to predict and analyze immunogenic epitopes for vaccine development. Nine epitopes were identified for each protein, with ROP22 having the highest immunogenicity score. The results provide a foundation for further experimental analysis and potential vaccine development for toxoplasmosis.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sadia Saleem, Haroon Ahmed, Kaleem Imdad, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. The prevalence of CE was 6.22% in all examined animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle. The study found that most infected animals came from three slaughterhouses in Rawalpindi city, originating from 23 districts of Punjab, Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KP), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). These findings are important for estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Saba Bibi, Muhammad Kamran, Haroon Ahmad, Kainat Bibi, Syed Kamran Ul Hassan Naqvi, Qingqiu Zuo, Naseer Ali Shah, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of taeniasis among rural and urban communities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The results showed that most respondents had little knowledge about the disease but were willing to participate in elimination campaigns. The respondents took some preventive measures when cooking, and these practices were associated with factors such as age, income, and residency.