Article
Parasitology
Carlo Vittorio Citterio, Federica Obber, Karin Trevisiol, Debora Dellamaria, Roberto Celva, Marco Bregoli, Silvia Ormelli, Sofia Sgubin, Paola Bonato, Graziana Da Rold, Patrizia Danesi, Silvia Ravagnan, Stefano Vendrami, Davide Righetti, Andreas Agreiter, Daniele Asson, Andrea Cadamuro, Marco Ianniello, Gioia Capelli
Summary: A study conducted on 2872 foxes in Italy found a 7.55% prevalence of cestode eggs in fecal samples, with Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia crassiceps, and Taenia polyacantha being the most common species. The study also revealed an increasing trend of E. multilocularis prevalence in recent years.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Ian David Woolsey, Andrea L. Miller
Summary: Echinococcus spp. have a global distribution and are of significance to human and veterinary professionals. Infections can lead to different diseases, including cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nosheen Basharat, Jadoon Khan, Irfan Ullah, Aamer Ali Shah, Ijaz Ali
Summary: In this study, the molecular characterization of human echinococcosis in the southern Punjab region of Pakistan was conducted. The majority of human infections were caused by E. granulosus s.s., followed by E. multilocularis and E. canadensis. Genotypic characterization among both human and livestock populations is needed to explore the genetic diversity of echinococcosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Megan A. Hahn, Agnes Piecyk, Fatima Jorge, Robert Cerrato, Martin Kalbe, Nolwenn M. Dheilly
Summary: This study demonstrates that helminths have an impact on the gut microbiome of their host. The microbiome of stickleback fish varies depending on ecoevolutionary variables, such as the genotype of the host and parasite, and the composition of the parasite's microbiome. The study also reveals that the association between the microbiome and immune gene expression increases in infected individuals and varies with parasite genotype. Additionally, it shows that the parasite's microbiome is distinct from its host and affects the host's immune response to infection.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anwar Shifaw, Teka Feyera, Stephen W. Walkden-Brown, Brendan Sharpe, Timothy Elliott, Isabelle Ruhnke
Summary: Gastrointestinal helminth parasites pose a threat to the poultry industry worldwide, with a systematic review finding regional variations in prevalence over time, a decrease in developing countries and an increase in developed ones. Furthermore, backyard and free-range chicken showed a significantly higher prevalence of helminth infection compared to cage production systems, indicating the need for more rigorous control measures in these systems.
Article
Parasitology
Emilie Toews, Marco Musiani, Sylvia Checkley, Darcy Visscher, Alessandro Massolo
Summary: Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of human Alveolar Echinococcosis, is prevalent in domestic dogs across Europe, Asia, and North America, with varying true prevalence estimates. Most studies focus on rural dogs, neglecting urban areas, indicating a relative lack of research on canine Alveolar Echinococcosis. Further investigation and risk assessment are needed to fill the gaps in the literature.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tom Sistermans, Juliane Hartke, Marah Stoldt, Romain Libbrecht, Susanne Foitzik
Summary: Parasites with complex life cycles can induce phenotypic changes in intermediate hosts to increase transmission to the final host. The consequences of parasite load on transcriptional activity and morphology of the cestode Anomotaenia brevis and its intermediate host, the ant Temnothorax nylanderi, were investigated. The study revealed that heavily infected hosts showed a stronger immune response and fight against oxidative stress, while the cestodes became smaller when competing with other parasites for resources from a single host, indicating shifts in host immune avoidance, starvation resistance, and vesicle-mediated transport.
Article
Immunology
Yang Gao, Wei Wang, Chuang Lyu, Xin-Yu Wei, Yu Chen, Quan Zhao, Zhi-Guang Ran, You-Qing Xia
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of echinococcosis in sheep in China, estimating a combined prevalence of 30.9% from 1983 to 2020. The prevalence varied by region and age, with higher infection rates in certain geographic and climatic conditions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Yanping Zhao, Dunzhu Gesang, Li Wan, Jiandong Li, Gezhen Qiangba, Wangmu Danzeng, Zhuoga Basang, Nibu Renzhen, Jiefang Yin, Quzhen Gongsang, Huimin Cai, Huasheng Pang, Daxi Wang, Asan, Qingda Zhang, Junhua Li, Weijun Chen
Summary: This research conducted a comprehensive molecular investigation of Echinococcus species and genotypes infecting humans in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The study identified various Echinococcus species and genotypes, including the identification of the possible origin of G1 in TAR as Turkey. These findings are crucial for understanding the epidemiology and pathology of echinococcosis in TAR.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliane Hartke, Alejandro Ceron-Noriega, Marah Stoldt, Tom Sistermans, Marion Kever, Jenny Fuchs, Falk Butter, Susanne Foitzik
Summary: Parasites with complex life cycles often manipulate the phenotype of their intermediate hosts to increase transmission to their definitive hosts. Infection with Anomotaenia brevis, a cestode that uses Temnothorax nylanderi ants as intermediate hosts, leads to extended host lifespan and changes in behavior, morphology, and coloration. The parasite releases proteins into its host that may explain these changes, with two antioxidants being the most abundant among them.
Article
Parasitology
Guilherme Brzoskowski dos Santos, Edileuza Danieli da Silva, Eduardo Shigueo Kitano, Maria Eduarda Battistella, Karina Mariante Monteiro, Jeferson Camargo de Lima, Henrique Bunselmeyer Ferreira, Solange Maria de Toledo Serrano, Arnaldo Zaha
Summary: This study investigated the protein content of the hydatid fluid compartment in E. granulosus and E. ortleppi pulmonary bovine cysts and compared their molecular arsenal at the host-parasite interface. The results showed a predominance of parasite proteins compared to host proteins in the hydatid fluid samples. Functional analysis revealed important molecular functions and processes that are active in pulmonary cystic echinococcosis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lynn Peters, Sanne Burkert, Beate Gruener
Summary: Liver parasites can lead to significant global morbidity, especially in Europe where their incidence is increasing due to climate change and globalisation. The correct diagnosis of hepatic parasites is often delayed because clinicians are unfamiliar with them, highlighting the importance of bringing attention to these neglected parasitic liver diseases.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Laura Kamenetzky, Lucas L. Maldonado, Marcela A. Cucher
Summary: International collaboration led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute has obtained the first cestode genomes, revealing differences in genome size and repeat content among different cestode species, possibly related to their parasitic lifestyles. The genomes contain over 13,000 genes, with a significant portion having unknown functions, and show gene losses and reduction in gene families, potentially linked to their extreme parasitic lifestyle. The use of cutting-edge sequencing technology has allowed for the characterization of unique chromosomal terminal sequences.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Adriano Casulli, Alessandro Massolo, Urmas Saarma, Gerald Umhang, Federica Santolamazza, Azzurra Santoro
Summary: This study fills a knowledge gap by providing a quantitative measure of molecularly identified species and genotypes causing human cystic echinococcosis. The study identifies geographical hotspots of different Echinococcus granulosus species causing the disease and highlights data gaps.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Xue He, Guoqing Shao, Xiaodi Du, Ruiqi Hua, Hongyu Song, Yanxin Chen, Xiaowei Zhu, Guangyou Yang
Summary: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Recent studies have shown that annexins, as excretory/secretory products, play a role in immune regulation in the pathogenesis of CE. This study identified four annexin proteins (EgANXB2, EgANXB18, EgANXB20, and EgANXB23) and demonstrated their roles in regulating immune cell function.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paola Orlandi, Marta Banchi, Francesca Vaglini, Marco Carli, Stefano Aringhieri, Arianna Bandini, Carla Pardini, Cristina Viaggi, Michele Lai, Greta Ali, Alessandra Ottani, Eleonora Vandini, Patrizia Guidi, Margherita Bernardeschi, Veronica La Rocca, Giulio Francia, Gabriella Fontanini, Mauro Pistello, Giada Frenzilli, Daniela Giuliani, Marco Scarselli, Guido Bocci
Summary: This study investigates the role of MC4R in melanoma and the use of the selective antagonist ML in combination with vemurafenib. The results show that ML can inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reduction of BCL-XL expression. The combination of vemurafenib and ML exhibits a synergistic effect in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo without causing adverse effects.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Conor J. Bloxham, Katina D. Hulme, Fabrizio Fierro, Christian Fercher, Cassandra L. Pegg, Shannon L. O'Brien, Simon R. Foster, Kirsty R. Short, Sebastian G. B. Furness, Melissa E. Reichelt, Masha Y. Niv, Walter G. Thomas
Summary: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are a type of G protein-coupled receptors that allow humans to detect aversive and toxic substances. This study characterized the functional properties of previously identified T2Rs in human cardiac tissues and their naturally occurring polymorphisms. The results showed differences in signaling among different T2R variants, and revealed a potential association between the T2R50 Tyr203 variant and cardiovascular disease.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lu Chen, Huanying Shi, Wenxin Zhang, Yongjun Zhu, Haifei Chen, Zimei Wu, Huijie Qi, Jiafeng Liu, Mingkang Zhong, Xiaojin Shi, Tianxiao Wang, Qunyi Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that Carfilzomib exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis and reprogramming cellular metabolism. It has been identified that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) plays a crucial role as a cellular target in ESCC cells treated with Carfilzomib. Overexpression of ATF3 effectively counteracts the effects of Carfilzomib on ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, ATF3 mediates the anti-tumor activity of Carfilzomib, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for ESCC.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xing Zhang, Xiang Li, Ran Xia, Hong-Sheng Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress on the mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance in cancer and highlights the role of redox status and metabolism. Combination therapy for ferroptosis has great potential in treating resistant malignant tumors.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)