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Brown JS. Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105206. [PMID: 37178944 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.
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Virus MA, Ehrhorn EG, Lui LM, Davis PH. Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:6634807. [PMID: 34712493 PMCID: PMC8548174 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect up to 30% of the world population, leading to lifelong chronic infection of the brain and muscle tissue. Although most latent T. gondii infections in humans have traditionally been considered asymptomatic, studies in rodents suggest phenotypic neurological changes are possible. Consequently, several studies have examined the link between T. gondii infection and diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, dysphoria, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To date, there is varying evidence of the relationship of T. gondii to these human neurological or neurobehavioral disorders. A thorough review of T. gondii literature was conducted to highlight and summarize current findings. We found that schizophrenia was most frequently linked to T. gondii infection, while sleep disruption showed no linkage to T. gondii infection, and other conditions having mixed support for a link to T. gondii. However, infection as a cause of human neurobehavioral disease has yet to be firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell A. Virus
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Evie G. Ehrhorn
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - LeeAnna M. Lui
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Kano SI, Hodgkinson CA, Jones-Brando L, Eastwood S, Ishizuka K, Niwa M, Choi EY, Chang DJ, Chen Y, Velivela SD, Leister F, Wood J, Chowdari K, Ducci F, Caycedo DA, Heinz E, Newman ER, Cascella N, Mortensen PB, Zandi PP, Dickerson F, Nimgaonkar V, Goldman D, Harrison PJ, Yolken RH, Sawa A. Host-parasite interaction associated with major mental illness. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:194-205. [PMID: 30127472 PMCID: PMC6382596 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies frequently report that patients with major mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have co-morbid physical conditions, suggesting that systemic alterations affecting both brain and peripheral tissues might underlie the disorders. Numerous studies have reported elevated levels of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibodies in patients with major mental illnesses, but the underlying mechanism was unclear. Using multidisciplinary epidemiological, cell biological, and gene expression profiling approaches, we report here multiple lines of evidence suggesting that a major mental illness-related susceptibility factor, Disrupted in schizophrenia (DISC1), is involved in host immune responses against T. gondii infection. Specifically, our cell biology and gene expression studies have revealed that DISC1 Leu607Phe variation, which changes DISC1 interaction with activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), modifies gene expression patterns upon T. gondii infection. Our epidemiological data have also shown that DISC1 607 Phe/Phe genotype was associated with higher T. gondii antibody levels in sera. Although further studies are required, our study provides mechanistic insight into one of the few well-replicated serological observations in major mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Kano
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Colin A Hodgkinson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lorraine Jones-Brando
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Sharon Eastwood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Koko Ishizuka
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Minae Niwa
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Eric Y Choi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Daniel J Chang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Yian Chen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Swetha D Velivela
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Flora Leister
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Joel Wood
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kodavali Chowdari
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Francesca Ducci
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Daniel A Caycedo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heinz
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Emily R Newman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicola Cascella
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Preben B Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Peter P Zandi
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Research Program, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Vishwajit Nimgaonkar
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Paul J Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Lv L, Wang Y, Feng W, Hernandez JA, Huang W, Zheng Y, Zhou X, Lv S, Chen Y, Yuan ZG. iTRAQ-based differential proteomic analysis in Mongolian gerbil brains chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. J Proteomics 2017; 160:74-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Massa NM, Duncan E, Jovanovic T, Kerley K, Weng L, Gensler L, Lee SS, Norrholm S, Powers A, Almli LM, Gillespie CF, Ressler K, Pearce BD. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and acoustic startle response in an inner-city population. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 61:176-183. [PMID: 27884623 PMCID: PMC5316358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (TOXO) is a neuroinvasive protozoan parasite that induces the formation of persistent cysts in mammalian brains. It infects approximately 1.1million people in the United States annually. Latent TOXO infection is implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia (SCZ), and has been correlated with modestly impaired cognition. The acoustic startle response (ASR) is a reflex seen in all mammals. It is mediated by a simple subcortical circuit, and provides an indicator of neural function. We previously reported the association of TOXO with slowed acoustic startle latency, an index of neural processing speed, in a sample of schizophrenia and healthy control subjects. The alterations in neurobiology with TOXO latent infection may not be specific to schizophrenia. Therefore we examined TOXO in relation to acoustic startle in an urban, predominately African American, population with mixed psychiatric diagnoses, and healthy controls. Physiological and diagnostic data along with blood samples were collected from 364 outpatients treated at an inner-city hospital. TOXO status was determined with an ELISA assay for TOXO-specific IgG. A discrete titer was calculated based on standard cut-points as an indicator of seropositivity, and the TOXO-specific IgG concentration served as serointensity. A series of linear regression models were used to assess the association of TOXO seropositivity and serointensity with ASR magnitude and latency in models adjusting for demographics and psychiatric diagnoses (PTSD, major depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, substance abuse). ASR magnitude was 11.5% higher in TOXO seropositive subjects compared to seronegative individuals (p=0.01). This effect was more pronounced in models with TOXO serointensity that adjusted for sociodemographic covariates (F=7.41, p=0.0068; F=10.05, p=0.0017), and remained significant when psychiatric diagnoses were stepped into the models. TOXO showed no association with startle latency (t=0.49, p=0.63) in an unadjusted model, nor was TOXO associated with latency in models that included demographic factors. After stepping in individual psychiatric disorders, we found a significant association of latency with a diagnosis of PTSD (F=5.15, p=0.024), but no other psychiatric diagnoses, such that subjects with PTSD had longer startle latency. The mechanism by which TOXO infection is associated with high startle magnitude is not known, but possible mechanisms include TOXO cyst burden in the brain, parasite recrudescence, or molecular mimicry of a host epitope by TOXO. Future studies will focus on the neurobiology underlying the effects of latent TOXO infection as a potential inroad to the development of novel treatment targets for psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick M Massa
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Erica Duncan
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kimberly Kerley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lei Weng
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lauren Gensler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Seth Norrholm
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Lynn M Almli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Charles F Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kerry Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard School of Medicine, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Bradley D Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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Abstract
SUMMARYOver 300 cases of acute toxoplasmosis are confirmed by reference testing in England and Wales annually. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection to inform prevention strategies. Twenty-eight cases and 27 seronegative controls participated. We compared their food history and environmental exposures using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals in a model controlling for age and sex. Univariable analysis showed that the odds of eating beef (OR 10·7, P < 0·001), poultry (OR 6·4, P = 0·01) or lamb/mutton (OR 4·9, P = 0·01) was higher for cases than controls. After adjustment for potential confounders a strong association between beef and infection remained (OR 5·6, P = 0·01). The small sample size was a significant limitation and larger studies are needed to fully investigate potential risk factors. The study findings emphasize the need to ensure food is thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically, especially for those in vulnerable groups.
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Dubey JP, Ferreira LR, Alsaad M, Verma SK, Alves DA, Holland GN, McConkey GA. Experimental Toxoplasmosis in Rats Induced Orally with Eleven Strains of Toxoplasma gondii of Seven Genotypes: Tissue Tropism, Tissue Cyst Size, Neural Lesions, Tissue Cyst Rupture without Reactivation, and Ocular Lesions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156255. [PMID: 27228262 PMCID: PMC4882154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widely distributed and successful parasites. Toxoplasma gondii alters rodent behavior such that infected rodents reverse their fear of cat odor, and indeed are attracted rather than repelled by feline urine. The location of the parasite encysted in the brain may influence this behavior. However, most studies are based on the highly susceptible rodent, the mouse. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Latent toxoplasmosis was induced in rats (10 rats per T. gondii strains) of the same age, strain, and sex, after oral inoculation with oocysts (natural route and natural stage of infection) of 11 T. gondii strains of seven genotypes. Rats were euthanized at two months post inoculation (p.i.) to investigate whether the parasite genotype affects the distribution, location, tissue cyst size, or lesions. Tissue cysts were enumerated in different regions of the brains, both in histological sections as well in saline homogenates. Tissue cysts were found in all regions of the brain. The tissue cyst density in different brain regions varied extensively between rats with many regions highly infected in some animals. Overall, the colliculus was most highly infected although there was a large amount of variability. The cerebral cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum had higher tissue cyst densities and two strains exhibited tropism for the colliculus and olfactory bulb. Histologically, lesions were confined to the brain and eyes. Tissue cyst rupture was frequent with no clear evidence for reactivation of tachyzoites. Ocular lesions were found in 23 (25%) of 92 rat eyes at two months p.i. The predominant lesion was focal inflammation in the retina. Tissue cysts were seen in the sclera of one and in the optic nerve of two rats. The choroid was not affected. Only tissue cysts, not active tachyzoite infections, were detected. Tissue cysts were seen in histological sections of tongue of 20 rats but not in myocardium and leg muscle. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE This study reevaluated in depth the rat model of toxoplasmosis visualizing cyst rupture and clarified many aspects of the biology of the parasite useful for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leandra R. Ferreira
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Alsaad
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Shiv K. Verma
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Derron A. Alves
- Veterinary Pathology Services Joint Pathology Center, 606 Stephen Sitter Ave. Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gary N. Holland
- Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center, University of California at Los Angles Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Glenn A. McConkey
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Miall Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Cevizci S, Celik M, Akcali A, Oyekcin DG, Sahin OO, Bakar C. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia species antibodies in patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study from western Turkey. World J Biol Psychiatry 2015; 16:230-6. [PMID: 25774563 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1012224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined IgG antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia sp. in schizophrenic patients. METHODS This case-control study included 30 schizophrenic patients and 60 healthy individuals. Serological analyses were identified by using ELISA technique. RESULTS In the case group the Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.3% and Borrelia seropositivity was 13.3%, while in the control group the Toxoplasma positivity was 21.7% and Borrelia seropositivity was 15.0%. There was no significant difference with regard to seroprevalence between the groups (P = 0.232; P = 0.832, respectively). There was statistically significant difference between case and control groups related to hand and kitchen utensil hygiene after dealing with raw meat (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our data showed the rate of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher in the case group, while the rate of Borrelia antibodies was higher in the control group. In both groups the high rates of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia sp. is thought to be due to neglect of personal hygiene. The present study also is the first to examine the association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to determine whether there is an association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Cevizci
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University , Canakkale , Turkey
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Eells JB, Varela-Stokes A, Guo-Ross SX, Kummari E, Smith HM, Cox AD, Lindsay DS. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii in Nurr1-null heterozygous mice exacerbates elevated open field activity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119280. [PMID: 25855987 PMCID: PMC4391871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii is common in humans (approximately 30% of the global population) and is a significant risk factor for schizophrenia. Since prevalence of T. gondii infection is far greater than prevalence of schizophrenia (0.5-1%), genetic risk factors are likely also necessary to contribute to schizophrenia. To test this concept in an animal model, Nurr1-null heterozygous (+/-) mice and wild-type (+/+) mice were evaluate using an emergence test, activity in an open field and with a novel object, response to bobcat urine and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (PPI) prior to and 6 weeks after infection with T. gondii. In the emergence test, T. gondii infection significantly decreased the amount of time spent in the cylinder. Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly elevated open field activity in both +/+ and +/- mice but this increase was significantly exacerbated in +/- mice. T. gondii infection reduced PPI in male +/- mice but this was not statistically significant. Aversion to bobcat urine was abolished by T. gondii infection in +/+ mice. In female +/- mice, aversion to bobcat urine remained after T. gondii infection while the male +/- mice showed no aversion to bobcat urine. Antibody titers of infected mice were a critical variable associated with changes in open field activity, such that an inverted U shaped relationship existed between antibody titers and the percent change in open field activity with a significant increase in activity at low and medium antibody titers but no effect at high antibody titers. These data demonstrate that the Nurr1 +/- genotype predisposes mice to T. gondii-induced alterations in behaviors that involve dopamine neurotransmission and are associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. We propose that these alterations in murine behavior were due to further exacerbation of the altered dopamine neurotransmission in Nurr1 +/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B. Eells
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrea Varela-Stokes
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Shirley X. Guo-Ross
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Evangel Kummari
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Holly M. Smith
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Arin D. Cox
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - David S. Lindsay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Gutiérrez-Fernández J, Luna Del Castillo JDD, Mañanes-González S, Carrillo-Ávila JA, Gutiérrez B, Cervilla JA, Sorlózano-Puerto A. Different presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, herpes simplex virus type 1, human herpes virus 6, and Toxoplasma gondii in schizophrenia: meta-analysis and analytical study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:843-52. [PMID: 25848282 PMCID: PMC4384747 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s79285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we have performed both a meta-analysis and an analytical study exploring the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, herpes simplex virus type 1, human herpes virus 6, and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a sample of 143 schizophrenic patients and 143 control subjects. The meta-analysis was performed on papers published up to April 2014. The presence of serum immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The detection of microbial DNA in total peripheral blood was performed by nested polymerase chain reaction. The meta-analysis showed that: 1) C. pneumoniae DNA in blood and brain are more common in schizophrenic patients; 2) there is association with parasitism by T. gondii, despite the existence of publication bias; and 3) herpes viruses were not more common in schizophrenic patients. In our sample only anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G was more prevalent and may be a risk factor related to schizophrenia, with potential value for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Blanca Gutiérrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERSAM, School of Medicine and Biohealth Research Institute (Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria) IBS-Granada, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge A Cervilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences and CIBERSAM, School of Medicine and Biohealth Research Institute (Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria) IBS-Granada, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Příplatová L, Šebánková B, Flegr J. Contrasting effect of prepulse signals on performance of Toxoplasma-infected and Toxoplasma-free subjects in an acoustic reaction times test. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112771. [PMID: 25384036 PMCID: PMC4226587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background About 30% of people on Earth have latent toxoplasmosis. Infected subjects do not express any clinical symptoms, however, they carry dormant stages of parasite Toxoplasma for the rest of their life. This form of toxoplasmosis is mostly considered harmless, however, recent studies showed its specific effects on physiology, behaviour and its associations with various diseases, including psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia have about 2.7 times higher prevalence of Toxoplasma-seropositivity than controls, which suggests that some traits characteristic of schizophrenic patients, including the sex difference in schizophrenia onset, decrease of grey matter density in specific brain areas and modification of prepulse inhibition of startle reaction could in fact be caused by toxoplasmosis for those patients who are Toxoplasma-seropositive. Methodology/Principal Findings We measured the effect of prepulse inhibition/facilitation of the startle reaction on reaction times. The students, 170 women and 66 men, were asked to react as quickly as possible to a startling acoustic signal by pressing a computer mouse button. Some of the startling signals were without the prepulse, some were 20 msec. preceded by a short (20 msec.) prepulse signal of lower intensity. Toxoplasma-seropositive subjects had longer reaction times than the controls. Acoustic prepulse shorted the reaction times in all subjects. This effect of prepulse on reaction times was stronger in male subjects and increased with the duration of infection, suggesting that it represented a cumulative effect of latent toxoplasmosis, rather than a fading out after effect of past acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions Different sensitivity of Toxoplasma-seropositive and Toxoplasma-seronegative subjects on effect of prepulses on reaction times (the toxoplasmosis-prepulse interaction) suggested, but of course did not prove, that the alternations of prepulse inhibition of startle reaction observed in schizophrenia patients probably joined the list of schizophrenia symptoms that are in fact caused by latent toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Příplatová
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Dept. Philosophy and History of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Šebánková
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Dept. Philosophy and History of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Dept. Philosophy and History of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Wang HL, Xiang YT, Li QY, Wang XP, Liu ZC, Hao SS, Liu X, Liu LL, Wang GH, Wang DG, Zhang PA, Bao AY, Chiu HFK, Ungvari GS, Lai KYC, Buchanan RW. The effect of artemether on psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment in first-episode, antipsychotic drug-naive persons with schizophrenia seropositive to Toxoplasma gondii. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 53:119-24. [PMID: 24656425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of add-on artemether in first-episode, untreated people with schizophrenia, who were Toxoplasma gondii seropositive, and explore the change in T. gondii antibodies during treatment. In this eight-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 100 T. gondii seropositive participants with schizophrenia were randomized to either the artemether or placebo group. Participants in the artemether group received 80 mg artemether once per day during the second week (days 8-14) and the fourth week (days 22-28). Participants in the placebo group received identical looking placebo capsules. Psychopathology, adverse side effects and cognitive function were measured using standardized instruments. The group × time interaction effects for the scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) subscales and performances on all cognitive components were not significant, only the main effect of group was significant. Compared to the placebo group, artemether group participants showed significantly greater reduction in the PANSS negative symptom scale (F(1,46) = 4.7, p = 0.03) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (F(1,96) = 6.2, p = 0.01) scores, but there were no significant differences in the PANSS positive symptom and general psychopathology scales (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in performance on any of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) cognitive domains. The artemether-risperidone combination is safe and well tolerated, but artemether as an adjunct to risperidone does not appear to alleviate cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) TRC-13003145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ling Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Qiu-Ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhong-Chun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shi-Sheng Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin-Lin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gao-Hua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry Research, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - De-Gang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, MaoJian Hospital of Shiyan, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ping-An Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Science, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - An-Yu Bao
- Department of Laboratory Science, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Helen F K Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; The University of Notre Dame Australia/Marian Centre, Perth, Australia
| | - Kelly Y C Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Robert W Buchanan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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The Correlation Between Toxoplama Gondii Infection and Schizophrenia: A Comparative Study With Family Members (Control Group). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.5812/scimetr.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Psychotic disorders due to a known medical illness or substance use are collectively termed secondary psychoses. In this paper, we first review the historic evolution of the concept of secondary versus primary psychosis and how this distinction supplanted the earlier misleading classification of psychoses into organic and functional. We then outline the clinical features and approach to the diagnosis of secondary psychotic disorders. Features such as atypical presentation, temporal relation to detectable medical cause, evidence of direct physiological causal relationship to the etiological agent, and the absence of evidence of a primary psychotic illness that may better explain the presentation suggest consideration of a secondary psychosis. Finally, we discuss how careful studies of secondary psychotic disorders can help elucidate the pathophysiology of primary, or idiopathic, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. We illustrate this issue through a discussion of three secondary psychotic disorders - psychoses associated with temporal lobe epilepsy, velocardiofacial syndrome, and N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis - that can, respectively, provide neuroanatomical, genetic, and neurochemical models of schizophrenia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshio Kaneko
- Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
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15
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Webster JP, Kaushik M, Bristow GC, McConkey GA. Toxoplasma gondii infection, from predation to schizophrenia: can animal behaviour help us understand human behaviour? J Exp Biol 2013; 216:99-112. [PMID: 23225872 PMCID: PMC3515034 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.074716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We examine the role of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as a manipulatory parasite and question what role study of infections in its natural intermediate rodent hosts and other secondary hosts, including humans, may elucidate in terms of the epidemiology, evolution and clinical applications of infection. In particular, we focus on the potential association between T. gondii and schizophrenia. We introduce the novel term 'T. gondii-rat manipulation-schizophrenia model' and propose how future behavioural research on this model should be performed from a biological, clinical and ethically appropriate perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Maya Kaushik
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Greg C. Bristow
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Glenn A. McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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16
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Abstract
A esquizofrenia é uma doença heterogênea caracterizada por um conjunto de manifestações clínicas. Um grande número de estudos ao longo dos últimos 20 anos apontou para anormalidades no sistema imune em pacientes que sofrem dessa condição. Em adição, tem sido mostrado que a psicose e a disfunção cognitiva associadas com a esquizofrenia estão ligadas a doenças autoimunes. Aqui, revisamos a evidência que sugere que um status pró-inflamatório do sistema imune induz sintomas psicopatológicos e pode estar envolvido na fisiopatologia dessa principal doença mental. Também propomos que futuros estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos deveriam levar em conta tais causas predefinidas e o status do componente inflamatório. Estratificação de pacientes e estratégias de medicina personalizadas baseadas no direcionamento ao componente inflamatório da doença poderiam ajudar na redução de sintomas e da progressão da doença. Por fim, isso poderia levar a novos conceitos na identificação de alvos moleculares em esquizofrenia e estratégias de descoberta de drogas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sabine Bahn
- Universidade de Cambridge; Centro Médico Erasmus, Holanda
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17
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Blomström A, Karlsson H, Wicks S, Yang S, Yolken RH, Dalman C. Maternal antibodies to infectious agents and risk for non-affective psychoses in the offspring--a matched case-control study. Schizophr Res 2012; 140:25-30. [PMID: 22819777 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies suggest that certain maternal infections are associated with non-affective psychoses in the offspring. Here we investigated if maternal exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) prior to delivery was associated with future diagnosis of schizophrenia or other non-affective psychoses in the offspring. METHODS This case-control study included 198 individuals born in Sweden 1975-85, diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10, F20) and other non-affective psychoses (ICD-10, F21-29) as in- or outpatients, and 524 matched controls. Specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in archived neonatal dried blood samples from these individuals were determined by immunoassays. Reference levels were determined by prevalences among pregnant women in Sweden 1975-85. Odds ratios (OR) for schizophrenia and other non-affective psychoses were calculated, considering maternal and gestational factors as covariates. RESULTS Levels of IgG directed at T. gondii corresponding to maternal exposure was associated with subsequent schizophrenia (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.5) as were levels of IgG directed at CMV (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.0-5.1) but not at HSV-1 or -2. There were even stronger associations with higher levels of T. gondii or CMV antibodies. There were no associations between any of the infectious agents and other non-affective psychoses. CONCLUSIONS This study supports findings of maternal exposure to T. gondii and schizophrenia risk in offspring, and extends the risk to also include maternal exposure to CMV. Future studies should confirm the association with CMV exposure and identify mechanisms underlying these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa Blomström
- Division of Public Health Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Müller N, Wagner JK, Krause D, Weidinger E, Wildenauer A, Obermeier M, Dehning S, Gruber R, Schwarz MJ. Impaired monocyte activation in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2012; 198:341-6. [PMID: 22429483 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
An inflammatory process is hypothesized in schizophrenia. Innate immunity, in particular the monocyte/macrophage system, has rarely been studied in this disorder, although alterations in microglia indicate a role for this system. Increased monocyte numbers have repeatedly been described. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate the activation of monocytes. We studied the expression of the toll-like receptors TLR-2, TLR-3 and TLR-4 on CD14(+) monocytes in 31 schizophrenia patients and 31 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were taken and stimulated with either lipopolysaccharides (LPS), to mimic a bacterial infection, or polyI:C, to mimic a viral infection. Moreover, the intracellular concentration of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in CD33(+) monocytes was estimated before and after stimulation. The intracellular concentrations of IL-1ß and the TLR surface markers were analyzed by flow cytometry. Receptor expression of TLR-3 and TLR-4, but not of TLR-2, was significantly higher in the schizophrenia patients. After stimulation, patients showed less increase in the expression of TLR-3 and TLR-4 than controls did. The IL-1ß concentration was significantly lower in patients both before and after stimulation with polyI:C, and there was a trend towards a lower concentration after LPS stimulation. The higher expression of TLR-3 and TLR-4 receptors might compensate for a functional deficit, and the lower intracellular concentrations of IL-1ß might reflect the blunted monocytic function in schizophrenia. The immunological dysfunctions might be associated with a poor clearance of pathogens in schizophrenia, which in turn could lead to a low-grade inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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19
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Kaushik M, Lamberton PHL, Webster JP. The role of parasites and pathogens in influencing generalised anxiety and predation-related fear in the mammalian central nervous system. Horm Behav 2012; 62:191-201. [PMID: 22521209 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural and neurophysiological traits and responses associated with anxiety and predation-related fear have been well documented in rodent models. Certain parasites and pathogens which rely on predation for transmission appear able to manipulate these, often innate, traits to increase the likelihood of their life-cycle being completed. This can occur through a range of mechanisms, such as alteration of hormonal and neurotransmitter communication and/or direct interference with the neurons and brain regions that mediate behavioural expression. Whilst some post-infection behavioural changes may reflect 'general sickness' or a pathological by-product of infection, others may have a specific adaptive advantage to the parasite and be indicative of active manipulation of host behaviour. Here we review the key mechanisms by which anxiety and predation-related fears are controlled in mammals, before exploring evidence for how some infectious agents may manipulate these mechanisms. The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is focused on as a prime example. Selective pressures appear to have allowed this parasite to evolve strategies to alter the behaviour in its natural intermediate rodent host. Latent infection has also been associated with a range of altered behavioural profiles, from subtle to severe, in other secondary host species including humans. In addition to enhancing our knowledge of the evolution of parasite manipulation in general, to further our understanding of how and when these potential changes to human host behaviour occur, and how we may prevent or manage them, it is imperative to elucidate the associated mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kaushik
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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20
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Krause DL, Wagner JK, Wildenauer A, Matz J, Weidinger E, Riedel M, Obermeier M, Gruber R, Schwarz M, Müller N. Intracellular monocytic cytokine levels in schizophrenia show an alteration of IL-6. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2012; 262:393-401. [PMID: 22271344 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-012-0290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have shown an involvement of the immune system, in particular the monocytic system, in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Beside others, the monocyte-derived cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were found to be affected. Since cytokines are secreted by several different cell types, the cellular source is only clear if intracellular levels are measured. Thus, in order to study the monocytic system in schizophrenia, the intracellular levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were determined. The intracellular concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in CD33 positive monocytes was evaluated in schizophrenic patients and controls with monoclonal antibodies against these cytokines. In addition, in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or poly I/C, which mimic a bacterial and viral infection, was performed before immunocytochemistry. At baseline, monocytic IL-6 levels were significantly lower in schizophrenic patients than in controls. After stimulation with LPS, compared with baseline, monocytic intracellular IL-6 production tended to increase more in schizophrenic patients. The present results provide further support for the hypothesis of an involvement of a dysfunction of the monocytic system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and indicate that especially the pro-inflammatory immune response seems to be impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela L Krause
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany.
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21
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Zhou P, Chen Z, Li HL, Zheng H, He S, Lin RQ, Zhu XQ. Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans in China. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:165. [PMID: 21864327 PMCID: PMC3174123 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection of humans and animals, caused by the opportunistic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Infection in pregnant women may lead to abortion, stillbirth or other serious consequences in newborns. Infection in immunocompromised patients can be fatal if not treated. On average, one third of people are chronically infected worldwide. Although very limited information from China has been published in the English journals, T. gondii infection is actually a significant human health problem in China. In the present article, we reviewed the clinical features, transmission, prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans in China, and summarized genetic characterizations of reported T. gondii isolates. Educating the public about the risks associated with unhealthy food and life style habits, tracking serological examinations to special populations, and measures to strengthen food and occupational safety are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, P R China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P R China
| | - Zhaoguo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P R China
| | - Hai-Long Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, P R China
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, P R China
| | - Haihong Zheng
- Department of Pig Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P R China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, P R China
| | - Rui-Qing Lin
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, P R China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, P R China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province 163319, P R China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, P R China
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Predator cat odors activate sexual arousal pathways in brains of Toxoplasma gondii infected rats. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23277. [PMID: 21858053 PMCID: PMC3157360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat odors induce rapid, innate and stereotyped defensive behaviors in rats at first exposure, a presumed response to the evolutionary pressures of predation. Bizarrely, rats infected with the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii approach the cat odors they typically avoid. Since the protozoan Toxoplasma requires the cat to sexually reproduce, this change in host behavior is thought to be a remarkable example of a parasite manipulating a mammalian host for its own benefit. Toxoplasma does not influence host response to non-feline predator odor nor does it alter behavior on olfactory, social, fear or anxiety tests, arguing for specific manipulation in the processing of cat odor. We report that Toxoplasma infection alters neural activity in limbic brain areas necessary for innate defensive behavior in response to cat odor. Moreover, Toxoplasma increases activity in nearby limbic regions of sexual attraction when the rat is exposed to cat urine, compelling evidence that Toxoplasma overwhelms the innate fear response by causing, in its stead, a type of sexual attraction to the normally aversive cat odor.
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Khabazghazvini B, Groer M, Fuchs D, Strassle P, Lapidus M, Sleemi A, Cabassa JB, Postolache TT. Psychiatric manifestations of latent toxoplasmosis. Potential mediation by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1515/ijdhd.2010.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mortensen PB, Pedersen CB, Hougaard DM, Nørgaard-Petersen B, Mors O, Børglum AD, Yolken RH. A Danish National Birth Cohort study of maternal HSV-2 antibodies as a risk factor for schizophrenia in their offspring. Schizophr Res 2010; 122:257-63. [PMID: 20598509 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have implicated early infections, including maternal infection with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), as an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia. METHODS A case-control study nested within the national Danish birth cohort constituted by the PKU Biobank covering all children born in Denmark since 1981. 602 cases of schizophrenia (ICD-10 F20) were ascertained in the Danish Psychiatric Central Register, covering all in- and out-patient contacts in Denmark, and 602 controls were matched individually on gender, exact date of birth and living in Denmark on the date the case became a case. Incidence rate ratio for schizophrenia was estimated using conditional logistic regression. Main exposure was HSV-2 IgG antibody levels. Confounders and potential interacting factors included family history of mental illness, place of birth and gestational age at time of birth. RESULTS Elevated levels of maternal HSV-2 IgG were associated with schizophrenia risk (IRR 1.56; 95% CI 1.17-2.07, p=0.002). This association was not confounded by a maternal or sibling history of psychiatric illness, place of birth, parental age, gestational age, or immigrant status of the parents. However, adjustment for paternal psychiatric history reduced risk slightly (IRR 1.43; 95% CI 1.06-1.92, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS The study replicates an association between maternal HSV-2 IgG levels and schizophrenia risk. Since the confounding by familial risk factors is confined to paternal mental illnesses not belonging to the schizophrenia spectrum, we hypothesize that this confounding may be partly due to other risk factors, e.g., other sexually transmitted infections, rather than reflecting variations in genetic liability to develop schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preben B Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Aarhus, Taasingegade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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25
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Kannan G, Moldovan K, Xiao JC, Yolken RH, Jones-Brando L, Pletnikov MV. Toxoplasma gondii strain-dependent effects on mouse behaviour. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2010; 57:151-5. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2010.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Melzer TC, Cranston HJ, Weiss LM, Halonen SK. Host Cell Preference of Toxoplasma gondii Cysts in Murine Brain: A Confocal Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 1. [PMID: 21625284 DOI: 10.4303/jnp/n100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is widely prevalent in humans and typically results in a chronic infection characterized by cysts located predominantly in the central nervous system. In immunosuppressed hosts, such as patients with HIV infection, the infection can be reactivated from the cysts in the brain resulting in a severe and potentially fatal encephalitis. Studies suggest that the chronic infection may also have neuropathological and behavioral effects in immune competent hosts. An improved understanding of tissue cyst behavior is of importance for understanding both the reactivation as well as the neurophysiological consequences of chronic infection. In vivo studies have identified neurons as host cells for cysts but in vitro studies have found that astrocytes can also foster development of the cysts. In this study we have addressed the question of which neural cell tissue cysts of T. gondii reside during chronic infection using a mouse model. Mice were infected with Me49 Strain T. gondii and the intracellular localization of the cysts analyzed during the development and establishment of a chronic infection at 1, 2, and 6 months post infection. Brains were fixed, cryosectioned, and stained with FITC-Dolichos biflorans to identify the Toxoplasma cysts and they were labeled with cell specific antibodies to neurons or astrocytes and then analyzed using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cysts were found to occur almost exclusively in neurons throughout chronic infection. No cysts were identified in astrocytes, using the astrocyte marker, GFAP. Astrocyte interactions with neuronal-cysts, however, were frequently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Melzer
- Department of Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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Carpenter WT, Bustillo JR, Thaker GK, van Os J, Krueger RF, Green MJ. The psychoses: cluster 3 of the proposed meta-structure for DSM-V and ICD-11. Psychol Med 2009; 39:2025-2042. [PMID: 19796428 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709990286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an effort to group mental disorders on the basis of etiology, five clusters have been proposed. Here we consider the validity of the cluster comprising selected psychotic and related disorders. METHOD A group of diagnostic entities classified under schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in DSM-IV-TR were assigned to this cluster and the bordering disorders, bipolar (BD) and schizotypal personality disorders (SPD), were included. We then reviewed the literature in relation to 11 validating criteria proposed by the DSM-V Task Force Study Group. RESULTS Relevant comparisons on the 11 spectrum criteria are rare for the included disorders except for schizophrenia and the two border conditions, BD and SPD. The core psychosis group is congruent at the level of shared psychotic psychopathology and response to antipsychotic medication. BD and SPD are exceptions in that psychosis is not typical in BD-II disorder and frank psychosis is excluded in SPD. There is modest similarity between schizophrenia and BD relating to risk factors, neural substrates, cognition and endophenotypes, but key differences are noted. There is greater support for a spectrum relationship of SPD and schizophrenia. Antecedent temperament, an important validator for other groupings, has received little empirical study in the various psychotic disorders. CONCLUSIONS The DSM-IV-TR grouping of psychotic disorders is supported by tradition and shared psychopathology, but few data exist across these diagnoses relating to the 11 spectrum criteria. The case for including BD is modest, and the relationship of BD to other mood disorders is addressed elsewhere. Evidence is stronger for inclusion of SPD, but the relationship with other personality disorders along the 11 criteria is not addressed and the absence of psychosis presents a conceptual problem. There are no data along the 11 spectrum criteria that are decisive for a cluster based on etiology, and inclusion of BD and SPD is questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- W T Carpenter
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA.
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Shin DW, Cha DY, Hua QJ, Cha GH, Lee YH. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and characteristics of seropositive patients in general hospitals in Daejeon, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2009; 47:125-30. [PMID: 19488418 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009.47.2.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2009] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To figure out the epidemiological status and relevance with other diseases in toxoplasmosis, we checked serum IgG antibody titers of 1,265 patients and medical records of seropositive patients. Seropositive rates were 6.6% by latex agglutination test (LAT) and 6.7% by ELISA. No significant differences were detected between sexes and age groups. The peak seroprevalence was detected in the 40-49-year-old age group. According to clinical department, Toxoplasma-positive rates were high in patients in psychiatry, ophthalmology, health management, emergency medicine, and thoracic surgery. Major coincidental diseases in seropositive cases were malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, chronic hepatitis B, chronic renal diseases, schizophrenia, and acute lymphadenitis, in the order of frequency. In particular, some patients with chronic hepatitis B and malignant neoplasms had high antibody titers. These results revealed that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in a general hospital-based study was similar to that in a community-based study, and T. gondii seropositivity may be associated with neoplasms, diabetes, and other chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Whan Shin
- Department of Infection Biology, Research Institute for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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Ferguson DJP. Toxoplasma gondii: 1908-2008, homage to Nicolle, Manceaux and Splendore. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:133-48. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Dogruman-Al F, Aslan S, Yalcin S, Kustimur S, Turk S. A possible relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and schizophrenia: A seroprevalence study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2009; 13:82-7. [PMID: 24946126 DOI: 10.1080/13651500802624738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Schizophrenia is a pervasive neuropsychiatric disease of uncertain etiology. We aimed to investigate a possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia in this study. Method. We selected individuals with schizophrenia (n=88) and tested them with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies and compared these seropositivity rate to those of controls without psychiatric disease (n=88). Results. The rate of IgG antibody in the schizophrenia patients (47.7%) was higher than the control groups (20.4%) (P<0.001). We did not find any anti-Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity in both schizophrenia patients and control group. In schizophrenic patients with and without anti-Toxoplasma IgG groups statistical analysis did not reveal any correlation between demographic variables and Toxoplasma infection. Conclusion. Our findings supported previous studies indicate that T.gondii may play a role in etiopathogenesis in some cases of schizophrenia.
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Tamer GS, Dundar D, Yalug I, Caliskan S, Yazar S, Aker A. The schizophrenia and Toxoplasma gondii connection: infectious, immune or both? Adv Ther 2008; 25:703-9. [PMID: 18563312 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-008-0063-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research has suggested a possible link between toxoplasmic agents and schizophrenia. We aimed to assess this by measuring Toxoplasma gondii-associated antibodies in schizophrenia patients and controls METHODS We used a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to measure the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies in serum samples from schizophrenia patients (n=40) and from a group of non-schizophrenic control subjects (n=37) RESULTS Among schizophrenic patients, 16 (40%) showed IgG seropositivity and two (5%) showed IgM seropositivity. Among the control group, five (13.5%) were found have IgG seropositivity and one (2.7%) showed IgM seropositivity. In our study we found that IgG T gondii antibodies were significantly higher in schizophrenia patients compared with controls CONCLUSIONS This study supports the theory that toxoplasmic agents may have a role in the aetiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulden Sonmez Tamer
- Kocaeli University, Medical Faculty, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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