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Ortiz SFDN, Verdan R, Fortes FDSDA, Benchimol M. Trichomonas vaginalis: Monolayer and Cluster Formation-Ultrastructural Aspects Using High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy. Pathogens 2023; 12:1381. [PMID: 38133266 PMCID: PMC10747464 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an extracellular protozoan parasite that causes human trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects approximately 270 million people worldwide. The phenomenon of T. vaginalis adhesion to inert substrates has been described in several reports. Still, very few studies on cluster formation have been conducted, and more detailed analyses of the contact regions between the parasites' membranes in these aggregate formations have not been carried out. The present study aims to show that T. vaginalis forms a tight monolayer, similar to an epithelium, with parasites firmly adhered to the culture flask bottom by interdigitations and in the absence of host cells. In addition, we analyzed and compared the formation of the clusters, focusing on parasite aggregates that float in the culture flasks. We employed various imaging techniques, including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cytochemistry, TEM tomography, and dye injection. We analyzed whether the monolayer behaves as an epithelium, analyzing cell junctions, cell communication, and ultrastructural aspects, and concluded that monolayer formation differs from cluster formation in many aspects. The monolayers form strong adhesion, whereas the clusters have fragile attachments. We did not find fusion or the passage of molecules between neighbor-attached cells; there is no need for different strains to form filopodia, cytonemes, and extracellular vesicles during cluster and monolayer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Fiama das Neves Ortiz
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (S.F.d.N.O.); (R.V.)
| | - Raphael Verdan
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (S.F.d.N.O.); (R.V.)
| | - Fabio da Silva de Azevedo Fortes
- BIOTRANS-CAXIAS Campus, Universidade do Grande Rio, UNIGRANRIO, Rio de Janeiro 96200-000, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Terapia e Fisiologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Marlene Benchimol
- BIOTRANS-CAXIAS Campus, Universidade do Grande Rio, UNIGRANRIO, Rio de Janeiro 96200-000, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens e Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
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Saint F, Huyghe E, Methorst C, Priam A, Seizilles de Mazancourt E, Bruyère F, Faix A. [Infections and male infertility]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:636-652. [PMID: 38012909 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of urogenital infections in male infertility has long been the subject of debate. METHODS A bibliographic search limited to English-language literature on human subjects published before 5/2023 resulted in the selection of 189 articles. RESULTS Male infertility is often of multifactorial aetiology, and to optimise the prognosis it is important to manage all the factors that can be corrected, including infectious causes, which represent one of the most frequent aetiologies. The infectious agents involved in urogenital infections are most often bacterial or viral, and more rarely parasitic. They can infect the seminal tract, male accessory glands and/or testicles, and usually result in inflammation and increased oxidative stress. These infections reduce male fertility, in particular by altering spermogram parameters and increasing sperm DNA fragmentation. For these reasons, the search for a urogenital infection should be systematic, involving a careful history and clinical examination, ultrasound and systematic bacteriological tests guided by clinical findings. Aetiological treatment may be proposed depending on the picture and the germ involved. CONCLUSION This review should help the urologist to establish an accurate diagnosis of the form and extent of the infection, and enable him to define an appropriate therapeutic strategy, tailored to the patient, in order to obtain the best chances of improving male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Saint
- Service d'urologie-transplantation, CHU Amiens Picardie, Amiens, France; Laboratoire EPROAD EA 4669, université Picardie Jules-Verne, Amiens, France
| | - E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des 4 villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - A Priam
- Service d'urologie-transplantation, CHU Amiens Picardie, Amiens, France
| | | | - F Bruyère
- Urologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Zhang Z, Song X, Deng Y, Li Y, Li F, Sheng W, Tian X, Yang Z, Mei X, Wang S. Trichomonas vaginalis adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) modulates parasite pathogenicity by interacting with host cell proteins. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106996. [PMID: 37536435 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a widespread and important sexually transmitted pathogen. Adherence to the surface of the host cell is the precondition forthis parasite's parasitism and pathogenicity. Adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) plays a key role in the process of adhesion. However, how TvAP65 mediates the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cellsis unclear. In this study, we knocked down the expression of TvAP65 in trophozoites by small RNA interference. The number of T. vaginalis trophozoites adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells was decreased significantly, and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation and VK2/E6E7 cells apoptosis and death induced by T. vaginalis were reduced, after the expression of TvAP65 was knocked down. Animal challenge experiments showed that the pathogenicity of trophozoites was decreased by passive immunization with anti-rTvAP65 PcAbs or blocking the TvAP65 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TvAP65 could bind to VK2/E6E7 cells. In order to screen the molecules interacting with TvAP65 on the host cells, we successfully constructed the cDNA library of VK2/E6E7 cells, and thirteen protein molecules interacting with TvAP65 were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. The interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. When both TvAP65 and BNIP3 were knocked down by small RNA interference, the number of T. vaginalis adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation were significantly lower than those of the group with knockdown of TvAP65 or BNIP3 alone. Therefore, the interaction of TvAP65 and BNIP3 in the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infecting host cells is not unique and involves other molecules. Our study elucidated that the interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 mediated the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cells, provided a basis for searching for the drug targets of anti-T. vaginalis, and afforded new ideas for the prevention and treatment of trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yangyang Deng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital Of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Fakun Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Wanxin Sheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
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Panagiotopoulos D, Andriopoulou T, Spanou VM, Droggiti DI, Gkavogianni T, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Panagopoulos P. Deficiency of hydrogen sulfide production and pregnancy rate in an experimental model: Association with preterm delivery. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13764. [PMID: 37641370 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Pro-inflammatory phenomena drive preterm delivery (PTD). Hydrogen sulfide is a gasotransmitter with anti-inflammatory properties produced through the activity of the enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and its impact was studied in models of normal delivery and PTD in mice. METHOD OF STUDY Female CSE+/+ and CSE-/- mice were mated with male CSE+/+ mice; mating was done with drinking water unsupplemented and supplemented with cysteine. The pregnancy rate was monitored. PTD was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 14.5 of pregnancy. Mice were sacrificed for tissue collection and splenocyte isolation after 6 and 12 h. Isolated splenocytes were stimulated for the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon-gamma (IFNγ); TNFα and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in the fetuses and the placenta. RESULTS The successful pregnancy rate was lower in CSE-/- mice and it was restored with cysteine supplementation. CSE deficiency was associated with higher tissue concentrations of TNFα in the fetuses, attenuated IL-10 responses and higher IFNγ production from splenocytes. CSE deficiency was not associated with PTD. Following PTD induction, CSE-/- mice did not show attenuated IL-10 responses but the production of TNFα and IFNγ was lowered over-time; placental VEGF was also increased over-time. CONCLUSIONS CSE deficiency has an unfavorable impact on pregnancy. H2 S deficiency through CSE does not drive PTD but mediates pro-inflammatory phenomena in fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Theano Andriopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Victoria-Marina Spanou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysia-Irene Droggiti
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Theologia Gkavogianni
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Xie Y, Zhong P, Guan W, Zhao Y, Yang S, Shao Y, Li J. Transcriptional profile of Trichomonas vaginalis in response to metronidazole. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:318. [PMID: 37308818 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, combined with its complications, has long frequently damaged millions of human health. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the first choice for therapy. Therefore, a better understanding of its trichomonacidal process to ultimately reveal the global mechanism of action is indispensable. To take a step toward this goal, electron microscopy and RNA sequencing were performed to fully reveal the early changes in T. vaginalis at the cellular and transcriptome levels after treatment with MTZ in vitro. RESULTS The results showed that the morphology and subcellular structures of T. vaginalis underwent prominent alterations, characterized by a rough surface with bubbly protrusions, broken holes and deformed nuclei with decreased nuclear membranes, chromatin and organelles. The RNA-seq data revealed a total of 10,937 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), consisting of 4,978 upregulated and 5,959 downregulated genes. Most DEGs for the known MTZ activators, such as pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) and iron-sulfur binding domain, were significantly downregulated. However, genes for other possible alternative MTZ activators such as thioredoxin reductase, nitroreductase family proteins and flavodoxin-like fold family proteins, were dramatically stimulated. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that genes for basic vital activities, proteostasis, replication and repair were stimulated under MTZ stress, but those for DNA synthesis, more complicated life activities such as the cell cycle, motility, signaling and even virulence were significantly inhibited in T. vaginalis. Meanwhile, increased single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertions - deletions (indels) were stimulated by MTZ. CONCLUSIONS The current study reveals evident nuclear and cytomembrane damage and multiple variations in T. vaginalis at the transcriptional level. These data will offer a meaningful foundation for a deeper understanding of the MTZ trichomonacidal process and the transcriptional response of T. vaginalis to MTZ-induced stress or even cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Xie
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Wei Guan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yanqing Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Shuguo Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yan Shao
- Department of Outpatient, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
| | - Jian Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
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Van Gerwen OT, Opsteen SA, Graves KJ, Muzny CA. Trichomoniasis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:245-265. [PMID: 37005163 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. It has been associated with a variety of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes for both men and women. In this review, the authors discuss updates in its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical significance, diagnosis, and treatment.
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