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Zhong H, Dong B, Zhu D, Fu Z, Liu J, Jin Y. Sja-let-7 suppresses the development of liver fibrosis via Schistosoma japonicum extracellular vesicles. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012153. [PMID: 38598555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a fatal zoonotic parasitic disease that also threatens human health. The main pathological features of schistosomiasis are granulomatous inflammation and subsequent liver fibrosis, which is a complex, chronic, and progressive disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from schistosome eggs are broadly involved in host-parasite communication and act as important contributors to schistosome-induced liver fibrosis. However, it remains unclear whether substances secreted by the EVs of Schistosoma japonicum, a long-term parasitic "partner" in the hepatic portal vein of the host, also participate in liver fibrosis. Here, we report that EVs derived from S. japonicum worms attenuated liver fibrosis by delivering sja-let-7 into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mechanistically, activation of HSCs was reduced by targeting collagen type I alpha 2 chain (Col1α2) and downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, these results contribute to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions and identified the sja-let-7/Col1α2/TGF-β/Smad axis as a potential target for treatment of schistosomiasis-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Zhong H, Dong B, Zhu D, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Liu J, Jin Y. Sja-Let-7 Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in a Mouse Model via Col1α2. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1465. [PMID: 38132291 PMCID: PMC10740823 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121465] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a chronic progressive disease with no definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to assess helminth-derived molecules as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse LF. A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced LF was established and sja-let-7 was overexpressed by treatment with a miRNA agomir once per week. After four weeks, serum biochemistry, hepatic hydroxyproline content measurements, liver histology, mRNA expression profiling of fibrotic markers, the dual-luciferase reporter assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. Administration of the sja-let-7 agomir markedly ameliorated hepatosplenomegaly and reduced the liver hydroxyproline content. Liver histological analysis showed significant reductions in collagen deposition in the sja-let-7 agomir-treated mice. Additionally, the mRNA levels of both pro-fibrotic markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines were diminished after treatment. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay and FISH identified the α2 chain of collagen type 1 (Col1α2) as the direct target of sja-let-7. Accordingly, the progression of LF was attenuated by targeting Col1α2 and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (B.D.); (D.Z.); (H.L.); (K.L.); (Z.F.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
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El-Shorbagy AA, Shafaa MW, Salah Elbeltagy R, El-Hennamy RE, Nady S. Liposomal IL-22 ameliorates liver fibrosis through miR-let7a/STAT3 signaling in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111015. [PMID: 37827055 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111015] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged liposomes. Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with liposomal IL-22 for either 7 or 14 days before decapitation. Liver and spleen were removed and splenocytes were isolated for in vitro investigations. TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22 and IgE levels were assessed. Hepatic granulomas were counted, granuloma index and its developmental stages were calculated. Hepatic expressions of STAT3, β-catenin and let-7a miRNA were evaluated. Liposomal IL-22 size was clustered around 425.9 ± 58.0 nm with negative zeta potential (-18.8 ± 1.3 mV). After 14 days, 65.5% of IL-22 was released from liposomal IL-22 as was gradually observed in vitro. Liposomal IL-22 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased IL-17 level (-33.1%) of healthy splenocytes compared to non-liposomal IL-22. In vivo therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic granuloma index (-22.1%) and levels of TNF-α (-49.2%) and IL-17 (-57.3%), but a marked increase in IL-22 (64.2%) and IgE (196.1%) levels comparing to non-liposomal IL-22. Three developmental stages of hepatic granuloma (NE, EP, and P) were observed in liposomal and non-liposomal IL-22 groups (79.6 ± 1.7 and 81.8 ± 8.7, respectively, P < 0.05), with higher relative frequency of EP stage. Additionally, liposomal IL-22 treatment increased hepatic expression of STAT3 (21.7 fold change) and let-7a (3.6 fold change) and reduced β-catenin expression (0.6 fold change) compared to healthy mice. Conclusively, liposomal IL-22 seems more effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection than non-liposomal IL-22.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Medhat W Shafaa
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Salah Elbeltagy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab E El-Hennamy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soad Nady
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Liu M, Cho WC, Flynn RJ, Jin X, Song H, Zheng Y. microRNAs in parasite-induced liver fibrosis: from mechanisms to diagnostics and therapeutics. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:859-872. [PMID: 37516634 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.001] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic parasite infections in the liver pose a global threat to human and animal health, often occurring with liver fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex yet reversible process of tissue repair and is associated with various factors, including immune cells, microenvironment, gut microbiome, and interactions of the different liver cells. As a profibrogenic or antifibrogenic driver, microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely involved in parasite-induced hepatic fibrosis. This article updates the current understanding of the roles of miRNAs in hepatic fibrogenesis by parasite infections and discusses the strategies using miRNAs as candidates for diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Robin J Flynn
- Dept. Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; Graduate Studies Office, Department of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology, X91 K0EK, Ireland
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Houhui Song
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
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Qiu L, Wang Y, Liu F, Deng S, He Z, Zheng W, Wang Y. Genetic polymorphisms of pri-let-7f, gene-environment and gene-gene interactions, and associations with ischemic stroke risk in Liaoning Province. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231173578. [PMID: 37170751 PMCID: PMC10184219 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231173578] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of stroke has been rising annually and investigations into traditional risk factors have led to increased attention on genetic factors. In this study, we focused on the pri-let-7f gene, and investigated the association between pri-let-7f gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS This case-control study included 1803 patients and 1456 healthy controls of Han ethnicity living in Liaoning Province. We carried out genotyping analysis of two loci, pri-let-7f-1 rs10739971 and pri-let-7f-2 rs17276588, and performed statistical analysis controlling for confounding factors by logistic regression. RESULTS The A alleles and AA genotypes of both loci were significantly associated with an increased risk of IS. Variant genotypes of rs17276588 may also increase the risk of IS in females with alcohol intake. Gene-gene interaction analysis showed combined effects of mutations in both these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated an association between pri-let-7f SNPs and IS, providing potential latent biomarkers for the risk of IS. However, more detailed studies are needed to clarify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuye Wang
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shumin Deng
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenxu Zheng
- Geriatric Department of Dalian Friendship Hospital, No. 8 Sanba Square, Dalian, China
| | - Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory for Neurological Big Data of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Liu Z, Zhang L, Liang Y, Lu L. Pathology and molecular mechanisms of Schistosoma japonicum-associated liver fibrosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1035765. [PMID: 36389166 PMCID: PMC9650140 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1035765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been widely disseminated around the world, and poses a significant threat to human health. Schistosoma eggs and soluble egg antigen (SEA) mediated inflammatory responses promote the formation of egg granulomas and liver fibrosis. With continuous liver injuries and inflammatory stimulation, liver fibrosis can develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, anti-fibrotic therapy is crucial to increase the survival rate of patients. However, current research on antifibrotic treatments for schistosomiasis requires further exploration. In the complicated microenvironment of schistosome infections, it is important to understand the mechanism and pathology of schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis(SSLF). In this review, we discuss the role of SEA in inhibiting liver fibrosis, describe its mechanism, and comprehensively explore the role of host-derived and schistosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in SSLF. Inflammasomes and cytokines are significant factors in promoting SSLF, and we discuss the mechanisms of some critical inflammatory signals and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Natural killer(NK) cells and Natural killer T(NKT) cells can inhibit SSLF but are rarely described, therefore, we highlight their significance. This summarizes and provides insights into the mechanisms of key molecules involved in SSLF development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Liu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yinming Liang, ; Liaoxun Lu,
| | - Liaoxun Lu
- Laboratory of Genetic Regulators in the Immune System, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yinming Liang, ; Liaoxun Lu,
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Zhong H, Jin Y. Multifunctional Roles of MicroRNAs in Schistosomiasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:925386. [PMID: 35756064 PMCID: PMC9218868 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.925386] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma. The dioecious schistosomes mate and lay eggs after undergoing a complex life cycle. Schistosome eggs are mostly responsible for the transmission of schistosomiasis and chronic fibrotic disease induced by egg antigens is the main cause of the high mortality rate. Currently, chemotherapy with praziquantel (PZQ) is the only effective treatment against schistosomiasis, although the potential of drug resistance remains a concern. Hence, there is an urgent demand for new and effective strategies to combat schistosomiasis, which is the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play pivotal regulatory roles in many organisms, including the development and sexual maturation of schistosomes. Thus, miRNAs are potential targets for treatment of schistosomiasis. Moreover, miRNAs can serve as multifunctional “nano-tools” for cross-species delivery in order to regulate host-parasite interactions. In this review, the multifunctional roles of miRNAs in the growth and development of schistosomes are discussed. The various regulatory functions of host-derived and worm-derived miRNAs on the progression of schistosomiasis are also thoroughly addressed, especially the promotional and inhibitory effects on schistosome-induced liver fibrosis. Additionally, the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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