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Santos J, Gouveia MJ, Vale N, Delgado MDL, Gonçalves A, da Silva JMT, Oliveira C, Xavier P, Gomes P, Santos LL, Lopes C, Barros A, Rinaldi G, Brindley PJ, da Costa JMC, Sousa M, Botelho MC. Urinary estrogen metabolites and self-reported infertility in women infected with Schistosoma haematobium. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96774. [PMID: 24848950 PMCID: PMC4029575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, endemic in 76 countries, that afflicts more than 240 million people. The impact of schistosomiasis on infertility may be underestimated according to recent literature. Extracts of Schistosoma haematobium include estrogen-like metabolites termed catechol-estrogens that down regulate estrogen receptors alpha and beta in estrogen responsive cells. In addition, schistosome derived catechol-estrogens induce genotoxicity that result in estrogen-DNA adducts. These catechol estrogens and the catechol-estrogen-DNA adducts can be isolated from sera of people infected with S. haematobium. The aim of this study was to study infertility in females infected with S. haematobium and its association with the presence of schistosome-derived catechol-estrogens. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional study was undertaken of female residents of a region in Bengo province, Angola, endemic for schistosomiasis haematobia. Ninety-three women and girls, aged from two (parents interviewed) to 94 years were interviewed on present and previous urinary, urogenital and gynecological symptoms and complaints. Urine was collected from the participants for egg-based parasitological assessment of schistosome infection, and for liquid chromatography diode array detection electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/UV-DAD/ESI-MSn) to investigate estrogen metabolites in the urine. Novel estrogen-like metabolites, potentially of schistosome origin, were detected in the urine of participants who were positive for eggs of S. haematobium, but not detected in urines negative for S. haematobium eggs. The catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts were significantly associated with schistosomiasis (OR 3.35; 95% CI 2.32-4.84; P≤0.001). In addition, presence of these metabolites was positively associated with infertility (OR 4.33; 95% CI 1.13-16.70; P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Estrogen metabolites occur widely in diverse metabolic pathways. In view of the statistically significant association between catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts and self-reported infertility, we propose that an estrogen-DNA adduct mediated pathway in S. haematobium-induced ovarian hormonal deregulation could be involved. In addition, the catechol-estrogens/ DNA adducts described here represent potential biomarkers for schistosomiasis haematobia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- CIQUP, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- CIQUP, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Gonçalves
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Pedro Xavier
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- CIQUP, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcio L. Santos
- Clínica da Sagrada Esperança, Luanda, Angola
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathology Research Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Lopes
- Clínica da Sagrada Esperança, Luanda, Angola
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - José M. Correia da Costa
- INSA, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA/ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica C. Botelho
- INSA, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA/ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Botelho MC, Oliveira PA, Vieira P, Delgado MDL, Lourenço L, Lopes C, Machado JC, da Costa JMC. Granulomatous-like immune reaction and hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosoma haematobium immature worms. Virulence 2011; 1:123-9. [PMID: 21178430 DOI: 10.4161/viru.1.3.11348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Golden hamsters were inoculated with Schistosoma haematobium cercariae to examine histological lesions at different time points over an 18 month period of infection. Hamsters were sacrificed 26 weeks and 82 weeks after inoculation. The parasite was found in the blood and in the liver of infected animals as was expected, but we found exclusively male worms, no female worms nor eggs. Interestingly we observed unexpected hepatic lesions induced by S. haematobium adult male worms alone in the golden hamster, characteristic of schistosome eggs. Samples from liver, kidneys, lungs, bladder and gastrointestinal tract were collected during necropsy to evaluate injuries induced by S. haematobium. Notably we observed hepatitis in the liver of infected hamsters, no lesions were found in other organs. We also found liver fibrosis in infected hamsters. This study provides further experimental evidence for the role that schistosome worms, and their derived antigens, may play in the pathology of the infection and modulation of liver chronic inflammation in the murine model of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C Botelho
- CIBP—Centre for Parasite Immunology and Biology, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal.
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Almeida A, Moreira MJ, Soares S, de Lurdes Delgado M, Figueiredo J, Magalhães ES, Castro A, Viana Da Costa A, Correia da Costa JM. Biological and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolates from five hydrographical basins in northern Portugal. Korean J Parasitol 2010; 48:105-11. [PMID: 20585525 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To understand the situation of water contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in the northern region of Portugal, we have established a long-term program aimed at pinpointing the sources of surface water and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Here, we describe the results obtained with raw water samples collected in rivers of the 5 hydrographical basins. A total of 283 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623 EPA, USA. Genetic characterization was performed by PCR and sequencing of genes 18S rRNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and beta-giardin of Giardia spp. Infectious stages of the protozoa were detected in 72.8% (206 of 283) of the water samples, with 15.2% (43 of 283) positive for Giardia duodenalis cysts, 9.5% (27 of 283) positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and 48.1% (136 of 283) samples positive for both parasites. The most common zoonotic species found were G. duodenalis assemblages A-I, A-II, B, and E genotypes, and Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Cryptosporidium muris. These results suggest that cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important public health issues in northern Portugal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in raw water samples in the northern region of Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Almeida
- Center for Parasite Immunology and Biology, CSPGF-INSA, Porto, Portugal.
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Almeida A, Moreira MJ, Soares S, Delgado MDL, Figueiredo J, Silva E, Castro A, Cosa JMCD. Presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in drinking water samples in the north of Portugal. Korean J Parasitol 2010; 48:43-8. [PMID: 20333284 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.1.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are 2 protozoan parasites responsible for waterborne diseases outbreaks worldwide. In order to assess the prevalence of these protozoans in drinking water samples in the northern part of Portugal and the risk of human infection, we have established a long term program aiming at pinpointing the sources of surface water, drinking water, and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Total 43 sources of drinking water samples were selected, and a total of 167 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623. Sensitivity assays regarding the genetic characterization by PCR and sequencing of the genes, 18S SSU rRNA, for Cryptosporidium spp. and beta,-giardin for G. duodenalis were set in the laboratory. According to the defined criteria, molecular analysis was performed over 4 samples. Environmental stages of the protozoa were detected in 25.7% (43 out of 167) of the water samples, 8.4% (14 out of 167) with cysts of Giardia, 10.2% (17 out of 167) with oocysts of Cryptosporidium and 7.2% (12 out of 167) for both species. The mean concentrations were 0.1-12.7 oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. per 10 L and 0.1-108.3 cysts of Giardia duodenalis per 10 L. Our results suggest that the efficiency in drinking water plants must be ameliorated in their efficiency in reducing the levels of contamination. We suggest the implementation of systematic monitoring programs for both protozoa. To authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water samples in the northern part of Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Almeida
- Centro de Imunologia e Biologia Parasitária, CSPGF-INSA, Rua Alexandro Herculano, Porto, Portugal.
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Mendonça C, Almeida A, Castro A, de Lurdes Delgado M, Soares S, da Costa JMC, Canada N. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia isolates from cattle from Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2007; 147:47-50. [PMID: 17451881 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 10/12/2006] [Revised: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fecal samples from 291 calves and 176 adult cattle in Northern Portugal were screened for Cryptosporidium and Giardia using a formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. Acid-fast staining techniques for Cryptosporidium oocyst identification and direct microscopic observation of fecal smears for Giardia cyst identification were performed so as immunofluorescence microscopy examination. Polymerase chain reaction methods were employed to determine the genotype of each isolate. Molecular characterization was performed using amplification and sequencing of the hsp70 and 18SrRNA genes of Cryptosporidium and beta-giardin gene and glutamate dehydrogenase for assemblage determination of Giardia duodenalis. Seventy-four out of 291 calves (25.4%) and 8 out of 176 adult bovines (4.5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Forty-one out of 291 calf samples (14.1%) and 1 out of 176 adults samples (0.57%) were positive for Giardia. From the Cryptosporidium positive samples we obtained 63 isolates from calves samples and 7 isolates from adult samples. Additionally, Giardia was isolated in 13 out of 41 positive samples from calves and it was also possible to isolate Giardia from the positive adult sample. Molecular characterization of the Cryptosporidium and Giardia isolates showed us that C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblage E were the prevalent species. C. parvum may infect humans, representing a potential public health risk. On the other hand, the assemblages B and A2 of Giardia, previously described in humans, were here identified in cattle. Further studies will be needed for determine the importance of cattle as carrier of zoonotic assemblages of G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mendonça
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Largo Abel Salazar # 2, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis was diagnosed in two Portuguese soldiers who had been deployed to Portuguese colonies in Africa. The first veteran was diagnosed as having schistosomiasis 34 years after returning from Angola, and the second veteran was found with Schistosoma haematobium infection 40 years after returning from Mozambique. The patient with Schistosoma mansoni had an active infection, because eggs were recovered with living miracidia. The second patient had developed urothelial cancer, but eggs recovered were calcified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Vieira
- Center of Parasite Immunology and Biology, National Institutes of Health, Porto, Portugal
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