Increase of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Decrease of MCP-1 and Some Updated Epidemiology Aspects of Cystic Echinococcosis Human Cases in Calabria Region

Abstract

We aim to investigate some of the pathogenetic mediators of the human echinococcosis and to obtain updated epidemiological findings on cases of echinococcosis in Calabria, Southern Italy. Echinococcosis diagnosis was based on imaging, serological investigations, and molecular assay. Indeed, real-time PCR indicated the presence of G2/G3 genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus complex. Regarding pathogenesis, a relevant novel tool of immune depression should be deemed the reduced level of serum MCP-1. Also, we found a previously unreported VEGF, possibly associated with neovascularization requested by the parasite cyst metabolism. Cytokine profiles suggest a bias of the immunity toward Th2 and Treg responses. Nitric oxide levels exhibited a significant decrease one week after therapy versus basal level measured before surgery and/or chemotherapy. An increase of serum total IgE class and IgG4 subclass was found in Echinococcus-positive patients versus controls. Our data demonstrated an endemic spreading, at least in the province of Catanzaro and neighboring Calabria territories, for such parasitosis with the novel issue of the number of female overcoming male cases. In conclusion, the novel findings of this study were the increased VEGF and the reduced serum MCP-1 in the studied cases, as well as the number of Echinococcus-infected females overcoming the infected males.

Comprehensive Analysis of Non-coding RNA Profiles of Exosome-Like Vesicles From the Protoscoleces and Hydatid Cyst Fluid of Echinococcus granulosus

“…miR-125b has been shown to regulate inflammatory responses by desensitizing TLR activation after recognition of pathogens (Gracias and Katsikis, 2011 ). In addition, miR-125 promoted apoptosis by reducing the expression of VEGF (Wu et al, 2018 ), which is possibly associated with the neovascularization required by the hydatid cyst metabolism in patients with cystic echinococcosis (Matera et al, 2018 ). Egr-miR-10a-5p was predicted to target the NECTIN2, COLGALT1, COL5A2 , and DDTL genes, which were involved in the positive regulation of natural killer cell–mediated cytotoxicity and T-cell receptor signaling pathway, collagen fibril organization, collagen catabolic process, tumor necrosis factor production, and ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, respectively (Stanietsky et al, 2013 ; Park et al, 2017 ; Miyatake et al, 2018 ).…”

Evaluation of IL-35, as a Possible Biomarker for Follow-Up after Therapy, in Chronic Human Schistosoma Infection

“…A significant increase in IL-10 in the pre-therapy groups of both Schistosoma species is universally associated with mechanisms of inhibition and of negative regulation of both T and B cell cascades [ 12 , 43 ]. The increase in IL-10 may suggest a systemic general downregulation of immunity caused by the parasite and/or its products, as already demonstrated for other helminths [ 44 ]. High levels of IL-10 could be stimulated by a high intensity of infection to prevent the development of an excess pathology mediated by Th2 in addition to the Th1-mediated pathology [ 45 ].…”

Portal Hypertension as a Complication of Cystic Echinococcosis: A 20-Year Cohort Analysis

“…20 Patients with CE have NO concentrations lower than those of the healthy population and present a slight increase after surgery. 21 Finally, liver fibrosis induced by CE has been observed in an experimental mouse model of infection. 22 In our cohort, it was interesting that liver fibrosis was demonstrated in two of the only two patients who underwent liver elastography (F3 stage of fibrosis) using FibroScan (FibroScan Touch 502; Echosens).…”

“…24 E. granulosus has also been shown to increase VEGF in infected patients. 21 VEGF is associated with fibrogenesis periportal fibrosis and angiogenesis, and it could be involved in the PH development pathway. 25 Another mediator involved in fibrosis in patients with CE is transforming growth factor-b.…”