Toxoplasmosis and Risk of Endothelial Dysfunction: Role of Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Mediators

Abstract

Background: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) leads to activation of T-helper cells (Th-1 and Th-2) which are involved in the synthesis and release of different cytokines which may lead to endothelial dysfunction. Objectives: To evaluate the endothelial function in patients with acute toxoplasmosis. Methods: This case-control study involved 31 patients with toxoplasmosis aged 19 -47 years matched with 20 healthy subjects. Anti-T. gondii antibody (IgG, IgM, IgA) was determined by direct antigen-antibody reaction. Interleukin-6(IL-6), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and human malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were measured. Results: IgM, IgG and IgA levels were high in the infected patients compared with controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, IL-6 serum level was high in the infected patients compared with controls (P < 0.01). In addition, ET-1 level was high in acute toxoplasmosis (7.29 ± 4.59 pg/mL) compared with controls (3.11 ± 1.69 pg/mL) (P < 0.01). In addition, MDA serum level was high (9.34 ± 4.17 nmol/mL) compared with controls (2.87 ± 1.13 nmol/mL), (P < 0.01). In acute toxoplasmosis IgM serum level was significantly correlated with IgG (r = 0.55, P = 0.001), IgA (r = 0.57, P = 0.0008), IL-6 (r = 0.45, P = 0.01), ET-1 (r = 0.51, P = 0.003) and MDA (r = 0.85, P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Acute toxoplasmosis is associated with significant oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory changes which contribute to development of endothelial dysfunction.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Kumquat-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles against Toxoplasmosis in mice model

“…The pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis is known to be related to the increased risk of oxidative stress in host cells due to the activation of inflammatory response against the parasite [59]. One of the critical host defence methods against intracellular parasites is oxidative stress generated by the immune system [60,61].…”

Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities

“…Some authors reported a significant increase in the concentration of MDA in the serum of humans with chronic toxoplasmosis. Kiran et al [ 47 ], Al-Kuraishy et al [ 85 ] and Yazar et al [ 53 ] reported that MDA levels were significantly higher in asymptomatic Toxoplasma seropositive patients compared to healthy subjects. There was no correlation between age or gender and the MDA concentration.…”

“…The pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis is known to be related to the increased risk of oxidative stress in host cells due to the activation of inflammatory response against the parasite [ 85 ]. In chronic acquired toxoplasmosis, the level of MDA is elevated and can reflect indirectly the degree of oxidative cell damage [ 54 ].…”

Toxoplasma Gondii Enhances Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study

“…Antioxidants including superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, catalase activity, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione and albumin concentrations significantly grow high in the serum of the toxoplasmosis aborted women, which is characterized by the free radical released with infection causing increased the oxidative stress (16) . Toxoplasmosis was reported to be associated with the stimulation and progress of pregnancy induced-hypertension because of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction (17) . Increased production of free radicals leads to more lipid peroxidation and then higher oxidative damage in cellular membranes, which includes placental membrane damage due to lipid peroxidase inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin I2 enzyme, thus causing this enzyme to malfunction, and then the vessels shrink causing hematopoietic and platelet aggregation (18) .…”