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The Indian Journal of Medical Research Dec 2018Postpartum uterine infections such as metritis, endometritis and mastitis have been considered as underlying causes for ovarian dysfunction in mammals. Almost all... (Review)
Review
Postpartum uterine infections such as metritis, endometritis and mastitis have been considered as underlying causes for ovarian dysfunction in mammals. Almost all mammals, particularly dairy animals are susceptible to postpartum uterine infections, resulting in impaired fertility and economic loss. One of the factors for low fertility in females is ovarian dysfunction, which is exhibited as impaired growth and function of ovarian follicles by the postpartum infection. Immune system of mammals provides a host defence mechanism against pathogenic microbes through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and forming inflammasomes. Like immune cells, ovarian granulosa cells also exhibit a similar pattern of cytokine gene expressions on exposure to PAMPs. Genome-wide transcriptomic approaches explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune function of buffalo granulosa cells during endotoxin exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanism of ovarian dysfunction due to uterine infection would be helpful to implement various strategies to handle the adverse effects of postpartum uterine disease on fertility by developing potential therapeutics. Therefore, this article focuses on key factors that are responsible for postpartum infection and particularly summarizes the molecular mechanism of infection underlying the ovarian dysfunction in dairy animals.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Endometritis; Female; Fertility; Infections; Mastitis; Postpartum Period; Uterine Diseases; Uterus
PubMed: 30964082
DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_961_18 -
The Lancet. Oncology Jul 2018
Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Bacterial; Biomarkers; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Humans; Incidence; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prognosis; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 29866477
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30421-2 -
The Brazilian Journal of Infectious... 2020Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding...
OBJECTIVE
Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding the role of ovarian hormones in infections caused by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in the immune response induced by S. aureus.
METHODS
Female mice BALB/c were ovariectomized (OVX) to significantly reduce the level of ovarian hormones. We also used sham-operated animals. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte count and bacterial quantification. The uterus and spleen were removed and weighed to calculate the uterine and splenic indexes. Lungs were removed and fractionated for immunohistochemical analysis for macrophage detection (anti-CD68) and relative gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
Ovariectomy enlarged spleen size and generally increased circulating lymphocytes. OVX females experienced a continuation of the initial reduction of lymphocytes and a monocyte and neutrophil late response compared to shams (p≥0.05). Moreover, OVX females showed neutropenia after 168h of infection (p≥0.05). Macrophage response in the lungs were less pronounced in OVX females in the initial hours of infection (p≥0.01). OVX females showed a higher relative gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung at the beginning of the infection compared to sham females (p≥0.01). Among the uninfected females, the OVX control females showed a higher expression of IL-6 in the lung compared to the sham control females (p≥0.05). In this model, the lack of ovarian hormones caused a minor increase in circulating leukocytes during the initial stage of infection by S. aureus and increased pulmonary gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Ovariectomy alone enlarged the spleen and increased circulating lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones acted as immunoprotectors against S. aureus infection.
Topics: Animals; Female; Hormones; Humans; Immunity; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 33186580
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2020.10.004 -
Cells Apr 2022Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect female reproductive health. Here, we investigated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the...
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect female reproductive health. Here, we investigated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the follicular microenvironment, in particular granulosa (GCs) and cumulus cells (CCs), thus providing evidence for a productive infection. GCs and CCs were recovered from women (n = 25) who underwent in vitro fertilization at the Assisted Reproductive Unit, Siena University Hospital. Follicular ovarian cells were co-cultured with SARS-CoV-2 and then analyzed by qPCR, immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, cell culture supernatant was used to infect VERO6 cells. We demonstrated the expression of cell host factors ACE2, TRPMSS2, BSG and CTSL, which are pivotal for the virus life cycle. Cultured GCs and CCs incubated with SARS-CoV-2 revealed productive SARS-CoV-2 infection at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-adsorption. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2 RNA, spike and nucleocapsid proteins were detected in GCs and CCs, and their cell culture supernatant successfully infected the standard VERO E6 cells. Finally, TEM showed full-size virions attached to the membrane and located inside the cytoplasm. This in vitro study reveals the susceptibility of human ovarian cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a potential detrimental effect of COVID-19 infection on female human fertility.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; Chlorocebus aethiops; Female; Fertility; Humans; RNA, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Vero Cells
PubMed: 35563737
DOI: 10.3390/cells11091431 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Feb 1998Numerous studies have examined the influence of hormones on infectious diseases and there is now a wealth of data relating to the more specific effect of the sex... (Review)
Review
Numerous studies have examined the influence of hormones on infectious diseases and there is now a wealth of data relating to the more specific effect of the sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, on urogenital infections. The interaction between these hormones and the immune system is complex and the variation of hormonal effect between species further complicates the true picture as related to humans. Although it is difficult therefore to draw general conclusions regarding predominant effects of specific hormones, there is the suggestion that oestrogen enhances the pathogenicity of many urogenital micro-organisms. Our understanding of the influential role played by sex hormones in disease pathogenesis is at an early stage and illustrates well the importance of drawing together and interpreting as a whole both epidemiological and molecular studies.
Topics: Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Chlamydia Infections; Escherichia coli Infections; Estrogens; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Gonorrhea; Herpes Genitalis; Humans; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Progesterone; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tumor Virus Infections; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 9634294
DOI: 10.1136/sti.74.1.11 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... 2016The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Hunan province. DNA samples were collected from...
The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Hunan province. DNA samples were collected from paraffin embedded ovarian tissue from 322 patients with EOC, 99 with ovarian benign tumors and 199 normal persons. The polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing were used to identify the HPV types in the samples. The relationship between the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) was investigated combined with clinical data. The prevalence of HPV18 and HPV33 in EOC group and benign group was higher than in the normal group. HPV18 and HPV33 may play a role in the development of both EOC and ovarian benign tumor and may participate in the development of EOC with traditional risk factors, family history and abortion, possibly exerting synergistic effects..
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Case-Control Studies; DNA, Viral; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Ovarian Neoplasms; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 27356718
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology &... 2021The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased significantly over the last few decades mirroring the increase in obesity and type II diabetes... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased significantly over the last few decades mirroring the increase in obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. NAFLD has become one of the most common indications for liver transplantation. The deleterious effects of NAFLD are not isolated to the liver only, for it has been recognized as a systemic disease affecting multiple organs through protracted low-grade inflammation mediated by the metabolic activity of excessive fat tissue. Extrahepatic manifestations of NAFLD such as cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism have been well described in the literature. In recent years, it has become evident that patients suffering from NAFLD might be at higher risk of developing various infections. The proposed mechanism for this association includes links through hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, alterations in innate immunity, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, a risk independent of these factors mediated by alterations in gut microbiota might contribute to a higher burden of infections in these individuals. In this narrative review, we synthetize current knowledge on several infections including urinary tract infection, pneumonia, , coronavirus disease 2019, and as they relate to NAFLD. Additionally, we explore NAFLD's association with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Topics: COVID-19; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Pneumonia; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 33977096
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5556354 -
BMC Cancer Nov 2023One of the most frequently reported effects of cancer and its treatments is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Viral infections may affect inflammation and...
PURPOSE
One of the most frequently reported effects of cancer and its treatments is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Viral infections may affect inflammation and immune function and therefore may influence patient symptoms, including CRCI. The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections at diagnosis, during, and after chemotherapy in individuals with ovarian cancer and explore CMV infection at diagnosis with cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) following chemotherapy.
METHODS
We recruited adults newly diagnosed with ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer at a single academic cancer center into two prospective studies. In Study 1 (N = 71), participants provided blood samples at diagnosis. In Study 2 (N = 18), participants provided blood samples and completed symptom surveys before, during and after front-line adjuvant chemotherapy. Serum CMV DNA levels were assessed using digital PCR; >100 copies/mL of serum was considered positive for active CMV infection (CMV+). CRCI was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) questionnaire. Changes in FACT-Cog scores were compared by CMV status at diagnosis using t-tests at each time point.
RESULTS
At diagnosis, 29.2% were CMV+ (28.2% in Study 1, 33.3% in Study 2). Following three cycles of chemotherapy (Study 2), CMV positivity rose to 60.0% and then back down to 31.3% after chemotherapy. We observed significant differences in CRCI following chemotherapy by CMV status at diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that active CMV infection is common among patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and may contribute to symptoms of CRCI.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Ovarian Neoplasms; Cognition; Cytomegalovirus Infections
PubMed: 37923995
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11566-y -
The Journal of Experimental Medicine Jan 2020Plasmodium infection in Anopheles is influenced by mosquito-derived factors. We previously showed that a protein in saliva from infected Anopheles, mosquito...
Plasmodium infection in Anopheles is influenced by mosquito-derived factors. We previously showed that a protein in saliva from infected Anopheles, mosquito gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (mosGILT), inhibits the ability of sporozoites to traverse cells and readily establish infection of the vertebrate host. To determine whether mosGILT influences Plasmodium within the mosquito, we generated Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes carrying mosaic mutations in the mosGILT gene using CRISPR/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9). Here, we show that female mosaic mosGILT mutant mosquitoes display defects in ovarian development and refractoriness to Plasmodium. Following infection by either Plasmodium berghei or Plasmodium falciparum, mutant mosquitoes have significantly reduced oocyst numbers as a result of increased thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1)-dependent parasite killing. Expression of vitellogenin (Vg), the major yolk protein that can reduce the parasite-killing efficiency of TEP1, is severely impaired in mutant mosquitoes. MosGILT is a mosquito factor that is essential for ovarian development and indirectly protects both human and rodent Plasmodium species from mosquito immunity.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Anopheles; CRISPR-Associated Protein 9; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; Culicidae; Female; Malaria; Mice; Mutation; Oxidoreductases Acting on Sulfur Group Donors; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium falciparum; RNA-Binding Proteins; Vitellogenins
PubMed: 31658986
DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190682 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jun 2021Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) belong to a group of tumors that are distinctly different from ovarian carcinomas. There is an increased risk of BOTs in patients with...
Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) belong to a group of tumors that are distinctly different from ovarian carcinomas. There is an increased risk of BOTs in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in ovarian cancer tissue specimens. This virus favors the inflammatory milieu by inducing expression of the potent inflammatory factor 5-lipoxygenase (5LO), which stimulates cellular viability, cellular proliferation and activates antiapoptotic signaling pathways. Here, we aimed to examine presence of HCMV and 5LO in BOTs. Expression levels of HCMV proteins (IE and pp65) and 5LO were examined in paraffin embedded BOT tissue sections by immunohistochemistry staining and HCMV immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were determined by serology in blood samples obtained from 15 patients with BOTs identified in a prospective study at Karolinska University Hospital. Extensive expression of HCMV-IE, pp65, and 5LO were detected in 87%, 40%, and 90% of examined BOT tissue sections, respectively. HCMV-IgG prevalence and antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with BOT compared to age matched healthy women (83.3% vs. 65,6%, respectively, p = .01). Whether HCMV can induce inflammation and affect the pathogenesis of BOTs should therefore be further investigated.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Viral; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Paraffin Embedding; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 33174621
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26664