Human protozoa infection and dysplasia in ulcerative colitis: a neglected aspect in a prominent disease

We celebrate the publication of our recent article in parasitology research.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-023-07972-7#:~:text=Our%20research%20indicated%20a%20greater,and%20the%20associated%20carcinogenetic%20process.

authors:

 

  • Enas F. Abdel Hamed, 
  • Nahed E. Mostafa, 
  • Shaimaa M. Farag, 
  • Mohamed N. Ibrahim, 
  • Basma H. Ibrahim, 
  • Hayam E. Rashed, 
  • Mona Radwan, 
  • Salem Y. Mohamed, 
  • Ramy El Hendawy & 
  • Eman M. Faw


    •  This study aimed to look into intestinal protozoal infections' effect on the dysplastic changes generated by UC. The research included 152 adult patients with histologically confirmed UC and 152 healthy controls. Fecal samples were examined for parasites and fecal calprotectin (FC) presence. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measured serum anti-p53 antibodies (p53Abs) and metallothioneins (MTs). The advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by a spectrophotometric method in all subjects. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 were also measured. In addition, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of intestinal tissue were done. Our results exhibited significant increases in FC and CRP, IL-6, AOPPs, MTs, and p53Abs in ulcerative colitis patients with parasitic infections compared to those without parasites.

    In contrast, GSH levels showed a significant decrease in the same group compared with other groups. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments of intestinal tissue signified severe inflammation and strong expression of PD-L1 in patients with parasitic infections compared to others without parasitic infections. Our research indicated a greater frequency of intestinal protozoa in UC patients with elevated inflammatory and dysplastic biomarker levels. This suggests that these parasites may be involved in the etiology of chronic UC and the associated carcinogenetic process. This is the first report of a link between parasitic infections and dysplastic alterations in UC patients.

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