Pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein are associated with undernutrition in the context of Schistosoma japonicum infection.
Schistosomiasis is associated with undernutrition, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. We analyzed baseline and follow-up data from a longitudinal treatment-reinfection study in N = 477 Schistosoma japonicum-infected subjects 7-20 years of age from Leyte, the Philippines. After baseline treatment with praziquantel, follow-up visits were scheduled every 3 months for 18 months; stool, venous blood, and anthropometric measurements were collected at each visit. Cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with specific S. japonicum antigens was measured once 4 weeks after treatment. After adjustment for confounders, S. japonicum intensity was associated with decreased serum albumin and Z-scores (all P < 0.05) and with increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6. CRP was associated with decreased albumin and Z-scores (all P < 0.01). Production of IL-1b and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in response to worm antigen was associated with decreased albumin (both P < 0.005) and height-for-age Z-score (TNF-alpha only, P = 0.05). S. japonicum-associated undernutrition may, in part, result directly from inflammation.
Coutinho
Hannah M
HM
Center for International Health Research (CIHR), Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Hannah_Coutinho@brown.edu
Leenstra
Tjalling
T
Acosta
Luz P
LP
Su
Li
L
Jarilla
Blanca
B
Jiz
Mario A
MA
Langdon
Gretchen C
GC
Olveda
Remigio M
RM
McGarvey
Stephen T
ST
Kurtis
Jonathan D
JD
Friedman
Jennifer F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology; D012554:Schistosomiasis japonica / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis
D000871:Anthelmintics; D016207:Cytokines; D012709:Serum Albumin; D011223:Praziquantel; D002097:C-Reactive Protein