Latent Microsporidia Infection Prevalence as a Risk Factor in Colon Cancer Patients

Abstract

Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular parasites, generating serious pathology in individuals with a compromised immune system. Infection by microsporidia inhibits p53 and Caspase 3, proteins involved in apoptosis and the cell cycle, which are vital in the malignant process of epithelial cells. The presence of microsporidia in the intestinal tissues of 87 colon cancer (CC) patients and 25 healthy controls was analyzed by real-time PCR and an immunofluorescence antibody test. Anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies were analyzed in serum samples by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). In 36 (41.3%) CC cases, microsporidia infections were identified in their tissues vs. no cases among control subjects (p < 0.0001). An increase in IgG and IgE anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies was found in patients with CC, which would demonstrate continuous and previous contact with the parasite. The high prevalence of microsporidia in tissues and the seroprevalence in patients with CC suggest a relationship between microsporidia and the etiopathogenesis of CC.

The intracellular parasite Anncaliia algerae induces a massive miRNA down-regulation in human cells

“…These results call for further study of the effects of microsporidian infections, especially in the context of co-exposition with other stressors given the major role miRNAs have in physiological and pathological processes. This work may already help in explaining the existing reports of adverse effects of microsporidian co-exposure in diseases [ 15 , 73 ]. Whether this down-regulation occurs in other microsporidian infections remains to be explored and demonstrated.…”

“…To add to this concern, stressors associated with modern life like pollution, pesticides and biological agents have shown immunomodulatory capabilities, thus making opportunistic infections and co-infections a crucial theme in modern research [ [12] , [13] , [14] ]. A recent publication has also identified latent microsporidian infection as a risk factor in colon cancer patients [ 15 ]. However, apart from such recent reports the potential health concerns a persistent microsporidian infection may present has not been explored much.…”

Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in human and animal stool samples

“…A recent study carried out in Spain showed the relation between colon cancer and Microsporidia infection, as revealed the analysis of tissue samples [29]. The presence of healthy carriers has also been documented, that clearly shows the presence of Microsporidia in feces of immunocompetent patients and that microsporidiosis may not be linked to any clinic in healthy populations, detecting individuals infected with E.bieneusi totally asymptomatic [12].…”

Bacterial, Viral and Parasitic Pathogens and Colorectal Cancer

“…To this Special Issue of Cancers , four groups of investigators contribute their work to advance our current knowledge concerning the potential roles of bacterial and parasitic pathogens as causative factors and treatment targets for CRC. Redondo et al report the association between colon cancer and microsporidia, obligate intracellular parasites which cause severe infections in immunosuppressed subjects due to diarrheal disease and disseminated infection [ 14 ]. The study focused on Encephalitozoon species, analyzing colorectal mucosa and sera from 87 cases and 25 controls.…”

“…Despite the small collection, this Special Issue covered a range of topics in microbial pathogens and CRC, from cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic target to prognostic markers. While the association of Encephalitozoon and P. mirca with CRC [ 14 ] and its molecular subtype [ 16 ] as well as the prognostic effect of P. mirca are both intriguing, they were based on small numbers of samples, and thus independent replication/validation is required. The increased presence of these microorganisms in tumor tissues per se does not support the causative role or cancer promoting activities; they may simply be a marker of dysbiosis or consequences of neoplastic change of colorectal mucosa such as mucin depletion [ 18 , 19 ].…”