Parasite Infection, Carcinogenesis and Human Malignancy

Abstract

Cancer may be induced by many environmental and physiological conditions. Infections with viruses, bacteria and parasites have been recognized for years to be associated with human carcinogenicity. Here we review current concepts of carcinogenicity and its associations with parasitic infections. The helminth diseases schistosomiasis, opisthorchiasis, and clonorchiasis are highly carcinogenic while the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causing agent of Chagas disease, has a dual role in the development of cancer, including both carcinogenic and anticancer properties. Although malaria per se does not appear to be causative in carcinogenesis, it is strongly associated with the occurrence of endemic Burkitt lymphoma in areas holoendemic for malaria. The initiation of Plasmodium falciparum related endemic Burkitt lymphoma requires additional transforming events induced by the Epstein-Barr virus. Observations suggest that Strongyloides stercoralis may be a relevant co-factor in HTLV-1-related T cell lymphomas. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of parasitic infection-induced carcinogenicity.

Prospecting for cytotoxic and antiprotozoal 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes and 10‐aryldihydropyrano[2,3‐f]chromenes

“…Besides, these studies also showed that metabolic dysfunction is related to chemical (drugs), physical (UV‐light, radiation), or biological (infections) exposure . In the particular case of biological carcinogenesis, some patients previously infected with parasitic pathogens, including Trypanosoma and Leishmania species, have developed a type of cancer . These kinetoplastid infections are endemic in certain regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa .…”

Worms: Pernicious parasites or allies against allergies?

“…These granulomas cause mild to more severe pathology, linked to local fibrotic tissue, liver and splenomegaly, and an increased risk to develop cancer in the liver or the bladder, depending on the species. 21 Thus, depending on context and infecting species, parasite products can induce epithelial cell proliferation, encourage healing, control fibrosis 22 and cause transformation and cancerous growth. 23 In the absence of helminth infection, type 2 responses are often perceived to be only involved in pathological allergic responses, ultimately leading to decreased lung function and airway hyperactivity in asthma and rhinitis, 24 pruritus (itching) and damage to the skin barrier in atopic dermatitis, 25 and itching, pain and/or swelling of the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in food allergy.…”

Electrochemical Sensing of Ascorbic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose by Bimetallic (Fe, Ni)−CNTs Composite Modified Electrode

“…High sugar level can lead to tooth decay and health problem, weight gain and diabetes . Animals store glucose in the form of glycogen and plants store glucose in the form of starch which provides immunity against parasites and insecticides as well as for cancerous cells . These cells usually do not have mechanism to break down the hydrogen peroxide thus they act as proved anti‐cancer agents .…”