Percorrer por autor "Botelho, Monica C."
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- Angiogenesis in Schistosoma haematobium-associated urinary bladder cancerPublication . Dematei, Anderson; Fernandes, Rúben; Soares, Raquel; Alves, Helena; Richter, Joachim; Botelho, Monica C.Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic flatworm that infects more than 100 million people, mostly in the developing world, is the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, and is associated with a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. During infection, eggs are deposited in the bladder causing an intense inflammatory reaction. Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones and is recognized as a key event in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis and spread of malignant lesions. A growing amount of evidence points to angiogenesis playing a key role in schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer. Thus, identifying biomarkers of this process plays an important role in the study of cancer. Here, we review recent findings on the role of angiogenesis in bladder cancer and the growth factors that induce and assist in their development, particularly SCC of the bladder associated to urogenital schistosomiasis.
- Imbalance of Steroid Hormones in Hamsters Infected with Schistosoma mansoniPublication . Oliveira, Katia C.; Cardoso, Rita; Dos Santos, Antonio C.; Fernandes, Rúben; Botelho, Monica C.Objective: Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that affects 200 million people worldwide. Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are the major causative agents of this disease. Cancer-association and infertility-association in Schistosoma haematobium infection have already been described and it is known that the parasite produces a catechol-estrogen molecule that induces a hormonal imbalance in the host. Methods: In order to better understand the relation of hormonal imbalance in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection, we investigated a serum panel of steroid hormones in Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters. Results: We found a decrease in the serum levels of Estradiol (E2), Testosterone and Progesterone in infected females and an increase of Testosterone and a decrease in Progesterone in infected males in comparison with controls. Conclusion: These results indicate that S. mansoni alters the levels of steroid hormones in infected males and females and it will increase the repertoire of data about the host-parasite molecular interplay and its relation with the endocrine system.
- Schistosomiasis and Infertility: What Do We Know?Publication . Ribeiro, Ana Rita; Luis, Carla; Fernandes, Rúben; Botelho, Monica C.There is increasing attention on the complex interactions occurring between schistosome parasites and their hosts. However, little is known about the occurrence, epidemiology, and mechanisms of schistosomiasis-associated infertility. In this article, we argue that an in-depth understanding of the interplay between parasites and the host endocrine system may significantly enhance current knowledge of infertility in infected individuals. We discuss the basic hormonal mechanisms that may lead to the discovery of entirely novel anthelmintic interventions against schistosomiasis.
- The Cancer Hygiene Hypothesis: From Theory to Therapeutic HelminthsPublication . Fernandes, Rúben; Alves, Helena; Botelho, Monica C.Background: The “Hygiene Hypothesis” was postulated by David Strachan in 1989 to explain for the rapid 20th century increase in allergic diseases such as asthma. In this hypothesis, children from developed countries living in ultra-hygienic environments and avoiding exposure to viruses, bacteria, and parasites, especially helminthes, have an increased risk of atopic disorders. Materials & Methods: Research and online content related to cancer hygiene hypothesis is highlighted and to illustrate key themes. Guidelines for meaningful participation in DOC activities for people with diabetes, families, health care providers, and industry are provided. Results: The lack of worms leads to failure of stimulation of mucosal Th2 responses. These infections exert their effect through critically altering T-helper (Th)1/Th2 regulation, and it is postulated that, thus, they protect against atopy and asthma, through the induction of Th1 regulatory response. It is now also recognized that this “hygiene hypothesis” concept applies to a wider range of chronic inflammatory diseases than atopy and asthma, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer. Conclusion: Here we discuss the major implications of these findings for the association between microorganisms and cancer, and also between some immune pathologies, like autoimmune diseases, and cancer.