Toxoplasmosis Gondii Infection and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Treated by Using Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells a Unique Case Report of a Caucasian 83 Year Old Lady

Abstract

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan responsible for up to one-third of the world's population infestation. Diabetes is one of the most silent and threatening disease of the modern time it is constantly increasing in both industrialized and developing countries. This is a case of clinically importance for two reason, firstly it will help clinicians save a broad differential diagnosis when attending to evaluate analogous cases and secondly, it may confirm the role of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PB-SCs) in enhancing auto-immune response against parasitic infection and in regulating insulin uptake in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).

Case presentation

We present a unique case of 83-year-old woman from Argentina presenting with a widespread erythema and urticaria for 5 months and DM2 as underlying condition. She was initially diagnosed with unspecific skin auto-immune disorder. By the time of visit she was complaining of constant diarrhea-constipation and general mental and physical fatigue.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that toxoplasmosis can present with just simple disseminated and generalized skin erythema with severe itching and, thus can be confused with similar infectious disease such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus, cat scratch disease or leishmaniasis. The report emphasizes the need of correct diagnostic procedure in confusing cases, and may help to increase the awareness about the identification of this disease. This case may open to the possibility of a different approach and methodology in treatment T gondii and DM2 through the use of PB-SCs.

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is a very hostile and exceptionally common intracellular protozoan parasite with one of the highest infestation rate among world’s population Fong MY,2010Taila et al., 2011. Transmission of T. gondii starts by ingestion of infected food or contaminated water containing cysts of the parasite, it can be transmissible through blood transfusion and organ transplant Masters, 2015Taila et al., 2011. However, in healthy subjects the infection is generally asymptomatic and can remain silent for years Fong MY, 2010. Manifested symptoms are similar to those of different infectious diseases such as EBV, varicella, mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, cat scratch disease or leishmaniaisis and can include lymphadenopathy, fever, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat and headache Fong MY, 2010. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can be of serious risks of malformation to fetus, neurological impairment, impaired vision even death Fong MY, 2010. In immunosuppressed individuals, the infection may trigger secondary disseminated infection in system leading to death Fong MY, 2010. Cutaneous manifestation of toxoplasmosis, however, is rarely encountered Fong MY,2010. Clinical presentation of T. gondii infection varies with the age and immune status of the patient. Roughly 10% of immune competent patients develop a non-specific and self-limiting illness most typically characterized by isolated cervical or occipital lymphadenopathy that may persist for less than four to six weeks Taila et al., 2011. The lymph nodes are usually unnoticeable, non-tender and are not exclusive for T. gondii diagnosis Fong MY, 2010Masters, 2015Taila et al., 2011. Rarely immune competent patients may develop some form of secondary infection such as myocarditis, polymyositis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, or encephalitis Fong MY, 2010Hoffman A, 2008Masters, 2015Taila et al., 2011. In general, after the acute phase, the infection will remain latent due to the presence of cysts within the tissues which does not manifest clinical symptoms Taila et al., 2011. Conversely, for immunocompromised patients, such as with HIV or common variable immunedeficiency (CVID) this parasite can be a serious life-threatening pathogen Porter and Sande, 1992. In this population, toxoplasmosis arises consequently to a reactivation of subtle chronic condition often affecting the central nervous system (CNS) Mrusek et al., 2004Porter and Sande,1992Shachor et al., 1984. T. gondii infection can be diagnosed via different types of screening, directly via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), hybridization, isolation, and histology and indirectly via serological methods Fong MY, 2010Hoffman A, 2008Liesenfeld et al., 2001Masters, 2015Mrusek et al., 2004Porter and Sande, 1992Shachor et al., 1984Taila et al., 2011. Immunocompetent patient are usually tested by indirect serological methods as it is faster and readily available; however, it is highly recommended that this screening for asymptomatic immunocompromised patients as well, for IgG antibodies to T. gondii, as this allows to recognize recurrence of latent infection Liesenfeld et al., 2001. It is generally accepted that the presence of high avidity antibodies is likely to indicate a more recent infection which might be happened during a period of past three to four months; on the other hand, low avidity antibodies tend to be present well after three months of infection indicating a past acquired infection Liesenfeld et al., 2001. PCR amplification of T. gondii genes (specifically, the B1 gene) can be performed on both fluids and tissue samples, which in optimal storage and handling condition would give a sensitivity rate no greater than 50% but would be highly specific Angel SO, 1997. Conventional therapy depends on immunity state of the patient. Pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid are usually used for both immunocompromised patients and immunocompetents with severe or recurrent signs of the infection Torre D, 1998. Duration of treatment varies from two to four months, depending on clinical signs and symptoms Torre D, 1998. Protocol indicates maintenance therapy to be commenced after the acute phase and should be based on half dose medication used during the acute phase. Kaplan and colleagues have suggested that this therapy should be continued until symptoms and immunology responses are resolved. Particular cases such as in HIV infected patients the therapy should be continued for the life Masur, 2002. Diabetes is a life persistent disorder affected by daily food intake, life-style, genetic predisposition, infection (Coxsackie B4 virus) and stress Shivanshankar M, 2011. The genetic element has been traced to particular HLA genotypes known as genetic "self" identifiers that closely depend on the immune system Shivanshankar M, 2011. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose accompanied by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficit Shivanshankar M, 2011. At the initial onset of the disease DM is managed by increasing exercise and diet, however over the time the condition steadily progresses thus medications are needed to control the elevation incidence of blood sugar Shivanshankar M, 2011. Cardiovascular diseases, ulcerative lesions, retinopathies and kidney failures are long-term complications from high blood sugar Shivanshankar M, 2011.

Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells can improve immunity response and can act against Diabetes type 2 progression

Though we did not anticipate such special effects as we started with the intention to treat skin allergic reaction, in this paper, we present a possible novel therapeutic strategy based on autologous PB-SCs in the treatment of parasitic infestation and DM2. In this case we obtained two main unexpected results, a particular improvement of a chronic parasitic infection of T. gondii and a complete remission of DM2 in an 83 year old woman. As previously established human peripheral blood revealed to have different sub-groups of pluripotent and multipotent stem cells that may represent a breakthrough in the field of regenerative medicine and immunological condition Gargiulo et al., 2015. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) was used to identify the expression of multipotent markers Oct4, Sox2, OCN, Nestin, Nanog and DMP Gargiulo et al., 2015. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that both adherent and non-adherent mononucleated cells were positive for a panel of mutipotency and pluripotency markers such as CD44, CD73, CD90, CD133, CD 34, CD45, CD14, Nestin, SSEA3 and Tra1 Di Nicola M, 2000. It quantified the presence of 14 hormones and, it measured the ability of hPB-SCs to secrete high level pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 and low level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNy and IL-2 Gargiulo et al., 2015. The immune- modulatory capacity of stem cells is a wellrecognized feature, autologous HSCs infusion following high-dose chemotherapy supported a longer disease- free survival in hematologic malignancies as well as solid tumors, and reported cases included non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma in relapse, acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma Attal et al., 1996Bezwoda et al., 1995Guillaume et al., 1999Humblet Y, 1987Philip et al., 1995Thierry G, 1992Zittoun et al., 1995. While the increased number of neutrophils and platelets is a crucial target in hematological recovery after intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, the recovery and the well-functioning of immune system is a fundamental goal in recovery a normal response against cancerous cells Thierry G, 1992.

The effective recovery of lymphoid and immune effector cells is a slow process, the restoration of regular humoral and cellular immunity may take more than a year Thierry G, 1992. Immune reconstitution involves the reconstruction of active B cells, a proliferation of thymic and extra-thymic T-cells, a reappearance of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and efficient antigen compartment crucial to rebuild the pre-transplantation immune condition Thierry G, 1992. The immediate phase following the stem cell transplant T CD4⁺ cells tend to decrease (due to a persistently low level of naive CD4⁺/CD45RA⁺ T cells) whilst there is an increase of CD8⁺ T cells, B cells also reduce in number Damiani et al., 2002. Patients’ antigen presenting cells (APC) such as dendritic cells (DCs) are influenced either numerally or functionally after SCs transplant as well Damiani et al., 2002Di Nicola M, 2000. Dendritic cells induce T cell activation by binding and presenting antigens to T cells Bachereau T, 1998].

Literature has presented cases where SCs have been used against parasitic infestation in animal models with very high promising results. Culture supernatant MSCs were found to inhibit activation and proliferation of macrophages enhanced by the soluble egg antigen of Schistosoma japonicum, whilst ameliorating liver injuries and fibrosis in mouse models Zhang et al., 2013. Injected MSCs into naïve mice showed to promote both host resistance and host protective immune responses against malaria by modulating regulatory T cells activity Zhang et al., 2013. The application of BM mononucleated cells in mouse models of Chagas disease showed to have double benefits activity, a clear protective anti-inflammatory activity controlling right ventricular dilatation and to reduce fibrosis insurgences Zhang et al., 2013. In regarding the use of SCs in the context of DM1-2 research and application, MSCs are sensibly the most widely used. MSCs have been induced to generate insulinproducing cells Karnieli et al., 2007, they have revealed a remarkable host immune-modulation Fiorina et al.,2009Madec et al., 2009, they showed amelioration of islet engraftment with longer survival rate Berman et al., 2010Ding et al., 2009 and, MSCs demonstrated an impressive curative effect on diabetic ulcers and limb ischemia Lu et al., 2011. In nonrandomized DM2 pilot trials bone marrow derived mononuclear cells inserted by intra-arterial injection through selective cannulation within pancreatic vasculature revealed high positive impact on metabolic control on reduction of insulin requirements and A1C values without adverse effects Bhansali et al., 2009Estrada et al., 2008. MSCs beneficial activity on diabetes is based on their capacity to generate insulinproducing cells (IPCs) Volarevic et al., 2010Volarevic et al., 2011Xie et al.,2009. These IPCs express multiple genes related to the development or function of pancreatic beta cells, including high expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, insulin and glucagon Xie et al., 2009. Koblas and colleagues, classify them in two concomitant groups of cells, CD133- positive pancreatic cells which contain endocrine progenitors capable of expressing neurogenin-3 and, cells expressing human telomerase, ABCG2, Oct-3/4, Nanog, and Rex-1 which carry markers of pluripotentency Koblas et al., 2008. Eventually results showed that these cells were highly proficient insulin producing cells in a glucose-dependent modus that led to amelioration of diabetic disorders in streptozotocin-treated nude mice Xie et al., 2009. Of note, data from different lines of studies seem to confirm the role of in vivohyperglycemia as a crucial element for MSCs differentiation into IPCs which exert a stabilizing effect on hyperglycemia in a diabetic models Volarevic et al., 2011.

Case Presentation

An 83-year-old lady, on cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetic type 2 medications, presented to her primary care physician with a history of persistent erythema and urticaria since few months. It was found that for one month prior to presentation, the patient hadnoticed multiple enlarged skin red patches, with small varicella like eruptions largely disseminated, no lymph nodes enlargement were noted. Patient was of South America heritage, but raised in the USA since her early 20’s. She had not had contact with infected individuals nor had she had any occupational exposure. A series of constitutional symptoms were reported such as constant diarrhea accompanied by constipation, blurry vision, mental and physical debilitation. A panel test was performed for the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, Gnothostoma and Toxocara with negative results. CBC test revealed Lymphopenia 1,29 10³/mm³ (normal range 1.50-4.00 mm³). Given these findings, the primary care physician prescribed a course of antihistaminic medication Telfast and Aerius for a total period of 4 months without valuable results.

Thus, the patient came to our clinic for re-evaluation. Symptoms got worse with more intense pruritus that increased during night time. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile with normal vital signs, abdomen was bloated and distended, lower right and left quadrant were sensitive on palpation, the entire body presented with round and elongated swollen reddish-pink patches extremely itching accompanied with small varicella like eruptions. This patient was clear and cognitively alert. A monospot VZV-DNA PCR test was performed and resulted negative for Varicella Zoster virus infection. Upon more thorough investigation, the patient indicated that approximately every day she was eating a diet rich in meat, starches and carbohydrates. Additional laboratory studies were ordered and showed a mild high Neutrophilia 75.1 % (normal range 45-70%), high Acid uric umol/L (normal range 150-420 umol/L), high Glucose 7.36 mmol/l (normal range 3.9-6.4 mmol/l) low Testosterone 0.139 ng/ml (normal range female 014-1.2 ng/ml), low globulin 24.2 g/l (normal range 25-35 g/l), Folate at limit low 7.3 ng/ml (normal range 3.1-20 ng/ml) and low Vitamin D 37.6 ng/ml (normal range 30-150 ng/ml), HbA1c 5.5% (normal range 4.1-6.5%), Glucose 7.36 mmol/L (normal range 3.9-6.4 mmol/L), C peptide 0.312 mmol/L (normal range 0.2-0.6 mmol/L), Insulin 8.12 mUI/L (normal range <20 mUI/L). At the moment of the visit she was under the antihistaminic medication Telfast and Aerius, Trajenda 5mg for diabetes, Lipitor 20 mg, Co.Diovan 80/12.5 mg, Herbesser R100 100mg and Aspirin 81mg. The patient was diagnosed with a non-specific chronic/acute allergic reaction and counseled regarding dietary habits and risk factors. A specific low glycemic index diet was suggested, and in accordance with the patient treatment with autologous PB-SCs were administered to ensure resolution of allergic/intolerance reaction. At the end of the treatment clinical symptoms as itching and erythematous rashes drastically decreased by 80%, her general health state improved and she was back to a normal active life. Immediately after the treatment we decided to perform a a new panel screen for parasite infestation by Elisa and, with our surprise results showed IgM negative and IgG positive with OD 1.319 for T gondii which confirmed that the patient has been recently infected, a month later the results showed negative for T gondii. RT-PCR has been performed on blood sample twice and results confirmed negative for T gondii infection. By the end of June diabetes marker levels revealed HbA1c 6%, C peptide 1.04 mmol/L, Glucose 5.95 mmol/L, Insulin 11.32 uU/ml. Additional test have been performed on her blood and stem cells after the treatment, by using Flow-cytometry (BD.FACS Canto II, 2-laser, 6-color) to assess her lymphocytic activity such as T cells CD3-CD4-CD8, B cells CD19, NK cells CD56-CD16, CD45, CD34 and CD14 ( Figure 1 , and Figure 2 ; and Table 2 , and Table 3 ).

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Figure 1. Flow-cytometry from patient’s peripheral blood sample after treatment (First time)

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Figure 2. Flow-cytometry from patient’s peripheral blood sample after treatment (Second time)

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Table 2.

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Table 3.

Treatment procedure and conclusion

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Isolation

Mononucleated cells were isolated from consented patient’s peripheral blood according to the guidelines of Helsinki Declaration. Mononucleated cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation using Ficoll- Paque™ PLUS (GE Healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden). A total of 10 blood samples (35ml each) were carefully layered 1:2 on Ficoll-Paque and centrifuged at 300g for 20 min at 20C°. The mononucleated cell layer, 4x10⁷, at the plasma-Ficoll interface, were aspired and was washed three times with phosphate buffered saline and cultured in 25T flasks with free serum medium containing 2% (v/v) penicillin-streptomycin at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 for a period of 7.3 days.

Suspension and adherent mononucleated cells were cultured in free serum medium (FSM-Life, Technology- CTS™-StemPro®, Canada). For both suspension and adherent mononucleated cells, the trypan blue exclusion assay was used to observe the proliferation of the cells. Before each transfusion samples were collected to be analyzed for bacteria, fungal and viral contamination. Cells were cultured for 7.3 days average, subsequently re-suspended adherent cells were collected and injected to patient ( Table 1 ).

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Table 1.

Conclusion

The present case was a very particular one where the patient presented with a very complicated scenario, old age, chronic inflammatory symptoms with erythema, purpura and constant itching accompanied by DM2, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia. The use of stem cells was initially used to modulate patient’s chronic inflammatory-allergic state as at the beginning we were completely unaware about her T gondii parasitic infection. Pluripotent and pluripotent stem cells such as ESCs, MSCs or HSCs are provided of low immunogenicity and immune-modulating properties conferred by their unique biological nature that can also be found secreted in their microenvironment acting on different cells of the immune system that protect them from cytotoxic effects Berman et al., 2010Ding et al., 2009Fiorina et al.,2009,36,37]. Intriguingly, flow-cytometry analysis on PB-SCs from the patient after the treatment have shown a strong presence of humoral immunity cells such as CD3, CD4 and CD8, CD19 and CD16 and CD56 cells. This would suggest that PB-SCs may exert a direct impact on the immune system cellular and humoral components development and mobility and that these cells may eventually contribute to the regeneration process of damaged tissues under an indirect influence of organized stem cells. Here, we raise up the feasible implication of autologous PB-SCs and their secreted factors via stimulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines reparative mechanisms, as also confirmed by a previous study conducted by our team Gargiulo et al., 2015. We highlight clinical implications that are amenable to immune-mediated regeneration such as parasite infection and metabolic disorders as DM2, suggesting more immune targeting strategies for both tissue regeneration and immune-modulation through the use of stem cells. However, we are well aware that many studies are needed to strongly establish the role of stem cells upon immune system cells in both allogeneic and autologous settings in long-term transplantation Aurora and Olson, 2014Nehlin et al., 2011.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editorin- Chief of this journal.