TWiP 248: Toxoplasma reduces Alzheimer's disease

[@wolpumba4099]

*TWiP 248: Toxoplasma Reduces Alzheimer's Disease* * *0:00** Introduction and Fundraising:* The episode begins with a fundraising appeal for MicrobeTV, emphasizing the importance of science communication in combating misinformation. * *5:49** Science Under Siege:* Discussion about the concerning rise of anti-science sentiments, exemplified by the nomination of unqualified individuals to key health positions. * *9:40** Alzheimer's Disease Introduction:* The discussion transitions to Alzheimer's disease, outlining the prevailing theories about its cause: amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and inflammation. Alzheimer's is a growing global problem, likely linked to the aging population. * *17:00** Toxoplasma gondii and Alzheimer's:* The core topic is introduced: a study showing *Toxoplasma gondii* infection reduces amyloid plaque density in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. It's noted that *T. gondii* infects a significant portion of the human population. * *17:58** T. gondii Prevalence and Alzheimer's Correlation:* While *T. gondii* is prevalent, there's no known correlation between *T. gondii* infection and protection from Alzheimer's in humans. No studies have examined Alzheimer's pathology in *T. gondii*-positive humans. * *22:55** Infecting People with T. gondii:* Ethical concerns arise about the possibility of infecting people with *T. gondii* as a potential Alzheimer's treatment, particularly considering the potential risks. * *24:40** Toxoplasma gondii Biology Overview:* A detailed explanation of *T. gondii*'s life cycle, transmission (ingestion of raw meat or oocysts), and its ability to infect various cell types is provided. The parasite's remarkable survival tactics, including bradyzoite formation, are highlighted. * *33:48** Humans as Accidental Hosts:* Humans are generally a dead-end host for *T. gondii*, except in rare cases like scavenging or congenital transmission. * *35:59** Mouse Model Details:* The specific mouse model used in the study is discussed - a transgenic mouse overexpressing a mutant human amyloid protein. The limitations of mouse models are acknowledged, as are the variable effects of different *T. gondii* strains. * *41:22** Mice and Cats:* An interesting aside explains how *T. gondii* infection affects mouse behavior, making them less fearful of cats and thus promoting transmission. * *43:19** Study Methods:* The study infected 12-week-old mice intraperitoneally with *T. gondii* or a saline placebo. Six weeks post-infection, amyloid plaque density was measured in different brain regions. * *44:48** Study Results (Figure 1 and 2):* The study found a significant reduction in amyloid plaque density in *T. gondii*-infected mice, both globally and in specific brain regions associated with behavior and sensory functions. * *48:04** Discussion of Human Application:* The discussion emphasizes the lack of human data and the ethical challenges of translating these mouse findings to human trials. The timing of infection and its potential impact on treatment efficacy are also discussed. * *51:04** Potential Therapeutic Approaches:* The possibility of identifying specific *T. gondii* proteins or mechanisms responsible for amyloid reduction is raised as a less ethically fraught approach. * *53:17** Temperature-Sensitive Mutants:* Using temperature-sensitive mutants of *T. gondii* for human trials is suggested as a way to control the infection if needed. * *56:25** Hero: Theodor Hiepe:* The "hero" segment focuses on Theodor Hiepe, a German veterinary parasitologist who contributed significantly to parasite control in livestock. His work on *Eimeria* (a coccidian parasite) and integrated parasite control strategies is highlighted. I used gemini-exp-1121 on rocketrecap dot com to summarize the transcript. Cost (if I didn't use the free tier): $-0.0303 Input tokens: 29407 Output tokens: 848

[@gbst]

My aunt was a crazy cat lady. She was never diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but looking backward in time (40+ years) she did show the signs. My parents cleaned her house and complained that it was a mess of cat urine and poop (and dead cats). It probable that my aunt was regularly exposed to toxoplasmosis. -- Not good science, but here is an example (potential) toxo infection not being protective of (potential) Alzheimer's.

[@maryiced3931]

I pretty sure inflammation plays a huge role in many diseases. We need a Manhattan style project to research and study gut health. I think all diseases lead to gut health.

[@brendabrenner2891]

Yes, stem from gut /brain

[@hopeforescape884]

I have not watched the video yet, but the title is absolutly fascinating. I would have hypothesized the opposite to be true. Things like HHV1, HHV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, etc. and periodontal disease all increase the risk of dementia, through what seems like chronic CNS, head and face inflamation. So hearing that Toxoplasmosis does the opposite is crazy.

[@wendyfrith3407]

When I was a kid, I was so appalled by the idea of parasites that in biology class, if the subject came up, I would literally block my ears and hum to myself. I wonder why I’m so entranced now, especially as I’m not a scientist at all. It’s like snorkeling without really understanding anything about the marine life all around me (or those millions of viruses in every quart of seawater), but enjoying just looking. Thanks for the good tutoring. I enjoy just listening.

[@jaimibyrnes6187]

Thank you! This was a wonderful explanation for one of your lay followers❤

[@spamletspamley672]

Here in the UK, I should think that anyone who has mown a lawn must have both Toxoplasm *and* Toxicara! Yeuk! But, from what I've seen, in modern skyscraper cities, people don't let cats outside, so there'a always a nasty smell of cat poo, and cat's paws spreading it on all surfaces. :( I once saw a photo of a bobcat sitting on top of a very tall, very spiny, cactus. That's probably as close as you want to get to a cat, if you don't want Toxoplasma!! :X)

[@lisajones1091]

Christina, I love your glasses. Thanks for the science talk.

[@spamletspamley672]

The infected mice losing their fear of cats might be like the MAGA fans having no fear of The Snake...

[@saliksayyar9793]

Daniel is getting younger looking and slimmer! 😊

[@sqlsmarty4325]

Thanks!

[@nutrinutbob]

You guys are missing a little something when it comes to transmission of toxoplasma. That's the fact that toxo infected infective strongyloides can carry the toxo to new hosts. .

[@machomalli]

Wow! Toxoplasmosis and Alzheimer's, it's awesome! Gonna listen to whole now!

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

@@machomalli wow ! Mice and Altzheimer ?

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Was used in old veterinary medicine ,,fixation abces,, to increase fagocitosis ?

[@WauwieF]

Talk about a hijacked episode by Dickson. And wasn't there a paper about Alzheimer's somewhere? Hmm, I can only remember Toxo.

[@KathiTrujillo-kn6qn]

I wonder if they could have used deactivated T. gondii also as a control? Maybe heat treated?

[@spamletspamley672]

Nice that you let Dickson roam free again this week. Keep it up.(y)

[@dorothycharginghawk1244]

Dumb question. Our deer do interact with cats-especially our urban deer. (( I suppose a few small deer are eaten by bobcats and lynx- and the very occasional cougar. )) And most Minnesotans eat deer !! Does Toxoplasmosis replicate in deer the way they do in sheep ??

[@HarryJensen-kr4qz]

Off subject, any information on walking pneumonia sweeping the country? Maybe a good supplement or something?

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Did hiperimmunisation increase risk of secondary amyloidosis ?

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Maybe amyloid stain like starch( amidon )?

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Did parasitic infestation increase fagocitosis ?

[@saliksayyar9793]

Next time have a neurologist Sky burial is ancient platform widespread in Eurasia and exposure at an elevation for bird and other scavengers. Currently it is practiced by Zoroastrians.

[@traianliviudanciu8665]

Maybe mice ,,lie,, again ? And maybe not only mice ?😅