Differential apoptosis in BeWo cells after infection with highly (RH) or moderately (ME49) virulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii is related to the cytokine profile secreted, the death receptor Fas expression and phosphorylated ERK1/2 expression.

[congenital toxoplasmosis]

Alterations of apoptosis are commonly associated with pregnancy complications and abortion . Modulation of apoptosis is a relevant feature of Toxoplasma gondii infection and it is related to parasite strain types . The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible factors that are involved in the differential apoptosis of BeWo cells infected with distinct T . gondii strain types .Human trophoblastic cells (BeWo cell line ) were infected with RH or ME 49 strains , the cytokine production was measured and the phosphorylation of anti-apoptotic ERK 1 /2 protein was analyzed . Also , cells were treated with different cytokines , infected with RH or ME 49 strain , and analyzed for apoptosis index and Fas /CD 9 5 death receptor expression .M E 49 -infected BeWo cells exhibited a predominantly pro-inflammatory cytokine profile , whereas cells infected with RH strain had a higher production of anti-inflammatory cytokines . Also , the incidence of apoptosis was higher in ME 49 -infected cells , which have been treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to cells infected with RH and treated with anti-inflammatory cytokines . Moreover , Fas /CD 9 5 expression was higher in cells infected with either ME 49 or RH strain and treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to anti-inflammatory cytokine treatment . The phosphorylation of ERK 1 /2 protein increased after 24 h of infection only with the RH strain .These results suggest that opposing mechanisms of interference in apoptosis of BeWo cells after infection with RH or ME 49 strains of T . gondii can be associated with the differential cytokine profile secreted , the Fas /CD 9 5 expression and the phosphorylated ERK 1 /2 expression .