Increase of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Decrease of MCP-1 and Some Updated Epidemiology Aspects of Cystic Echinococcosis Human Cases in Calabria Region

We aim to investigate some of the pathogenetic mediators of the humanechinococcosis and to obtain updated epidemiological findings on cases ofechinococcosis in Calabria, Southern Italy. Echinococcosis diagnosis was based onimaging, serological investigations, and molecular assay. Indeed, real-time PCRindicated the presence of G2/G3 genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus complex.Regarding pathogenesis, a relevant novel tool of immune depression should bedeemed the reduced level of serum MCP-1. Also, we found a previously unreportedVEGF, possibly associated with neovascularization requested by the parasite cyst metabolism. Cytokine profiles suggest a bias of the immunity toward Th2 and Treg responses. Nitric oxide levels exhibited a significant decrease one week aftertherapy versus basal level measured before surgery and/or chemotherapy. Anincrease of serum total IgE class and IgG4 subclass was found inEchinococcus-positive patients versus controls. Our data demonstrated an endemic spreading, at least in the province of Catanzaro and neighboring Calabriaterritories, for such parasitosis with the novel issue of the number of femaleovercoming male cases. In conclusion, the novel findings of this study were theincreased VEGF and the reduced serum MCP-1 in the studied cases, as well as thenumber of Echinococcus-infected females overcoming the infected males.