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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Delayed lethal response to Aspergillus fumigatus infection in sarcoma 180 tumor-bearing mice
Yoshio Okawa1, Yoshiko Murata, Masuko Suzuki
1The Second Department of Hygienic Chemistry, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Sendai Aoba-ku, Miyagi, 981-8558 Japan. okawa@tohoku-pharm.ac.jp
Abstract:
A longer survival and a decrease in the number of fungal cells in kidneys and brain were observed in groups of mice inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia 2-3 weeks (especially 3 weeks) after sarcoma 180 tumor transplantation compared to groups of non-tumor-bearing (control) mice inoculated with fungal cells only. The 3-4-week tumor-bearing mice had significantly decreased levels of serum iron and increased levels of unbound iron binding capacity in the serum compared to those of the non-tumor-bearing mice.
Insights
Mice with sarcoma 180 tumors showed longer survival and fewer Aspergillus fumigatus fungal cells. Tumor-bearing mice also had altered iron levels, suggesting a link between cancer and fungal infection resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Cancer Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Cancer can alter host immune responses.
- The interaction between cancer and fungal infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sarcoma 180 tumor transplantation on the course of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in mice.
- To examine the relationship between tumor burden, iron metabolism, and fungal dissemination.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia at varying times after sarcoma 180 tumor transplantation.
- Fungal burden in kidneys and brain was quantified.
- Serum iron levels and unbound iron binding capacity were measured in tumor-bearing and control mice.
Main Results:
- Mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumors for 2-3 weeks, particularly 3 weeks, exhibited significantly longer survival compared to non-tumor-bearing controls.
- A notable decrease in the number of fungal cells was observed in the kidneys and brain of tumor-bearing mice.
- Tumor-bearing mice (3-4 weeks) displayed significantly decreased serum iron and increased unbound iron binding capacity.
Conclusions:
- Sarcoma 180 tumor presence in mice enhances resistance to Aspergillus fumigatus infection, leading to improved survival and reduced fungal dissemination.
- Alterations in iron metabolism, specifically decreased serum iron and increased unbound iron binding capacity, are associated with this enhanced fungal resistance in tumor-bearing mice.
