Transcriptome changes of liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini in diabetic hamsters

A recent study in hamsters showed that infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini in diabetic hosts worsens the severity of hepatobiliary disease. However, the effects of diabetes on the worm’s phenotype and gene expression pattern remain unknown. This study investigated the impact of diabetes on the global gene expression and development of O. viverrini in diabetic hamsters. Parasitological parameters were assessed, and mRNA sequencing with bioinformatic analysis was performed. The study revealed that worm establishment rates in diabetic hamsters were directly correlated with fasting plasma glucose levels. Interestingly, worms collected from diabetic hosts exhibited stunted growth and reduced egg production. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant alterations in gene expression, with 4314 and 567 differentially expressed genes at 21- and 35-days post-infection, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis highlighted changes in biological processes related to stress response, metabolism, and cellular organization. Notably, genes associated with parasite virulence, including granulin, tetraspanins, and thioredoxins, showed significant upregulation in diabetic hosts. These findings demonstrate the profound impact of host diabetic status on O. viverrini development and gene expression, providing insights into the complex interplay between host metabolism and parasite biology, including molecular adaptations of O. viverrini in hosts. This study contributes to our understanding of opisthorchiasis in the context of metabolic disorders and may inform future strategies for disease management in diabetic human populations.