# Immunoendocrine Profiles in Neurocysticercosis Patients: A Case-Control Study in Honduras

## TL;DR

This study found hormonal and immune changes in people with neurocysticercosis in Honduras, suggesting the parasite may manipulate the host's body to survive.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence of immunoendocrine alterations in NCC patients, suggesting parasite manipulation of host physiology.

## Key findings

- NCC patients had higher levels of E2, P4, A4, LH, FSH, IL-6, and IL-10 compared to controls.
- Free testosterone and DHT levels were significantly lower in NCC patients.
- Findings support the idea that T. solium manipulates host immunoendocrine pathways.

## Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that certain cestodes, including Taenia solium, may actively modulate the host’s hormonal and immune environment to facilitate their survival. This study aimed to determine whether patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis (NCC) exhibit immunoendocrine alterations associated with infection. A clinical study was conducted in Honduras, enrolling 11 adult NCC patients (9 female, 2 male) and 11 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of seven hormones and two cytokines were evaluated. Compared to controls, NCC patients showed significantly elevated levels of 17β-Estradiol (E2), Progesterone (P4), Androstenedione (A4), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Conversely, Free testosterone (FT) and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were significantly reduced. These findings support the hypothesis that T. solium may manipulate host immunoendocrine pathways to promote its establishment and persistence within the central nervous system.