Investigation of the Role of Galanin, NF-κB, and TLR-2 in Patients Infected with Entamoeba histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica infection is considered a major intestinal health challenge worldwide, particularly in populations with limited access to integrated healthcare services. This study focuses on the neuro-immune interaction during infection by measuring the levels of the neuropeptide Galanin, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) as inflammatory biomarkers. The study was conducted in Al Anbar from October 2, 2025, to January 31, 2026. A total of 204 stool specimens were collected from patients attending Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Women & Children Hospital, and private laboratories. The parasite was identified and confirmed using microscopic examination. Forty-three infected patients were enrolled in the study and compared to a control of 20 healthy individuals. Serum biomarker levels were quantitatively assessed using the ELISA technique. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a significant difference between the patient and control (p < 0.01), with mean Galanin levels reaching 792.05 pg/ml. Additionally, TLR-2 and NF-κB levels were significantly elevated and showed strong correlations with Galanin levels. A positive correlation was also observed between NF-κB and TLR-2 (r = 0.36), indicating an interdependent regulatory relationship; however, no correlation was observed between Galanin and TLR-2, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms. These findings establish that E. histolytica infection triggers a systemic pathway involving TLR-2 activation and NF-κB, which recruits a neuroimmune response characterized by increased Galanin. This study provides valuable scientific data regarding the use of these biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools for assessing disease severity and monitoring the clinical progression of amoebic diseases .