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Buendía-González FO, Cervantes-Candelas LA, Aguilar-Castro J, Fernández-Rivera O, Nolasco-Pérez TDJ, López-Padilla MS, Chavira-Ramírez DR, Cervantes-Sandoval A, Legorreta-Herrera M. DHEA Induces Sex-Associated Differential Patterns in Cytokine and Antibody Levels in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12549. [PMID: 37628731 PMCID: PMC10454633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most lethal parasitic disease worldwide; the severity of symptoms and mortality are higher in men than in women, exhibiting an evident sexual dimorphism in the immune response; therefore, the contribution of 17β-estradiol and testosterone to this phenomenon has been studied. Both hormones differentially affect several aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the precursor of both hormones and is the sexual steroid in higher concentrations in humans, with immunomodulatory properties in different parasitic diseases; however, the involvement of DHEA in this sexual dimorphism has not been studied. In the case of malaria, the only information is that higher levels of DHEA are associated with reduced Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the DHEA contribution to the sexual dimorphism of the immune response in malaria. We assessed the effect of modifying the concentration of DHEA on parasitemia, the number of immune cells in the spleen, cytokines, and antibody levels in plasma of CBA/Ca mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (P. berghei ANKA). DHEA differentially affected the immune response in males and females: it decreased IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 concentrations only in females, whereas in gonadectomized males, it increased IgG2a and IgG3 antibodies. The results presented here show that DHEA modulates the immune response against Plasmodium differently in each sex, which helps to explain the sexual dimorphism present in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Orlando Buendía-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Antonio Cervantes-Candelas
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
| | - Jesús Aguilar-Castro
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Omar Fernández-Rivera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Teresita de Jesús Nolasco-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Monserrat Sofía López-Padilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - David Roberto Chavira-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Armando Cervantes-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Aplicaciones Computacionales, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico;
| | - Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico; (F.O.B.-G.); (L.A.C.-C.); (J.A.-C.); (O.F.-R.); (T.J.N.-P.); (M.S.L.-P.)
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McCombe PA, Hardy TA, Nona RJ, Greer JM. Sex differences in Guillain Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and experimental autoimmune neuritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038411. [PMID: 36569912 PMCID: PMC9780466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) and its variants, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP and its variants, are regarded as immune mediated neuropathies. Unlike in many autoimmune disorders, GBS and CIDP are more common in males than females. Sex is not a clear predictor of outcome. Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is an animal model of these diseases, but there are no studies of the effects of sex in EAN. The pathogenesis of GBS and CIDP involves immune response to non-protein antigens, antigen presentation through non-conventional T cells and, in CIDP with nodopathy, IgG4 antibody responses to antigens. There are some reported sex differences in some of these elements of the immune system and we speculate that these sex differences could contribute to the male predominance of these diseases, and suggest that sex differences in peripheral nerves is a topic worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A. McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Pamela A. McCombe,
| | - Todd A. Hardy
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J. Nona
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Judith M. Greer
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Dehydroepiandrosterone exacerbates nigericin-induced abnormal autophagy and pyroptosis via GPER activation in LPS-primed macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:372. [PMID: 35440074 PMCID: PMC9018772 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a widely acknowledged FDA-approved dietary supplement or over-the-counter medicines, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory function. Pyroptosis is an important form of programmed cell death (PCD), and which acts a key role in the body's anti-infection and inflammatory responses. But the effects and mechanisms of DHEA on pyroptosis remain unclear. Here, we found that DHEA inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome components expression by blocking inflammatory signals in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed macrophages, and prevented the bacterial toxin nigericin (Nig)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. However, DHEA exacerbated NLRP3-independent cell death in Nig-treated inflammatory macrophages. During this process, DHEA induced the abnormal autophagy, which reflected as the blocking of autophagic flux and the accumulation of autophagy receptor p62 (SQSTM1) protein. In addition, DHEA caused a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in LPS plus Nig-stimulated macrophages but not in LPS-treated macrophages. Mechanistically, the present study certified that the activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) signal mediated the cell death induced by DHEA in Nig-stimulated inflammatory macrophages, as GPER specific inhibitor G15 alleviated the abnormal autophagy and ultimately prevented the gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis induced by DHEA. Collectively, DHEA can exacerbate Nig-induced abnormal autophagy and pyroptosis via activation of GPER in LPS-primed macrophages, which prompts us the potential application value of DHEA in anti-infection or anti-tumor immunity.
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Nyuykonge B, Lim W, van Amelsvoort L, Bonifaz A, Fahal A, Badali H, Abbastabar M, Verbon A, van de Sande W. Eumycetoma Causative Agents are Inhibited
in vitro
by Luliconazole, Lanoconazole and Ravuconazole. Mycoses 2022; 65:650-655. [PMID: 35398930 PMCID: PMC9321754 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Eumycetoma is a subcutaneous mutilating disease that can be caused by many different fungi. Current treatment consists of prolonged itraconazole administration in combination with surgery. In many centres, due to their slow growth rate, the treatment for eumycetoma is often started before the causative agent is identified. This harbours the risk that the causative fungus is not susceptible to the given empirical therapy. In the open‐source drug program MycetOS, ravuconazole and luliconazole were promising antifungal agents that were able to inhibit the growth of Madurella mycetomatis, the most common causative agent of mycetoma. However, it is currently not known whether these drugs inhibit the growth of other eumycetoma causative agents. Materials and methods Here, we determined the in vitro activity of luliconazole, lanoconazole and ravuconazole against commonly encountered eumycetoma causative agents. MICs were determined for lanoconazole, luliconazole and ravuconazole against 37 fungal isolates which included Madurella species, Falciformispora senegalensis, Medicopsis romeroi and Trematosphaeria grisea and compared to those of itraconazole. Results Ravuconazole, luliconazole and lanoconazole showed high activity against all eumycetoma causative agents tested with median minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.008–2 µg/ml, 0.001–0.064 µg/ml and 0.001–0.064 µg/ml, respectively. Even Ma. fahalii and Me. romeroi, which are not inhibited in growth by itraconazole at a concentration of 4 µg/ml, were inhibited by these azoles. Conclusion The commonly encountered eumycetoma causative agents are inhibited by lanoconazole, luliconazole and ravuconazole. These drugs are promising candidates for further evaluation as potential treatment for eumycetoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Nyuykonge
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dr Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Lim
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dr Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Lukas van Amelsvoort
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dr Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hamid Badali
- Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC) Communicable Diseases Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Mahdi Abbastabar
- Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC) Communicable Diseases Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dr Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Wendy van de Sande
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dr Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands
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Koperniku A, Garcia AA, Mochly-Rosen D. Boosting the Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase for the Treatment of Cancer, Infectious Diseases, and Inflammation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4403-4423. [PMID: 35239352 PMCID: PMC9553131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We present an overview of small molecule glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) inhibitors that have potential for use in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammation. Both steroidal and nonsteroidal inhibitors have been identified with steroidal inhibitors lacking target selectivity. The main scaffolds encountered in nonsteroidal inhibitors are quinazolinones and benzothiazinones/benzothiazepinones. Three molecules show promise for development as antiparasitic (25 and 29) and anti-inflammatory (32) agents. Regarding modality of inhibition (MOI), steroidal inhibitors have been shown to be uncompetitive and reversible. Nonsteroidal small molecules have exhibited all types of MOI. Strategies to boost the discovery of small molecule G6PD inhibitors include exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) for established inhibitors, employment of high-throughput screening (HTS), and fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) for the identification of new hits. We discuss the challenges and gaps associated with drug discovery efforts of G6PD inhibitors from in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo to in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Koperniku
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding Author: Ana Koperniku,
| | - Adriana A. Garcia
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Domínguez-Díaz LR, Eugenia Ochoa M, Soto-Castro D, Farfán N, Morales-Chamorro M, Yépez-Mulia L, Pérez-Campos E, Santillan R, Moreno-Rodríguez A. In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo short-term screening of DHEA nitrate derivatives activity over Trypanosoma cruzi Ninoa and TH strains from Oaxaca State, México. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 48:116417. [PMID: 34571489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a health problem that affects millions of persons, currently Nifurtimox (Nfx) and Benznidazole (Bz) are the unique drugs to treat it. However, these drugs produce adverse effects and high toxicity, which has motivated the search for new candidate drugs. Based on reports about the extensive biological activity of steroidal nitrate esters, in this study three nitrate esters steroids (1b, 2b and 4b) were synthetized and characterized from Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 1a), 19-hydroxy-DHEA (2a), and Androst-5-en-3β,17β-diol (4a), respectively. In addition, compounds 3a and 3b were obtained by introducing an α-ethynyl and a β-hydroxyl groups at position 17 of 2b and further nitration of the hydroxyl group. The trypanocidal activity of these steroids was evaluated in vitro against the epimastigote stage of two T. cruzi strains, Ninoa and TH, and their cytotoxicity over J774.2 macrophage cell line was assayed. Compounds 3a, 3b, and 4a shown higher trypanocidal activity than Bz and Nfx against epimastigotes of Ninoa strain, whereas DHEA (1a) and its nitrate derivative 1b showed higher activity than the reference drugs against the TH strain epimastigote. None of the compounds showed activity in the ex vivo assays against the blood trypomastigote of both strains. Interestingly, the selectivity index of Androst-5-en-3β,17β-diol 4a was almost twice the value of Nfx and 50 times more than Bz, against Ninoa and TH strains, respectively. Therefore, compound 4a could represent a valuable starting point toward the optimization of steroid derivatives as trypanocidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ma Eugenia Ochoa
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apdo. Postal 14-740, C.P. 07000 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Delia Soto-Castro
- CONACyT - Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Oaxaca, Hornos 1003, C.P. 71230, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Norberto Farfán
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Maricela Morales-Chamorro
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apdo. Postal 14-740, C.P. 07000 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Lilian Yépez-Mulia
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, C.P. 06720 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Campos
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico
| | - Rosa Santillan
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apdo. Postal 14-740, C.P. 07000 CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Adriana Moreno-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico.
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Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on the immune function of mice in vivo and in vitro. Mol Immunol 2019; 112:283-290. [PMID: 31228660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-regulating properties, while the mechanism of DHEA actions remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of DHEA on immune function of mice in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced experimental inflammation model was constructed to analyze the regulation of DHEA on anti-oxidative and immune function in ICR mice; In vitro, the effects of DHEA on the biological functions of lymphocytes and macrophages were studied. The results showed that DHEA increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, while it decreased the level of reactive oxygen species in LPS-induced mice. Meanwhile, DHEA increased the proportion of T lymphocytes and decreased that of B lymphocytes in primary cultured spleen lymphocytes, and markedly enhanced the Th1/Th2 ratio in spleen T lymphocytes. Furthermore, DHEA significantly increased the Th1 type cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-α) and decreased the Th2 type cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) levels in LPS-induced mice or in primary cultured spleen T lymphocytes. In addition, DHEA improved the phagocytic ability, enhanced the NO production and increased the iNOS activity in peritoneal macrophages. Our data indicates that DHEA increases the macrophages function via improving NO content and up-regulating TNF-α expression levels; and it evoked a Th1 immuno-response and repressed a Th2 immuno-response through promoting a shift in Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-dominant immunity in vivo and in vitro. These results provide substantial evidence on the mechanism of DHEA-mediated immune function and the efficient protection against infectious and inflammatory response in animals and humans.
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Haematological alterations in non-human hosts infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: a systematic review. Parasitology 2018; 146:142-160. [PMID: 30070181 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease whose spectrum has not been quite understood, including the impact of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the haematological parameters of different vertebrate hosts. Thus, this study was designed to compare the pattern of haematological changes induced by T. cruzi infection in order to identify possible species-specific differences among taxons. We also aimed at evaluating the use of this parameter as a tool for diagnosis during the acute phase, when symptoms are usually masked. For this purpose, we performed a systematic search on PubMed and Scopus databases to retrieve original studies published until August 2016. Thirty-one studies were selected using Prisma strategy, which were then submitted to data extraction and methodological bias analysis. Half of the studies showed that the number of erythrogram decreased in infected animals, indicating anaemia. In 68.2% of the studies, the total amount of leukogram values increased, suggesting infection. The main methodological limitations were insufficient information for T. cruzi strains identification, inoculation routes and parasitological characterization. Most of the mammalian species analysed showed the same pattern of haematological changes following T. cruzi infection, indicating that haematological parameters might direct the diagnosis of Chagas disease in the initial phase.
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Wu JF, Tsai WY, Tung YC, Chen HL, Ni YH, Hsu HY, Chang MH. Effect of menarche onset on the clinical course in females with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Pediatr 2014; 165:534-8. [PMID: 24973292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of menarche on the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in women. STUDY DESIGN Young women who are positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg; n = 101) chronically infected with genotypes B and C HBV were recruited at a mean age of 4.57 ± 3.08 years, and a mean follow-up duration of 23.98 ± 3.77 years. Clinical data, including age at menarche, HBV genotypes, serum HBV viral loads, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titers, and serial liver functional profiles were analyzed. RESULTS Women with earlier onset of menarche had earlier spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion than others (hazard ratio, 2.0; P = .02) adjusting for HBV genotype and peak alanine aminotransferase levels before HBeAg seroconversion. The annual decrease in HBsAg titer from 15 to 20 years of age also was greater in the early menarche group compared with the late menarche group (0.11 ± 0.11 vs 0.05 ± 0.11 log10 IU/mL, P = .04). The baseline HBV viral load was also borderline low in female subjects with earlier menarche as compared with others (P = .06). Earlier menarche onset was associated with higher spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion, HBsAg seroclearance, and HBsAg seroconversion rate before 15 years of age in females with chronic HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS Earlier puberty-onset, indicated by menarche-onset, was associated with earlier spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and greater rate of HBV clearance before 15 years of age in female subjects with chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Feng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tung
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Ling Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yuan Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Role of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level on the clearance of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:900-6. [PMID: 23728318 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-013-0831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and relevant host factors remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) on the clearance of chronic HBV infection. METHODS Two hundred and one hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic HBV-infected children (101 females) were recruited. Serum DHEAS levels were determined in all subjects at 15 years of age. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, DHEAS levels, HBV seromarkers, genotypes, and viral loads were included for analysis. RESULTS Subjects with serum DHEAS levels >3.6 μmol/L at midpuberty had earlier HBeAg seroconversion (median age, 14.7 vs. 18.2 years; HR, 1.9; P = 0.03), and the impact persisted even after adjusting for gender, HBV genotype, peak ALT levels, and viral load. Subjects with DHEAS levels >3.6 μmol/L at 15 years of age had more HBV viral titers decrement from 15 to 20 years of age (mean ± SD, 3.5 ± 2.5 vs. 1.2 ± 2.2 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.05) and shorter duration for HBeAg seroconversion than others (mean ± SD, 5.6 ± 4.4 vs. 9.2 ± 4.9 years; P = 0.02). Higher serum DHEAS levels at 15 years of age are also associated with greater hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titer decrement from 15 to 20 years of age (correlation coefficient = 0.45, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Higher serum DHEAS levels at midpuberty predicts more HBV viral load and HBsAg titer decrement from midpuberty to young adulthood. Higher serum DHEAS levels at midpuberty also correlate with younger age of spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in chronic genotype B and C HBV-infected patients.
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Prall SP, Muehlenbein MP. Testosterone and Immune Function in Primates: A Brief Summary with Methodological Considerations. INT J PRIMATOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-014-9752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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12
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A new parasiticidal compound in T. solium cysticercosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:505240. [PMID: 23509732 PMCID: PMC3591161 DOI: 10.1155/2013/505240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effect of 16α-bromoepiandrosterone (EpiBr), a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) analogue, was tested on the cysticerci of Taenia solium, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro treatment of T. solium cultures with EpiBr reduced scolex evagination, growth, motility, and viability in dose- and time-dependent fashions. Administration of EpiBr prior to infection with T. solium cysticerci in hamsters reduced the number and size of developed taenias in the intestine, compared with controls. These effects were associated to an increase in splenocyte proliferation in infected hamsters. These results leave open the possibility of assessing the potential of this hormonal analogue as a possible antiparasite drug, particularly in cysticercosis and taeniosis.
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Nava-Castro K, Hernández-Bello R, Muñiz-Hernández S, Camacho-Arroyo I, Morales-Montor J. Sex steroids, immune system, and parasitic infections: facts and hypotheses. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1262:16-26. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06632.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Bagnaresi P, Nakabashi M, Thomas AP, Reiter RJ, Garcia CRS. The role of melatonin in parasite biology. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 181:1-6. [PMID: 21982826 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Regarded as the circadian hormone in mammals, melatonin is a highly conserved molecule, present in nearly all species. In this review, we discuss the role of this indolamine and its precursors in the cell biology of parasites and the role of the molecule in the physiology of the host. In Plasmodium, melatonin can modulate intracellular concentrations of calcium and cAMP, which in turn can regulate kinase activity and cell cycle. In Trypanosoma infections, modulation of the immune system by melatonin is extremely important in controlling the parasite population. Melatonin also contributes to the inflammatory response to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Thus, there are a number of unique adaptations involving intricate connections between melatonin and the biology of the parasite-host relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Bagnaresi
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Gupta S, Igoillo-Esteve M, Michels PAM, Cordeiro AT. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of trypanosomatids: characterization, target validation, and drug discovery. Mol Biol Int 2011; 2011:135701. [PMID: 22091394 PMCID: PMC3196259 DOI: 10.4061/2011/135701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In trypanosomatids, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the first enzyme of the pentosephosphate pathway, is essential for the defense of the parasite against oxidative stress. Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania mexicana G6PDHs have been characterized. The parasites' G6PDHs contain a unique 37 amino acid long N-terminal extension that in T. cruzi seems to regulate the enzyme activity in a redox-state-dependent manner. T. brucei and T. cruzi G6PDHs, but not their Leishmania spp. counterpart, are inhibited, in an uncompetitive way, by steroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone and derivatives. The Trypanosoma enzymes are more susceptible to inhibition by these compounds than the human G6PDH. The steroids also effectively kill cultured trypanosomes but not Leishmania and are presently considered as promising leads for the development of new parasite-selective chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreedhara Gupta
- Research Unit for Tropical Diseases, de Duve Institute, TROP 74.39, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is the target for the trypanocidal action of human steroids. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 176:112-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Kuehn CC, Oliveira LGR, Santos CD, Augusto MB, Toldo MPA, do Prado JC. Prior and concomitant dehydroepiandrosterone treatment affects immunologic response of cultured macrophages infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro? Vet Parasitol 2010; 177:242-6. [PMID: 21255931 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
DHEA, a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol by cells of the adrenal cortex, plays an essential role in enhancing the host's resistance to different experimental infections. Receptors for this hormone can be found in distinct immune cells (especially macrophages) that are known to be the first line defense against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. These cells operate through an indirect pathway releasing nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such TNF-α and IL-12 which in turn trigger an enhancement of natural killer cells and lymphocytes which finally secrete pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The effects of pre- and post-infection DHEA treatment on production of IL-12, TNFα and NO were evaluated. T. cruzi infected macrophages post treated with DHEA displayed enhanced concentrations of TNF-α, IL-12 and NO. Probably, the mechanisms that induced the production of cytokines by infected cells are more efficient when the immune system has been stimulated first by parasite invasion, suggesting that the protective role of DHEA is greater when administered post infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Kuehn
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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18
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Domingues Santos C, Loria RM, Rodrigues Oliveira LG, Collins Kuehn C, Alonso Toldo MP, Albuquerque S, do Prado Júnior JC. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and benznidazole treatments during acute infection of two different Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Immunobiology 2010; 215:980-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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van de Sande WW, Fahal A, Tavakol M, van Belkum A. Polymorphisms in catechol-O-methyltransferase and cytochrome p450 subfamily 19 genes predispose towardsMadurella mycetomatis-induced mycetoma susceptibility. Med Mycol 2010; 48:959-68. [DOI: 10.3109/13693781003636680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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20
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Filipin MDV, Caetano LC, Brazão V, Santello FH, Toldo MPA, do Prado JC. DHEA and testosterone therapies in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected rats are associated with thymic changes. Res Vet Sci 2010; 89:98-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Revised: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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21
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Caetano LC, Brazão V, Filipin MDV, Santello FH, Toldo MPA, Caldeira JC, do Prado JC. Corticosterone evaluation in Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi during the chronic phase. Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:31-5. [PMID: 20599998 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for mediating the effects of stress on Trypanosoma cruzi infection is crucial for determining the full impact of stress on Chagas' disease and for devising effective interventions. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone synthesized from pregnenolone, is secreted by the adrenal cortex in response to stress. Although its physiologic role has not been fully defined, DHEA has been shown to modulate immune function. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of corticosterone and the ability of T. cruzi infection to modulate the expression of Th2 cytokines in Wistar rats with chronic Chagas' disease submitted to repetitive stress. The animals submitted to stress displayed enhanced levels of corticosterone as compared to control counterparts. Stress and infection triggered the most elevated concentrations of corticosterone. DHEA significantly reduced corticosterone levels for infected and stressed animals with DHEA. The infected animals displayed enhanced levels of IL-10 and IL-4 as compared to control ones. Stress combined with infection triggered the higher levels of IL-10 and IL-4. DHEA alone and combined with infection and stress significantly increased IL-10 and IL-4 levels. Then, this study might provide additional clues about factors that regulate some of the immunoregulatory aspects of T. cruzi infection and might offer new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leony Cristina Caetano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Immunomodulatory effects of zinc and DHEA on the Th-1 immune response in rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Immunobiology 2010; 215:427-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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Yan J, Greer JM, Hull R, O'Sullivan JD, Henderson RD, Read SJ, McCombe PA. The effect of ageing on human lymphocyte subsets: comparison of males and females. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2010; 7:4. [PMID: 20233447 PMCID: PMC2858100 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4933-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background There is reported to be a decline in immune function and an alteration in the frequency of circulating lymphocytes with advancing age. There are also differences in ageing and lifespan between males and females. We performed this study to see if there were differences between males and females in the frequency of the different lymphocyte subsets with age. Results Using flow cytometry we have examined different populations of peripheral blood leukocytes purified from healthy subjects with age ranging from the third to the tenth decade. We used linear regression analysis to determine if there is a linear relationship between age and cell frequencies. For the whole group, we find that with age there is a significant decline in the percentage of naïve T cells and CD8+ T cells, and an increase in the percentage of effector memory cells, CD4+foxp3+ T cells and NK cells. For all cells where there was an effect of ageing, the slope of the curve was greater for men than for women and this was statistically significant for CD8+αβ+ T cells and CD3+CD45RA-CCR7- effector memory cells. There was also a difference for naïve cells but this was not significant. Conclusion The cause of the change in percentage of lymphocyte subsets with age, and the different effects on males and females is not fully understood but warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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24
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Kuehn CC, Rodrigues Oliveira LG, Santos CD, Ferreira DS, Alonso Toldo MP, de Albuquerque S, do Prado JC. Melatonin and dehydroepiandrosterone combination: does this treatment exert a synergistic effect during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection? J Pineal Res 2009; 47:253-9. [PMID: 19732300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2009.00708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that melatonin or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances the immune response against parasitic pathogens. The present study investigated the in vitro activity of melatonin combined with DHEA in a period of 24 hr during the course of in vivo T. cruzi infection. The in vitro activity of melatonin or DHEA alone, as well as together, were tested for the trypomastigote forms (doses ranging from 0.5 to 128 microm). In vitro, neither melatonin nor DHEA alone had any activity against trypomastigote forms, although when the highest concentration of combined melatonin and DHEA was used, it was active against the trypomastigote forms of the parasite. However, for this concentration, a quite toxicity on peritoneal macrophages was observed. For in vivo evaluation, male Wistar rats were infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi. They were orally treated with 10 mg/kg body weight/day of melatonin and subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg body weight/day of DHEA. Treatment with melatonin, DHEA and the association showed a significant reduction in the number of blood trypomastigotes during the acute phase of infection as compared to untreated animals (P < 0.05). A significant increase in the number of macrophages and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were observed during the peak of parasitaemia with melatonin alone or combined with DHEA. However, with DHEA alone the highest concentration of NO was observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, DHEA treatment increased TNF-alpha levels during the infection (P < 0.05). These results show that melatonin, DHEA or the combination of both reduces parasitemia during the acute phase of infection. The combined action of both molecules did not exert a synergic action on the host's ability to fight infection, and it seems that among all treatments DHEA induces a more efficient immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Kuehn
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto FCFRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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25
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Oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) increases in vitro lymphocyte function and improves in vivo response of pigs to immunization against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and ovalbumin. Int Immunopharmacol 2009; 9:1342-6. [PMID: 19646552 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 07/19/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study tested the hypothesis that the oral administration of DHEAS enhances the in vitro and the in vivo immune response of young pigs. Crossbred, female pigs (80 days of age; 49+/-2 kg) were separated into two treatment groups (n=4/treatment) receiving either 0mg/kg (control) or 1mg/kg DHEAS twice daily (DHEAS) for 5 weeks. On day 7 pigs were immunized against KLH and ovalbumin. Body weight increased weekly throughout the study but did not differ between treatment groups. While white blood cell counts increased in response to immunization but did not differ between treatments, the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio was enhanced (P<0.05) in DHEAS-supplemented pigs. Concanavalin A (ConA) induced an in vitro dose-dependent increase (P<0.05) in lymphocyte proliferation, but treatment did not affect proliferation prior to immunization. However, lymphocytes isolated from DHEAS-supplemented pigs displayed a greater increase in proliferation following immunization relative to control pigs (P<0.05). Dexamethasone (DEX) attenuated ConA-induced lymphocyte proliferation, with DHEAS-supplemented pigs retaining a greater proliferative response relative to control pigs (P<0.05). Serum IgG concentrations and relative concentrations of antigen-specific IgG increased after immunization with maximum values attained at 21 and 28 days for control and DHEAS-supplemented pigs, respectively. The DHEAS-supplemented pigs had greater (P<0.05) concentrations of IgG and relative concentrations of antigen-specific IgG compared to control pigs. Collectively these data suggest DHEAS supplementation increases the responsiveness of young pigs to antigenic challenge, and may be beneficial for improving their immune function.
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26
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Caetano LC, Santello FH, Del Vecchio Filipin M, Brazão V, Caetano LN, Toldo MPA, Caldeira JC, do Prado JC. Trypanosoma cruzi: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and immune response during the chronic phase of the experimental Chagas’ disease. Vet Parasitol 2009; 163:27-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2009] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Inhibition of Trypanosoma brucei glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by human steroids and their effects on the viability of cultured parasites. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:2483-9. [PMID: 19231202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is known as an intermediate in the synthesis of mammalian steroids and a potent uncompetitive inhibitor of mammalian glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), but not the enzyme from plants and lower eukaryotes. G6PDH catalyzes the first step of the pentose-phosphate pathway supplying cells with ribose 5-phosphate, a precursor of nucleic acid synthesis, and NADPH for biosynthetic processes and protection against oxidative stress. In this paper we demonstrate that also G6PDH of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is uncompetitively inhibited by DHEA and epiandrosterone (EA), with K(i) values in the lower micromolar range. A viability assay confirmed the toxic effect of both steroids on cultured T. brucei bloodstream form cells. Additionally, RNAi mediated reduction of the G6PDH level in T. brucei bloodstream forms validated this enzyme as a drug target against Human African Trypanosomiasis. Together these findings show that inhibition of G6PDH by DHEA derivatives may lead to the development of a new class of anti-trypanosomatid compounds.
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28
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Trypanosoma cruzi: Effects of adrenalectomy during the acute phase of experimental infection. Exp Parasitol 2008; 120:10-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2007] [Revised: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Vacchina P, Valdéz RA, Gómez Y, Revelli S, Romano MC. Steroidogenic capacity of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 111:282-6. [PMID: 18640275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2007] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
American Trypanosomiasis is caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and affects millions of persons causing variable degrees of digestive and heart disturbances. As far as we concerned, T. cruzi capacity to synthesize steroid hormones has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the capacity of T. cruzi trypomastigotes to transform tritiated steroid precursors into androgens and estrogens. The T. cruzi Tulahuén strain was obtained from mice blood. The trypomastigotes were cultured for 6 and 24h in Dulbbeco's modified Eagle's medium plus FCS and antibiotics. Tritiated dehydroepiandrosterone or androstendione were added to the culture media and parasites were incubated for 6 or 24h. The cultures were centrifuged and ether extracted. The steroids were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) in two solvent systems. After incubation with 3H-androstenedione, T. cruzi trypomastigotes synthesized 3H-testosterone (T), 3H-17beta-estradiol (E2) and 3H-estrone (E1). Metabolism of 3H-DHEA by the parasites yielded 3H-androstendione and 3H-androstendiol at 6h of incubation. The recrystallization procedure further demonstrated the 3H-androstendiol and 3H-17beta-estradiol syntheses. Results indicate for the first time that T. cruzi trypomastigotes produce androgens and estrogens when incubated in the presence of steroid precursors and suggest the presence of active parasite steroidogenic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vacchina
- Instituto de Inmunologia, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNR, Rosario, Argentina
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30
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Filipin MDV, Brazão V, Caetano LC, Santello FH, Toldo MPA, Caetano LN, do Prado JC. Trypanosoma cruzi: orchiectomy and dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in infected rats. Exp Parasitol 2008; 120:249-54. [PMID: 18700143 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Revised: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The ability of gonadal hormones to influence and induce diverse immunological functions during the course of a number of parasitic infections has been extensively studied in the latest decades. Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate are the most abundant steroid hormones secreted by the human adrenal cortex and are considered potent immune-activators. The effects of orchiectomy on the course of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in rats, treated and untreated with DHEA were examined, by comparing blood and cardiac parasitism, macrophage numbers, nitric oxide and IFN-gamma levels. Orchiectomy enhanced resistance against infection with elevated numbers of macrophages, enhanced concentrations of NO and IFN-gamma and reduced amastigote burdens in heart when compared to control animals. DHEA replacement exerted a synergistic effect, up-modulating the immune response. Male sex steroids appear to play fundamental role in determining the outcome of disease, through the regulation and modulation of the activity of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Del Vecchio Filipin
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto FCFRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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31
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Santos CD, Toldo MPA, Levy AMA, Prado JC. Trypanosoma cruzi: Effects of social stress in Calomys callosus a natural reservoir of infection. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:197-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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32
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Trypanosoma cruzi: The effects of zinc supplementation during experimental infection. Exp Parasitol 2008; 118:549-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Revised: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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33
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Lourenço AM, Levy AMA, Caetano LC, Carraro Abrahão AA, Prado JCD. Influence sexual dimorphism on the persistence of blood parasites in infected Calomys callosus. Res Vet Sci 2008; 85:515-21. [PMID: 18328516 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gender has long been known to be a contributory factor in the incidence and progression of disorders associated with immune system disregulation. The aims of this experiment were to verify the influences of sexual dimorphism on the persistence of blood parasites out of the acute phase of infection. Male and female Calomys callosus were separated and infected with two strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, and let age until 120 days. Xenogiagnostic, culture of organs and blood, histopathology and lytic antibody percentages were evaluated on late chronic phase. Xenodiagnosis, hemoculture and lytic antibody percentages were positive from 45 until 120 days. For both strains in adrenal and heart, amastigote burdens were present until 45 days, scarcely found on 60 days and absent on 120 days. Steroid hormones, although having a protective role, does not enable animals to get completely rid of the infection. Even without showing apparent signs of pathological unbalance, parasites persists, hidden throughout the host's body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Maria Lourenço
- Laboratório de Xenodiagnóstico, Instituto de Cardiologia Dante Pazzanese, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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34
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Santos CD, Toldo MPA, Santello FH, Filipin MDV, Brazão V, do Prado Júnior JC. Dehydroepiandrosterone increases resistance to experimental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. Vet Parasitol 2008; 153:238-43. [PMID: 18337011 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2007] [Revised: 01/20/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances immune responses against a wide range of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. In a previous study, we reported that administration of DHEA significantly decreased the numbers of blood parasites in Trypanosoma cruzi experimental infection. The present study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of DHEA in reducing the severity of acute phase T. cruzi infection of male and female Wistar rats. Animals were treated subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg body weight/day of DHEA. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was determined in spleen peritoneal cavity. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were determined in the sera of uninfected and infected animals. DHEA treatment augments NO production for both sexes after in vitro LPS treatment for uninfected animals. Infection triggered enhanced NO levels although not significant. IL-2 and IFN-gamma were detectable in higher concentrations in treated and infected rats of both genders when compared to untreated controls. These data suggest that DHEA may have a potent immunoregulatory function that can affect the course of T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Domingues Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Santos CD, Prado JC, Toldo MPA, Levy AMA, Franci CR, Caldeira JC. Trypanosoma cruzi: Plasma corticosterone after repetitive stress during the acute phase of infection. Exp Parasitol 2007; 117:405-10. [PMID: 17644090 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2006] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An increased level of plasma corticosterone is one manifestation of severe environmental or physiologic stress. The stress response mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is already known to suppress immunoglobulin production and to impair immune function, but there are few studies relating stress and plasma corticosterone to the outcome of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In this study, male Wistar rats were infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi and then subjected to repetitive stress by exposure to ether vapor for 1min twice a day during the acute phase of infection. Stressed animals showed decreased lytic antibody activity and lowered levels of peritoneal macrophages. Despite an increase in the weight of the spleen, histological analyses demonstrated tissue alterations, the presence of amastigote nests, and a complete absence of activated lymphoid follicles. These results suggest that stress-induced increases in plasma corticosterone can suppress the immune response and worsen tissue injury during the acute phase of T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla D Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto FCFRP-USP, Brazil.
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Vargas-Villavicencio JA, Larralde C, Morales-Montor J. Treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone in vivo and in vitro inhibits reproduction, growth and viability of Taenia crassiceps metacestodes. Int J Parasitol 2007; 38:775-81. [PMID: 18082750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to explore the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the establishment, growth and reproduction of the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Taenia crassiceps, both in vivo and in vitro. Administration of DHEA prior to infection in mice of both sexes reduced the parasite load by 50% compared with untreated mice. This protective effect was not associated with the immune response, since there was no effect of DHEA treatment on mRNA levels of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 or IL-10. DHEA treatment of infected mice increased androgen receptor expression in splenocytes of both sexes. Moreover, in vitro treatment of T. crassiceps with DHEA reduced reproduction, motility and viability in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Results indicate that DHEA has strong negative direct modulatory effects on murine cysticercosis. We suggest the use of hormonal-analogues for protective purposes as a therapeutic approach to prevent murine cysticercosis.
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Gironès N, Carrasco-Marin E, Cuervo H, Guerrero NA, Sanoja C, John S, Flores-Herráez R, Fernández-Prieto L, Chico-Calero I, Salgado H, Carrión J, Fresno M. Role of Trypanosoma cruzi autoreactive T cells in the generation of cardiac pathology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1107:434-44. [PMID: 17804572 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1381.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects several million people in Central and South America. About 30% of chronic patients develop cardiomyopathy probably caused by parasite persistence and/or autoimmunity. While several cross-reactive antibodies generated during mammal T. cruzi infection have been described, very few cross-reactive T cells have been identified. We performed adoptive transfer experiments of T cells isolated from chronically infected mice. The results showed the generation of cardiac pathology in the absence of parasites. We also transferred cross-reactive SAPA-specific T cells and observed unspecific alterations in heart repolarization, cardiac inflammatory infiltration, and tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Gironès
- Centro de Biología Molecular, CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
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Santos CD, Toldo MPA, Levy AMA, Kawasse LM, Zucoloto S, do Prado JC. Dehydroepiandrosterone affects Trypanosoma cruzi tissue parasite burdens in rats. Acta Trop 2007; 102:143-50. [PMID: 17560841 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2006] [Revised: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the predominant steroid hormone produced by adrenal glands has significant effects on the immune system. DHEA enhances immune responses against a wide range of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DHEA treatment during the acute phase of experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Male and female Wistar rats were infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi and treated subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg body weight/day of DHEA. Myocardial parasitism and inflammation were always present in the heart during the acute phase, in male and female infected animals, regardless of DHEA treatment, but the numbers of amastigote nests in cardiomyocytes were significantly lower in DHEA-treated rats. At the end of the acute phase, the nests became rare or virtually absent in all experimental infections. Histological analysis of the adrenal glands showed that treated males displayed an absence of parasites. DHEA treatment also resulted in reduced parasitisim of heart and adrenal glands, as indicated by fewer and smaller amastigote burdens, and less inflammatory infiltrate and tissue disorganization. DHEA treatment also resulted in thymic atrophy as measured both by reduced weight and by a reduction in the number of cultured activated thymocytes. In vitro analysis showed the number of activated macrophages was higher in treated animals. Antibody levels were monitored by complement-mediated lysis. Higher titers were observed in females when compared to males; but DHEA treatment enhanced the percentage of lysis for both sexes. These findings suggest that DHEA can play a role in the control of parasite multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Domingues Santos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto FCFRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Santello FH, Frare EO, dos Santos CD, Toldo MPA, Kawasse LM, Zucoloto S, do Prado JC. Melatonin treatment reduces the severity of experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. J Pineal Res 2007; 42:359-63. [PMID: 17439552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2007.00427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies show that melatonin enhances the immune response. This study investigated the possible therapeutic effects of melatonin during the course of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. T. cruzi-infected male Wistar rats were orally treated with 5 mg/kg body weight/day of melatonin. Animals treated with melatonin showed a significant reduction in the number of blood trypomastigotes during the acute phase of infection compared with untreated animals (P<0.05). A significant increase in leucocytes numbers during the peak of parasitaemia was also observed (P<0.05). Moreover, both prior and concomitant treatment with melatonin increased interleukin-2 levels, especially 9 days postinfection (P<0.05). Histopathological observations of heart tissue revealed that melatonin administration also resulted in fewer and smaller amastigote burdens, and less inflammatory infiltrate and tissue disorganization, indicating a reduced parasitism of this tissue. These results show that melatonin is effective in controlling parasite replication and suggest that melatonin might serve as an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of American trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrícia Helena Santello
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto FCFRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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