1
|
Resveratrol and Curcumin for Chagas Disease Treatment—A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050609. [PMID: 35631435 PMCID: PMC9143057 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected protozoan infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects about 7 million people worldwide. There are two available drugs in therapeutics, however, they lack effectiveness for the chronic stage—characterized mainly by cardiac (i.e., cardiomyopathy) and digestive manifestations (i.e., megaesophagus, megacolon). Due to the involvement of the immuno-inflammatory pathways in the disease’s progress, compounds exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity seem to be effective for controlling some clinical manifestations, mainly in the chronic phase. Resveratrol (RVT) and curcumin (CUR) are natural compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their cardioprotective effect have been proposed to have benefits to treat CD. Such effects could decrease or block the progression of the disease’s severity. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of RVT and CUR in animal and clinical research for the treatment of CD. The study was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and it was registered on PROSPERO (CDR42021293495). The results did not find any clinical study, and the animal research was analyzed according to the SYRCLES risk of bias tools and ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines. We found 9 eligible reports in this study. We also discuss the potential RVT and CUR derivatives for the treatment of CD as well.
Collapse
|
2
|
Pedra-Rezende Y, Barbosa JMC, Bombaça ACS, Dantas-Pereira L, Gibaldi D, Vilar-Pereira G, Dos Santos HAM, Ramos IP, Silva-Gomes NL, Moreira OC, Lannes-Vieira J, Menna-Barreto RFS. Physical Exercise Promotes a Reduction in Cardiac Fibrosis in the Chronic Indeterminate Form of Experimental Chagas Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712034. [PMID: 34804007 PMCID: PMC8599157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease and a health problem in Latin America. Etiological treatment has limited effectiveness in chronic CD; thus, new therapeutic strategies are required. The practice of physical exercises has been widely advocated to improve the quality of life of CD patients. The most frequent clinical CD manifestation is the chronic indeterminate form (CIF), and the effect of physical exercises on disease progression remains unknown. Here, in a CIF model, we aimed to evaluate the effect of physical exercises on cardiac histological, parasitological, mitochondrial, and oxidative metabolism, electro and echocardiographic profiles, and immunological features. To establish a CIF model, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were infected with 100 and 500 trypomastigotes of the Y T. cruzi strain. At 120 days postinfection (dpi), all mouse groups showed normal PR and corrected QT intervals and QRS complexes. Compared to BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice showed a lower parasitemia peak, mortality rate, and less intense myocarditis. Thus, C57BL/6 mice infected with 500 parasites were used for subsequent analyses. At 120 dpi, a decrease in cardiac mitochondrial oxygen consumption and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected. When we increased the number of analyzed mice, a reduced heart rate and slightly prolonged corrected QT intervals were detected, at 120 and 150 dpi, which were then normalized at 180 dpi, thus characterizing the CIF. Y-infected mice were subjected to an exercise program on a treadmill for 4 weeks (from 150 to 180 dpi), five times per week in a 30–60-min daily training session. At 180 dpi, no alterations were detected in cardiac mitochondrial and oxidative metabolism, which were not affected by physical exercises, although ROS production increased. At 120 and 180 dpi, comparing infected and non-infected mice, no differences were observed in the levels of plasma cytokines, indicating that a crucial biomarker of the systemic inflammatory profile was absent and not affected by exercise. Compared with sedentary mice, trained Y-infected mice showed similar parasite loads and inflammatory cells but reduced cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, our data show that physical exercises promote beneficial changes that may prevent CD progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Pedra-Rezende
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana M C Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina S Bombaça
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Brasileiro de Medicina de Reabilitação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hílton Antônio Mata Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Análise e Desenvolvimento de Inibidores Enzimáticos e Laboratório Multiusuário de Análises por RMN, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isalira Peroba Ramos
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natália Lins Silva-Gomes
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacilio C Moreira
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Impact of the Ca 2+-Independent Phospholipase A 2β (iPLA 2β) on Immune Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040577. [PMID: 33920898 PMCID: PMC8071342 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) is a member of the PLA2 family that has been proposed to have roles in multiple biological processes including membrane remodeling, cell proliferation, bone formation, male fertility, cell death, and signaling. Such involvement has led to the identification of iPLA2β activation in several diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular abnormalities, glaucoma, periodontitis, neurological disorders, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. More recently, there has been heightened interest in the role that iPLA2β plays in promoting inflammation. Recognizing the potential contribution of iPLA2β in the development of autoimmune diseases, we review this issue in the context of an iPLA2β link with macrophages and T-cells.
Collapse
|
4
|
Roffe E, Dos Santos LI, Santos MO, Henriques PM, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Rocha MOC, Eloi-Santos SM, Correa-Oliveira R, Antonelli LRV. Increased frequencies of circulating CCR5 + memory T cells are correlated to chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy progression. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:641-652. [PMID: 31087713 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.ma1118-472r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease in Latin America and an imported emerging disease worldwide. Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), a progressive inflammatory and fibrosing disease, is the most prominent clinical form of Chagas disease, culminating in heart failure and high rates of sudden death. CCC pathogenesis is influenced by both host and parasite factors and is proposed to be mostly immune-driven. Chemokines are crucial players in orchestrating immune cell recruitment to infected tissues and inflammation. Herein, we investigated inflammatory chemokine receptor expression on circulating T cells in patients stratified by CCC severity. Compared to asymptomatic individuals, we found increased percentages of effector CD4+ T cells and central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CCR5 in patients with structural cardiopathy, but normal global ventricular function and no symptoms of chronic heart failure. Even naïve T cells expressed CCR5 in these patients. In contrast, reduced frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cells expressing CXCR3 were observed in patients presenting with severe heart disease. Patients with increased left ventricular diameter, heart enlargement, and insufficiency had higher frequencies of CCR5+ effector and effector memory CD8+ T cells. Moreover, the percentage of effector CCR5+ CD8+ T cells was increased in patients with a reduced ejection fraction. Our results show that high expression CCR5 and low expression of CXCR3 on circulating T cells are associated with worse prognosis, possibly reflecting immune-mediated cardiac remodeling of CCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Roffe
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luara I Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maykon O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscilla M Henriques
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andrea Teixeira-Carvalho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Olindo A Martins-Filho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Manoel O C Rocha
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Silvana M Eloi-Santos
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Propedêutica Complementar, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lis R V Antonelli
- Laboratório de Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hernández M, Wicz S, Santamaría MH, Corral RS. Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective effects through amelioration of NFAT-dependent endothelin-1 production in mice with acute Chagas cardiomyopathy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e180171. [PMID: 30020318 PMCID: PMC6048587 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties of curcumin (Cur), a natural polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, are increasingly considered to have beneficial effects on the progression of Chagas heart disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of oral therapy with Cur on T. cruzi-mediated cardiovasculopathy in acutely infected mice and analyse the in vitro response of parasite-infected human microvascular endothelial cells treated with this phytochemical. METHODS Inflammation of heart vessels from Cur-treated and untreated infected mice were analysed by histology, with benznidazole (Bz) as the reference compound. Parasitaemia was monitored by the direct method. Capillary permeability was visualised by Evans-blue assay. Myocardial ET-1, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expressions were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells were infected in vitro with or without addition of Cur or Bz. Induction of the Ca2+/NFAT pathway was assessed by fluorometry, immunoblotting, and reporter assay. FINDINGS Oral Cur therapy of recently infected mice reduced inflammatory cell infiltration of myocardial arteries without lowering parasite levels. Compared to that of the phosphate-buffered saline-receiving group, hearts from Cur-treated mice showed significantly decreased vessel inflammation scores (p < 0.001), vascular permeabilities (p < 0.001), and levels of IL-6/TNF-α (p < 0.01) and ET-1 (p < 0.05) mRNA. Moreover, Cur significantly (p < 0.05 for transcript; p < 0.01 for peptide) downregulated ET-1 secretion from infected HMEC-1 cells. Remarkably, Cur addition significantly (p < 0.05 at 27.0 μM) interfered with T. cruzi-dependent activation of the Ca2+/NFATc1 signalling pathway that promotes generation of inflammatory agents in HMEC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Oral treatment with Cur dampens cardiovasculopathy in acute Chagas mice. Cur impairs the Ca2+/NFATc1-regulated release of ET-1 from T. cruzi-infected vascular endothelium. These findings identify new perspectives for exploring the potential of Cur-based interventions to ameliorate Chagas heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matías Hernández
- Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Susana Wicz
- Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Miguel H Santamaría
- Centro de Estudios Metabólicos, Laboratorio de Biología Experimental, Santander, Spain
| | - Ricardo S Corral
- Hospital de Niños Dr Ricardo Gutiérrez, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas, Servicio de Parasitología-Chagas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shrestha D, Bajracharya B, Paula-Costa G, Salles BC, Leite ALJ, Menezes APJ, Souza DM, Oliveira LA, Talvani A. Expression and production of cardiac angiogenic mediators depend on the Trypanosoma cruzi-genetic population in experimental C57BL/6 mice infection. Microvasc Res 2016; 110:56-63. [PMID: 27956355 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cardiac cells are important targets to the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The inflammatory reaction in the host aims at eliminating this parasite, can lead to cell destruction, fibrosis and hypoxia. Local hypoxia is well-defined stimulus to the production of angiogenesis mediators. Assuming that different genetic T. cruzi populations induce distinct inflammation and disease patterns, the current study aims to investigate whether the production of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators is a parasite strain-dependent condition. C57BL/6 mice were infected with the Y and Colombian strains of T. cruzi and euthanized at the 12th and 32nd days, respectively. The blood and heart tissue were processed in immune assays and/or qPCR (TNF, IL-17, IL-10, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCR2, CCR5 and angiogenic factors VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2) and in histological assays. The T. cruzi increased the inflammatory and angiogenic mediators in the infected mice when they were compared to non-infected animals. However, the Colombian strain has led to higher (i) leukocyte infiltration, (ii) cardiac TNF and CCL5 production/expression, (iii) cardiac tissue parasitism, and to higher (iv) ratio between heart/body weights. On the other hand, the Colombian strain has caused lower production and expression VEGF, Ang-1 and Ang-2, when it was compared to the Y strain of the parasite. The present study highlights that the T. cruzi-genetic population defines the pattern of angiogenic/inflammatory mediators in the heart tissue, and that it may contribute to the magnitude of the cardiac pathogenesis. Besides, such assumption opens windows to the understanding of the angiogenic mediator's role in association with the experimental T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deena Shrestha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Débora Ms Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Brazil
| | - Laser Am Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Brazil
| | - André Talvani
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biomas Tropicais, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Doxycycline and Benznidazole Reduce the Profile of Th1, Th2, and Th17 Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Cardiac Tissue from Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Dogs. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:3694714. [PMID: 27688600 PMCID: PMC5023831 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3694714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines (CKs) and chemokine receptors (CKR) promote leukocyte recruitment into cardiac tissue infected by the Trypanosoma cruzi. This study investigated the long-term treatment with subantimicrobial doses of doxycycline (Dox) in association, or not, with benznidazole (Bz) on the expression of CK and CKR in cardiac tissue. Thirty mongrel dogs were infected, or not, with the Berenice-78 strain of T. cruzi and grouped according their treatments: (i) two months after infection, Dox (50 mg/kg) 2x/day for 12 months; (ii) nine months after infection, Bz (3,5 mg/kg) 2x/day for 60 days; (iii) Dox + Bz; and (iv) vehicle. After 14 months of infection, hearts were excised and processed for qPCR analysis of Th1 (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11), Th2 (CCL1, CCL17, CCL24, and CCL26), Th17 (CCL20) CKs, Th1 (CCR5, CCR6, and CXCR3), and Th2/Th17 (CCR3, CCR4, and CCR8) CKR, as well as IL-17. T. cruzi infection increases CCL1, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, CCL17, CXCL10, and CCR5 expression in the heart. Dox, Bz, or Dox + Bz treatments cause a reversal of CK and CKR and reduce the expression of CCL20, IL-17, CCR6, and CXCR3. Our data reveal an immune modulatory effect of Dox with Bz, during the chronic phase of infection suggesting a promising therapy for cardiac protection.
Collapse
|
8
|
Pereira IR, Vilar-Pereira G, Silva AAD, Lannes-Vieira J. Severity of chronic experimental Chagas' heart disease parallels tumour necrosis factor and nitric oxide levels in the serum: models of mild and severe disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 109:289-98. [PMID: 24937048 PMCID: PMC4131780 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart tissue inflammation, progressive fibrosis and electrocardiographic alterations
occur in approximately 30% of patients infected by Trypanosoma
cruzi, 10-30 years after infection. Further, plasma levels of tumour
necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO) are associated with the degree of heart
dysfunction in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). Thus, our aim was to establish
experimental models that mimic a range of parasitological, pathological and cardiac
alterations described in patients with chronic Chagas’ heart disease and evaluate
whether heart disease severity was associated with increased TNF and NO levels in the
serum. Our results show that C3H/He mice chronically infected with the Colombian
T. cruzi strain have more severe cardiac parasitism and
inflammation than C57BL/6 mice. In addition, connexin 43 disorganisation and
fibronectin deposition in the heart tissue, increased levels of creatine kinase
cardiac MB isoenzyme activity in the serum and more severe electrical abnormalities
were observed in T. cruzi-infected C3H/He mice compared to C57BL/6
mice. Therefore, T. cruzi-infected C3H/He and C57BL/6 mice represent
severe and mild models of CCC, respectively. Moreover, the CCC severity paralleled
the TNF and NO levels in the serum. Therefore, these models are appropriate for
studying the pathophysiology and biomarkers of CCC progression, as well as for
testing therapeutic agents for patients with Chagas’ heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Resende Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mice with Genetic Deletion of Group VIA Phospholipase A2β Exhibit Impaired Macrophage Function and Increased Parasite Load in Trypanosoma cruzi-Induced Myocarditis. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1137-1142. [PMID: 26857573 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01564-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is associated with intense inflammation during the acute and chronic phases. The pathological progression of Chagas disease is influenced by the infiltration and transmigration of inflammatory cells across the endothelium to infected tissues, which are carefully regulated processes involving several molecular mediators, including adhesion molecules and platelet-activating factor (PAF). We have shown that PAF production is dependent upon calcium-independent group VIA phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) following infection of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) with T. cruzi, suggesting that the absence of iPLA2β may decrease the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the heart to manage parasite accumulation. Cardiac endothelial cells isolated from iPLA2β-knockout (iPLA2β-KO) mice infected withT. cruzi demonstrated decreased PAF production compared to that by cells isolated from wild-type (WT) mice but demonstrated increases in adhesion molecule expression similar to those seen in WT mice. Myocardial inflammation in iPLA2β-KO mice infected with T. cruzi was similar in severity to that in WT mice, but the iPLA2β-KO mouse myocardium contained more parasite pseudocysts. Upon activation, macrophages from iPLA2β-KO mice produced significantly less nitric oxide (NO) and caused lessT. cruzi inhibition than macrophages from wild-type mice. Thus, the absence of iPLA2β activity does not influence myocardial inflammation, but iPLA2β is essential forT. cruzi clearance.
Collapse
|
10
|
Penitente AR, Leite ALJ, de Paula Costa G, Shrestha D, Horta AL, Natali AJ, Neves CA, Talvani A. Enalapril in Combination with Benznidazole Reduces Cardiac Inflammation and Creatine Kinases in Mice Chronically Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:976-82. [PMID: 26350447 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi triggers an inflammatory process in mammalian heart causing events such as fibrosis, changes in the architecture and functionality in this organ. Enalapril, an angiotensin II-converting enzyme inhibitor, is a drug prescribed to ameliorate this heart dysfunction, and appears to exert a potential role in immune system regulation. Our aim was to evaluate the chronic cardiac inflammatory parameters after therapeutic treatment with enalapril and benznidazole in C57BL/6 mice infected with the VL-10 strain of T. cruzi. After infection, animals were treated with oral doses of enalapril (25 mg/kg), benznidazole (100 mg/kg), or both during 30 days. Morphometric parameters and levels of chemokines (CCL2, CCL5), IL-10, creatine kinases (CKs), and C-reactive protein were evaluated in the heart and serum at the 120th day of infection. Enalapril alone or in combination with benznidazole did not change the number of circulating parasites, but reduced cardiac leukocyte recruitment and total collagen in the cardiac tissue. Interestingly, the combination therapy (enalapril/benznidazole) also reduced the levels of chemokines, CK and CK-MB, and C-reactive proteins in chronic phase. In conclusion, during the chronic experimental T. cruzi infection, the combination therapy using enalapril plus benznidazole potentiated their immunomodulatory effects, resulting in a low production of biomarkers of cardiac lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlete Rita Penitente
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Luísa Junqueira Leite
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Paula Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Deena Shrestha
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline Luciano Horta
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Antônio J Natali
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clóvis A Neves
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andre Talvani
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Higyno PMS, Mendes PF, Miranda MBD, Pereira DE, Mota APL, Nogueira KDOPC, Caldas IS, Moura SADL, Menezes CADS. Vasoactive intestinal peptide reduces the inflammatory profile in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2015; 159:72-8. [PMID: 26358268 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has gained great prominence because of its therapeutic potential, which is ascribed to its ability to regulate innate immunity, inhibit antigen-specific Th1 cell responses, and generate T regulatory cells. Additionally, VIP may act as a natural antimicrobial peptide, killing bacteria, fungi, and infective forms of Trypanosoma brucei. Despite the possible relevance of VIP during the course of Chagas disease, studies regarding this in human and experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infections remain poorly characterized. In this work, we evaluated the effects of VIP on systemic and cardiac immune responses during experimental acute infection. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 5000 trypomastigotes of the VL-10 strain of T. cruzi and treated with intraperitoneal VIP injection every other day for one month. After 30 days, we observed no reduction in parasitemia levels. However, we observed a reduction in serum levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 and an increase in that of IL-4. These data suggest that VIP treatment modified immune responses to favor the Th2 response, which had no impact on parasitemia levels although the serum level of IFN-gamma was reduced. However, this change in immune balance reduced heart damage, as noted by the smaller cardiac volume and the moderate inflammatory infiltrate observed in VIP-treated mice. Our results indicate that VIP treatment reduced the inflammatory response at the cardiac site of mice that were experimentally infected with T. cruzi. These data suggest a protective role for VIP in the heart of infected mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pulchéria Maria Silva Higyno
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Priscila Fagundes Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Marina Barcelos de Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Dario Elias Pereira
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Lucas Mota
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Katiane de Oliveira Pinto Coelho Nogueira
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Ivo Santana Caldas
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, CEP: 37130-000, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aparecida de Lima Moura
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro S/N, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP: 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Alves da Silva Menezes
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pentoxifylline reverses chronic experimental Chagasic cardiomyopathy in association with repositioning of abnormal CD8+ T-cell response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003659. [PMID: 25789471 PMCID: PMC4366205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the main clinical sign of Chagas disease, is associated with systemic CD8+ T-cell abnormalities and CD8-enriched myocarditis occurring in an inflammatory milieu. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has immunoregulatory and cardioprotective properties. Here, we tested PTX effects on CD8+ T-cell abnormalities and cardiac alterations using a model of experimental Chagas’ heart disease. Methodology/Principal Findings C57BL/6 mice chronically infected by the Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi strain and presenting signs of CCC were treated with PTX. The downmodulation of T-cell receptors on CD8+ cells induced by T. cruzi infection was rescued by PTX therapy. Also, PTX reduced the frequency of CD8+ T-cells expressing activation and migration markers in the spleen and the activation of blood vessel endothelial cells and the intensity of inflammation in the heart tissue. Although preserved interferon-gamma production systemically and in the cardiac tissue, PTX therapy reduced the number of perforin+ cells invading this tissue. PTX did not alter parasite load, but hampered the progression of heart injury, improving connexin 43 expression and decreasing fibronectin overdeposition. Further, PTX reversed electrical abnormalities as bradycardia and prolonged PR, QTc and QRS intervals in chronically infected mice. Moreover, PTX therapy improved heart remodeling since reduced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and restored the decreased LV ejection fraction. Conclusions/Significance PTX therapy ameliorates critical aspects of CCC and repositioned CD8+ T-cell response towards homeostasis, reinforcing that immunological abnormalities are crucially linked, as cause or effect, to CCC. Therefore, PTX emerges as a candidate to treat the non-beneficial immune deregulation associated with chronic Chagas' heart disease and to improve prognosis. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the main clinical manifestation of Chagas disease (CD), a neglected illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. More than hundred years after its discovery, CD continues to be a public health problem and millions of chronically infected people wait for an effective treatment. Chagasic cardiomyopathy is associated with CD8+ T-cell-enriched myocarditis, fibrosis and cardiac electrical and structural abnormalities, frequently progressing to heart failure. Presently, the available therapies only mitigate symptoms of CCC. Abnormalities in CD8+ T-cell compartment are present in CCC patients. Recently, we described the importance of CD8+ T-cells in the pathogenesis of CCC. Therefore, our proposal was to interfere with abnormalities of CD8+ T-cells glimpsing a better prognosis for CCC. Using PTX, an affordable drug with immunomodulatory properties on T-cells and cardioprotective effects in non-infections disease, we bring a therapeutic candidate for treating CCC. PTX therapy downmodulated detrimental CD8+ T-cells and promoted T. cruzi-specific interferon-gamma-producing T-cells. Importantly, chronic chagasic electrical and echocardiographic alterations were reversed by PTX therapy. Future studies may test the use of PTX combined with trypanocidal drug or as a vaccine adjuvant to improve the quality of life of chronic CD patients.
Collapse
|
13
|
Botoni FA, Ribeiro ALP, Marinho CC, Lima MMO, Nunes MDCP, Rocha MOC. Treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:849504. [PMID: 24350293 PMCID: PMC3857751 DOI: 10.1155/2013/849504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease (ChD), caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), was discovered and described by the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas in 1909. After a century of original description, trypanosomiasis still brings much misery to humanity and is classified as a neglected tropical disease prevalent in underdeveloped countries, particularly in South America. It is an increasing worldwide problem due to the number of cases in endemic areas and the migration of infected subjects to more developed regions, mainly North America and Europe. Despite its importance, chronic chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) pathophysiology is yet poorly understood, and independently of its social, clinical, and epidemiological importance, the therapeutic approach of CCC is still transposed from the knowledge acquired from other cardiomyopathies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to describe the treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy with emphasis on its peculiarities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A. Botoni
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais, 30150 260 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio Luiz P. Ribeiro
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Maria Oliveira Lima
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Vale do Mucuri e Jequitinhonha, 39100 000 Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira Nunes
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Manoel Otávio C. Rocha
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30130 100 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Molina-Berríos A, Campos-Estrada C, Lapier M, Duaso J, Kemmerling U, Galanti N, Leiva M, Ferreira J, López-Muñoz R, Maya JD. Benznidazole prevents endothelial damage in an experimental model of Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2013; 127:6-13. [PMID: 23529066 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of benznidazole on endothelial activation in a murine model of Chagas disease. METHODS A low (30mg/kg/day) and a high (100mg/kg/day) dose of benznidazole were administered to mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi during the early phases of the infection. The effects of the treatments were assessed at 24 and 90 days postinfection by evaluating the parasitaemia, mortality, histopathological changes and expression of ICAM in the cardiac tissue. The blood levels of thromboxane A2, soluble ICAM and E-selectin were also measured. T. cruzi clearance was assessed by the detection of parasite DNA in the heart tissue of infected mice. RESULTS Benznidazole decreased the cardiac damage induced by the parasite, and amastigote nests disappeared at 90 days postinfection. Both doses cleared the parasite from the cardiac tissue at 24 and 90 days postinfection. In addition, benznidazole decreased the thromboxane levels and normalized the plasma sICAM and sE-selectin levels by 90 days postinfection. CONCLUSIONS Early administration of benznidazole at a dose as low as 30mg/kg eradicates T. cruzi from cardiac tissue. Additionally, benznidazole prevents cardiac damage and modulates endothelial activation as part of its antichagasic activity.
Collapse
|
15
|
Molina-Berríos A, Campos-Estrada C, Lapier M, Duaso J, Kemmerling U, Galanti N, Ferreira J, Morello A, López-Muñoz R, Maya JD. Protection of vascular endothelium by aspirin in a murine model of chronic Chagas' disease. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2731-9. [PMID: 23681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Chagas' disease affects 10-30 % of patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, and it mainly manifests as cardiomyopathy. Important pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the cardiac lesions include activation of the endothelium and induced microvascular alterations. These processes involve the production of endothelial adhesion molecules and thromboxane A2, which are involved in inflammatory cell recruitment and platelet aggregation, respectively. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as aspirin decrease thromboxane production and alter the course of Chagas' disease, both in the acute and chronic phases. We studied the effects of the administration of low and high doses of aspirin during the early phase of T. cruzi infection, following microvascular damage in the context of a chronic murine model of Chagas' disease. The effects of both schedules were assessed at 24 and 90 days postinfection by evaluating parasitemia, mortality, and cardiac histopathological changes as well as the expression of ICAM, VCAM, and E-selectin in cardiac tissue. Thromboxane A2, soluble ICAM, and E-selectin blood levels were also measured. While aspirin did not affect parasitemia or mortality in the infected mice, it decreased both cardiac inflammatory infiltrates and thromboxane levels. Additionally, at 90 days postinfection, aspirin normalized sICAM and sE-selectin levels. Considering the improved endothelial function induced by aspirin, we propose the possibility of including this drug in clinical therapy to treat chronic Chagas' disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Molina-Berríos
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Silva RR, Shrestha-Bajracharya D, Almeida-Leite CM, Leite R, Bahia MT, Talvani A. Short-term therapy with simvastatin reduces inflammatory mediators and heart inflammation during the acute phase of experimental Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 107:513-21. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000400012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andre Talvani
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto; Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vasconcelos JR, Bruña–Romero O, Araújo AF, Dominguez MR, Ersching J, de Alencar BCG, Machado AV, Gazzinelli RT, Bortoluci KR, Amarante-Mendes GP, Lopes MF, Rodrigues MM. Pathogen-induced proapoptotic phenotype and high CD95 (Fas) expression accompany a suboptimal CD8+ T-cell response: reversal by adenoviral vaccine. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002699. [PMID: 22615561 PMCID: PMC3355083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC class Ia-restricted CD8+ T cells are important mediators of the adaptive immune response against infections caused by intracellular microorganisms. Whereas antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells can clear infection caused by intracellular pathogens, in some circumstances, the immune response is suboptimal and the microorganisms survive, causing host death or chronic infection. Here, we explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms that could explain why CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity during infection with the human protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is not optimal. For that purpose, we compared the CD8+ T-cell mediated immune responses in mice infected with T. cruzi or vaccinated with a recombinant adenovirus expressing an immunodominant parasite antigen. Several functional and phenotypic characteristics of specific CD8+ T cells overlapped. Among few exceptions was an accelerated expansion of the immune response in adenoviral vaccinated mice when compared to infected ones. Also, there was an upregulated expression of the apoptotic-signaling receptor CD95 on the surface of specific T cells from infected mice, which was not observed in the case of adenoviral-vaccinated mice. Most importantly, adenoviral vaccine provided at the time of infection significantly reduced the upregulation of CD95 expression and the proapoptotic phenotype of pathogen-specific CD8+ cells expanded during infection. In parallel, infected adenovirus-vaccinated mice had a stronger CD8 T-cell mediated immune response and survived an otherwise lethal infection. We concluded that a suboptimal CD8+ T-cell response is associated with an upregulation of CD95 expression and a proapoptotic phenotype. Both can be blocked by adenoviral vaccination. Killer lymphocytes are important mediators of the immunological resistance against infections caused by virus, bacteria and parasites. In some circumstances, however, these lymphocytes are unable to properly eliminate the microorganisms which survive, causing death or establishing chronic infections. The purpose of our study was to understand why these killer cells do not succeed during infection with a human protozoan parasite. For that purpose, we compared the immune responses in animals infected or vaccinated. Many characteristics of these killer cells were similar. Among few exceptions was an accelerated immune response in vaccinated animals when compared to infected ones. Also, we observed on the surface of the killer lymphocytes from infected, but not from vaccinated animals, an increased expression of a protein involved in signaling cell death. Most importantly, vaccine significantly reduced the higher expression of this cell-death receptor. In parallel, these animals had a stronger immune response and cured infection. We concluded that a deficient killer cell response observed during infection was associated with an upregulation of this cell-death receptor and it was changed by vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Ronnie Vasconcelos
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oscar Bruña–Romero
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriano F. Araújo
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana R. Dominguez
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonatan Ersching
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna C. G. de Alencar
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo T. Gazzinelli
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karina R. Bortoluci
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo P. Amarante-Mendes
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela F. Lopes
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio M. Rodrigues
- Centro de Terapia Celular e Molecular (CTCMol), Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Subdominant/cryptic CD8 T cell epitopes contribute to resistance against experimental infection with a human protozoan parasite. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22011. [PMID: 21779365 PMCID: PMC3136500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During adaptive immune response, pathogen-specific CD8+ T cells recognize preferentially a small number of epitopes, a phenomenon known as immunodominance. Its biological implications during natural or vaccine-induced immune responses are still unclear. Earlier, we have shown that during experimental infection, the human intracellular pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi restricts the repertoire of CD8+ T cells generating strong immunodominance. We hypothesized that this phenomenon could be a mechanism used by the parasite to reduce the breath and magnitude of the immune response, favoring parasitism, and thus that artificially broadening the T cell repertoire could favor the host. Here, we confirmed our previous observation by showing that CD8+ T cells of H-2a infected mice recognized a single epitope of an immunodominant antigen of the trans-sialidase super-family. In sharp contrast, CD8+ T cells from mice immunized with recombinant genetic vaccines (plasmid DNA and adenovirus) expressing this same T. cruzi antigen recognized, in addition to the immunodominant epitope, two other subdominant epitopes. This unexpected observation allowed us to test the protective role of the immune response to subdominant epitopes. This was accomplished by genetic vaccination of mice with mutated genes that did not express a functional immunodominant epitope. We found that these mice developed immune responses directed solely to the subdominant/cryptic CD8 T cell epitopes and a significant degree of protective immunity against infection mediated by CD8+ T cells. We concluded that artificially broadening the T cell repertoire contributes to host resistance against infection, a finding that has implications for the host-parasite relationship and vaccine development.
Collapse
|
19
|
Lannes-Vieira J, Pereira IR, Vinagre NF, Arnez LEA. TNF-α and TNFR in Chagas disease: from protective immunity to pathogenesis of chronic cardiomyopathy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 691:221-30. [PMID: 21153326 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6612-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Trypanocidal activity and selectivity in vitro of aromatic amidine compounds upon bloodstream and intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:429-35. [PMID: 20971106 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, an important neglected illness affecting about 12-14 million people in endemic areas of Latin America. The chemotherapy of Chagas disease is quite unsatisfactory mainly due to its poor efficacy especially during the later chronic phase and the considerable well-known side effects. These facts emphasize the need to search for find new drugs. Diamidines and related compounds are minor groove binders of DNA at AT-rich sites and present excellent anti-trypanosomal activity. In the present study, six novel aromatic amidine compounds (arylimidamides and diamidines) were tested in vitro to determine activity against the infective and intracellular stages of T. cruzi, which are responsible for sustaining the infection in the mammalian hosts. In addition, their selectivity and toxicity towards primary cultures of cardiomyocyte were evaluated since these cells represent important targets of infection and inflammation in vivo. The aromatic amidines were active against T. cruzi in vitro, the arylimidamide DB1470 was the most effective compound presenting a submicromolar LD(50) values, good selectivity index, and good activity at 4 °C in the presence of blood constituents. Our results further justify trypanocidal screening assays with these classes of compounds both in vitro and in vivo in experimental models of T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
|
21
|
Olivieri BP, Vasconcellos R, Nóbrega A, Minoprio P, Kaveri SV, Araújo-Jorge TC. Intravenous immunoglobulin increases survival time in the acute phase of experimental Chagas disease. Parasite Immunol 2010; 32:464-9. [PMID: 20500678 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2010.01212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease induced by Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) infection is an important cause of mortality and morbidity affecting the cardiovascular system for which presently available therapies are insufficient and largely inadequate. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a therapeutic preparation containing normal polyspecific IgG obtained from plasma pools of several thousand healthy donors and is used in several autoimmune, inflammatory and infectious diseases. In the study of heart from mice chronically infected with Tc, we observed that IVIg restores type 1 atrioventricular block or bradycardia. In the present study, we investigated the effects of IVIg in acute Tc infection. Intravenous immunoglobulin administration after the first week of infection was associated with an increase in survival time. Taken together, results observed in the chronic and in the acute phase associate IVIg treatment with a favourable outcome in T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B P Olivieri
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapy, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Arylimidamide DB766, a potential chemotherapeutic candidate for Chagas' disease treatment. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:2940-52. [PMID: 20457822 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01617-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease, a neglected tropical illness for which current therapy is unsatisfactory, is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The goal of this work is to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of the arylimidamide (AIA) DB766 against T. cruzi. This arylimidamide exhibits strong trypanocidal activity and excellent selectivity for bloodstream trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (Y strain), giving IC(50)s (drug concentrations that reduce 50% of the number of the treated parasites) of 60 and 25 nM, respectively. DB766 also exerts striking effects upon different parasite stocks, including those naturally resistant to benznidazole, and displays higher activity in vitro than the reference drugs. By fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy analyses, we found that this AIA localizes in DNA-enriched compartments and induces considerable damage to the mitochondria. DB766 effectively reduces the parasite load in the blood and cardiac tissue and presents efficacy similar to that of benznidazole in mouse models of T. cruzi infection employing the Y and Colombian strains, using oral and intraperitoneal doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day that were given after the establishment of parasite infection. This AIA ameliorates electrocardiographic alterations, reduces hepatic and heart lesions induced by the infection, and provides 90 to 100% protection against mortality, which is similar to that provided by benznidazole. Our data clearly show the trypanocidal efficacy of DB766, suggesting that this AIA may represent a new lead compound candidate to Chagas' disease treatment.
Collapse
|
23
|
da Silva AA, Pereira GV, de Souza AS, Silva RR, Rocha MS, Lannes-Vieira J. Trypanosoma cruzi-Induced Central Nervous System Alterations: From the Entry of Inflammatory Cells to Potential Cognitive and Psychiatric Abnormalities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.4303/jnp/n100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Alice da Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brazil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Marqus do Paran, 303, Niteri, 24-033-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brazil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Marqus do Paran, 303, Niteri, 24-033-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Amanda Santos de Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of the Neuroplasticity and Behavior. Biomedical Science Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Bloco J, Sala 19, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brazil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Mônica Santos Rocha
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of the Neuroplasticity and Behavior. Biomedical Science Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Bloco J, Sala 19, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Av. Brazil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|