1
|
Participation of Central Muscarinic Receptors on the Nervous Form of Chagas Disease in Mice Infected via Intracerebroventricular with Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi Strain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020121. [PMID: 33503848 PMCID: PMC7922850 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute chagasic encephalitis is a clinically severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestation. However, the knowledge of the nervous form of Chagas disease is incomplete. The role of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) on mice behavior and brain lesions induced by Trypanosoma cruzi (Colombian strain) was herein investigated in mice treated with the mAChR agonist and antagonist (carbachol and atropine), respectively. Immunosuppressed or non-immunosuppressed mice were intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip) infected. All groups were evaluated 15 d.p.i. (days post infection). Intraperitoneally infected animals had subpatent parasitemia. Patent parasitemia occurred only in icv infected mice. The blockade of mAChR increased the parasitemia, parasitism and lesions compared to its activation. Infected not treated (INT ip) mice did not present meningitis and encephalitis, regardless of immunosuppression. INT icv brains presented higher cellularity, discrete signs of cellular degeneration, frequent presence of parasites and focal meningitis. The immunosuppressed atropine + icv mice presented increased intracellular parasitism associated with degenerative parenchymal changes, while carbachol + icv mice presented discrete meningitis, preservation of the cortex and absence of relevant parasitism. Cholinergic receptor blockage increased impairment of coordination vs. receptor activation. Muscarinic cholinergic pathway seems to be involved in immune mediated cell invasion events while its blockade favored infection evolution, brain lesions, and behavioral alterations.
Collapse
|
2
|
Psychosocial burden of neglected tropical diseases in eastern Colombia: an explorative qualitative study in persons affected by leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e21. [PMID: 34249368 PMCID: PMC8246647 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and Chagas disease (CD) are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a high psychosocial burden in Norte de Santander and Arauca in Colombia. This study provides insights into affected persons' feelings, perceptions and experiences to better understand the nature of this burden. METHODS In 2018, 34 leprosy, CD and CL patients participated in four focus groups discussing the influence of the disease on mental well-being, social participation and stigma. Additionally, 13 leprosy patients participated in semi-structured interviews to further explore the health-related stigma related to this disease. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and open coding was used to identify the most relevant categories and themes. RESULTS Persons suffering from CD reported that their mental distress was mainly caused by impairments and stress related to the progressive and incurable nature of the disease. Persons affected by CL perceived the treatment for the disease as having the most impact on their psychosocial well-being. Persons affected by leprosy reported suffering most from anticipated and experienced stigma. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that these diseases are likely to impose a significant psychosocial burden on patients in the studied regions, even though these vary per condition. Consistent data collection on the psychosocial burden and the sharing of knowledge of effective interventions can contribute to the holistic approach needed to win the fight against NTDs.
Collapse
|
3
|
De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Vidal-López DG, Flores-Villegas AL, Moreno-Rodríguez A, De Alba-Alvarado MC, Salazar-Schettino PM, Rodríguez-López MH, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE. Trypanosoma cruzi: A review of biological and methodological factors in Mexican strains. Acta Trop 2019; 195:51-57. [PMID: 31022383 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.024] [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: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease, is a serious public health problem in Latin America with eight million people infected in the world. Clinical manifestations observed in humans due to T. cruzi infection are largely associated with the wide biological and genetic heterogeneity of the parasite. This review presents an overview of the parasitological aspects of various strains of T. cruzi isolated mainly in Mexico, as well as an analysis of the methodological processes used to determine their virulence that could be influencing their biological characterization. We emphasize the importance of using uniform protocols to study T. cruzi virulence, taking into account factors related to: strain (i.e. developmental stage, lineage, biological origin, genetic variability), animal model used (i.e. role of hormones, host immune response, age) and methodology (i.e. inoculum size, inoculation route, and laboratory conditions used during strain maintenance). These uniform protocols will then allow proposing elements for understanding clinical evolution and management of the disease, for providing adequate treatment, and for developing tools for future vaccines against Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fracasso M, Bottari NB, da Silva AD, Grando TH, Pillat MM, Ulrich H, Vidal T, de Andrade CM, Monteiro SG, Nascimento LFN, Miletti LC, Schafer da Silva A. Effects of resveratrol on the differentiation fate of neural progenitor cells of mouse embryos infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Microb Pathog 2019; 132:156-161. [PMID: 31029718 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affecting about 7 million people is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The central nervous system (CNS) is an important site for T. cruzi persistence in the host during the chronic phase of infection, because the protozoan may pass the blood-brain barrier and may cause motor and cognitive neuronal damage. Thinking about avoiding or minimizing these negative effects, it is hypothesized that resveratrol (RSV), a component with several medicinal properties has beneficial effects on the CNS. The objective of this study was to investigate, whether T. cruzi infection interferes with neurogenesis and gliogenesis of embryos of infected mice females, and whether RSV would be able to avoid or minimize these changes caused by CD. RSV is a polyphenol found in grapes and widely studied for its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. In addition, we investigated the role caused by the parasite during congenital infection and CNS development. Embryos and their brains were PCR-positive for T. cruzi. For this study, NPCs obtained from telencephalon of infected and uninfected embryos and were cultured in presence of resveratrol for forming neurospheres. The results demonstrated that the congenital transmission of T. cruzi influences CNS formation and neural fate, decreasing the number of neuroespheres and causing an elongation in the phases of the cell cycle. In addition, the parasite promoted an increase in neugliogenesis. Resveratrol was neuroprotective and prevented negative effects of the infection. Thus, we suggest the use of resveratrol as a therapeutic target for the treatment of neuroinflammation or as neuroprotective agent during Chagas disease, as it improves gliogenesis and restores neural migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Fracasso
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Nathieli B Bottari
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aniélen D da Silva
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thirssa H Grando
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Instituto Federal Farroupilha (IFFar), Campus Frederico Westphalen, RS, Brazil
| | - Micheli M Pillat
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tais Vidal
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cinthia M de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvia G Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Flavio N Nascimento
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Lages, SC, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mendonça AAS, Coelho CM, Veloso MP, Caldas IS, Gonçalves RV, Teixeira AL, de Miranda AS, Novaes RD. Relevance of Trypanothione Reductase Inhibitors on Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and In Silico Integrated Approach. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:8676578. [PMID: 30473742 PMCID: PMC6220389 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8676578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to the rudimentary antioxidant defenses in Trypanosoma cruzi, disruptors of redox balance are promising candidates for new antitrypanosomal drugs. We developed an integrated model based on systematic review, meta-analyses, and molecular modeling to evaluate the effect of trypanothione reductase (TR) inhibitors in T. cruzi infections. Our findings indicated that the TR inhibitors analyzed were effective in reducing parasitemia and mortality due to Trypanosoma cruzi infection in animal models. The most investigated drugs (clomipramine and thioridazine) showed no beneficial effects on the occurrence of infection-related electrocardiographic abnormalities or the affinity and density of cardiac β-adrenergic receptors. The affinity between the tested ligands and the active site of TR was confirmed by molecular docking. However, the molecular affinity score was unable to explain TR inhibition and T. cruzi death in vitro or the antiparasitic potential of these drugs when tested in preclinical models of T. cruzi infection. The divergence of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo findings indicated that the anti-T. cruzi effects of the analyzed drugs were not restricted to TR inhibition. As in vivo studies on TR inhibitors are still scarce and exhibit methodological limitations, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Aparecida Santos Mendonça
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila Morais Coelho
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcia Paranho Veloso
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ivo Santana Caldas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Antônio Lucio Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline Silva de Miranda
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37130-001 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Protective effect of aspirin treatment on mouse behavior in the acute phase of experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:189-200. [PMID: 29196837 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can in some cases affect the central nervous system. The objective was to evaluate the effect of aspirin (ASA) in the behavior of mice infected with T. cruzi during the acute phase. This was an experimental study with random assignation. Twenty four BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of six animals each as follows: only ASA (OA), ASA before infection (BI), ASA after infection (AI) and only infection (OI). The strain used for infection was M/HOM/Bra/53/Y. An ASA dose of 100 mg/kg per day was administered 72 h before infection to BI group and the same dose 48 h after infection to AI group. Mice behavior in the open field test, mortality, and brain histopathology was evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi square test, and Kaplan-Meier with long-rank for survival analysis. In the open field test, the OA group has similar results with the BI group, in the variables of immobility and escape. Also, the OA group displayed significantly higher rates of micturition (p < 0.001) and defecation (p < 0.001) compared to infected groups. Mortality was higher in BI group (p = 0.02). The presence of T. cruzi amastigotes were higher in brain tissues of the AI and OI groups (p = 0.008). In conclusion, the administration of ASA before infection seemed to prevent behavioral changes induced by the acute infection, but it led to accelerated mortality. The study highlighted the potential importance of the pathways inhibited by ASA in the early hours of acute infection with T. cruzi.
Collapse
|
7
|
Silva DMMD, Pinheiro L, Azevedo CS, Costa GDP, Talvani A. Influence of environmental enrichment on the behavior and physiology of mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:341-349. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0536-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - André Talvani
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vilar-Pereira G, Ruivo LADS, Lannes-Vieira J. Behavioural alterations are independent of sickness behaviour in chronic experimental Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:1042-50. [PMID: 26676323 PMCID: PMC4708025 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of the nervous form of Chagas disease is a matter of discussion since Carlos Chagas described neurological disorders, learning and behavioural alterations in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals. In most patients, the clinical manifestations of the acute phase, including neurological abnormalities, resolve spontaneously without apparent consequence in the chronic phase of infection. However, chronic Chagas disease patients have behavioural changes such as psychomotor alterations, attention and memory deficits, and depression. In the present study, we tested whether or not behavioural alterations are reproducible in experimental models. We show that C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with the Colombian strain of T. cruzi (150 days post-infection) exhibit behavioural changes as (i) depression in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, (ii) anxiety analysed by elevated plus maze and open field test sand and (iii) motor coordination in the rotarod test. These alterations are neither associated with neuromuscular disorders assessed by the grip strength test nor with sickness behaviour analysed by temperature variation sand weight loss. Therefore, chronically T. cruzi-infected mice replicate behavioural alterations (depression and anxiety) detected in Chagas disease patients opening an opportunity to study the interconnection and the physiopathology of these two biological processes in an infectious scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia das
Interações, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia das
Interações, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Silva RR, Mariante RM, Silva AA, dos Santos ALB, Roffê E, Santiago H, Gazzinelli RT, Lannes-Vieira J. Interferon-gamma promotes infection of astrocytes by Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118600. [PMID: 25695249 PMCID: PMC4335051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for immunity against intracellular pathogens such as the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (CD). IFNγ is a pleiotropic cytokine which regulates activation of immune and non-immune cells; however, the effect of IFNγ in the central nervous system (CNS) and astrocytes during CD is unknown. Here we show that parasite persists in the CNS of C3H/He mice chronically infected with the Colombian T. cruzi strain despite the increased expression of IFNγ mRNA. Furthermore, most of the T. cruzi-bearing cells were astrocytes located near IFNγ+ cells. Surprisingly, in vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with IFNγ promoted the infection of astrocytes by T. cruzi increasing uptake and proliferation of intracellular forms, despite inducing increased production of nitric oxide (NO). Importantly, the effect of IFNγ on T. cruzi uptake and growth is completely blocked by the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody Infliximab and partially blocked by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis L-NAME. These data support that IFNγ fuels astrocyte infection by T. cruzi and critically implicate IFNγ-stimulated T. cruzi-infected astrocytes as sources of TNF and NO, which may contribute to parasite persistence and CNS pathology in CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rodrigues Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rafael M. Mariante
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Andrea Alice Silva
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Apoio à Pesquisa, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Ester Roffê
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou—Fiocruz, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Helton Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Tostes Gazzinelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Almeida ADBPFD, Paula DAJD, Otton MLP, Jaune FW, Cruz RASD, Madeira MDF, Nakazato L, Mendonca AJ, Pescador CA, Sousa VRF. NATURAL INFECTION BY Trypanosoma cruzi IN ONE DOG IN CENTRAL WESTERN BRAZIL: A CASE REPORT. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652013000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY It is estimated that about 10 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi worldwide, mostly in Latin America and more than 25 million are at risk of acquiring this infection in endemic areas. Dogs are an important reservoir for this pathogen and thus, considered a risk factor for human populations. This report describes one case of Chagas disease in a dog from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The diagnosis was obtained by direct examination of trypomastigote forms in blood smears. Amastigotes forms were visualized in microscopy of the bone marrow, lymph nodes, kidneys, liver and brain. The T. cruzi (ZIII) infection was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction, and sequencing. The animal presented multisystemic failure and died. Although acute Chagas disease in humans is not reported in Cuiabá, this is the first report of a canine case in this region. This case represents a warning, to health professionals and authorities, to the possibility of transmission of this zoonosis in Cuiabá.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nagajyothi F, Kuliawat R, Kusminski CM, Machado FS, Desruisseaux MS, Zhao D, Schwartz GJ, Huang H, Albanese C, Lisanti MP, Singh R, Li F, Weiss LM, Factor SM, Pessin JE, Scherer PE, Tanowitz HB. Alterations in glucose homeostasis in a murine model of Chagas disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:886-94. [PMID: 23321322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality primarily resulting from cardiac dysfunction, although T. cruzi infection results in inflammation and cell destruction in many organs. We found that T. cruzi (Brazil strain) infection of mice results in pancreatic inflammation and parasitism within pancreatic β-cells with apparent sparing of α cells and leads to the disruption of pancreatic islet architecture, β-cell dysfunction, and surprisingly, hypoglycemia. Blood glucose and insulin levels were reduced in infected mice during acute infection and insulin levels remained low into the chronic phase. In response to the hypoglycemia, glucagon levels 30 days postinfection were elevated, indicating normal α-cell function. Administration of L-arginine and a β-adrenergic receptor agonist (CL316, 243, respectively) resulted in a diminished insulin response during the acute and chronic phases. Insulin granules were docked, but the lack of insulin secretion suggested an inability of granules to fuse at the plasma membrane of pancreatic β-cells. In the liver, there was a concomitant reduced expression of glucose-6-phosphatase mRNA and glucose production from pyruvate (pyruvate tolerance test), demonstrating defective hepatic gluconeogenesis as a cause for the T. cruzi-induced hypoglycemia, despite reduced insulin, but elevated glucagon levels. The data establishes a complex, multi-tissue relationship between T. cruzi infection, Chagas disease, and host glucose homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fnu Nagajyothi
- Division of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) is a most devastating complication of a parasitic infection. Several physical and immunological barriers provide obstacles to such an invasion. In this broad overview focus is given to the physical barriers to neuroinvasion of parasites provided at the portal of entry of the parasites, i.e., the skin and epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, and between the blood and the brain parenchyma, i.e., the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A description is given on how human pathogenic parasites can reach the CNS via the bloodstream either as free-living or extracellular parasites, by embolization of eggs, or within red or white blood cells when adapted to intracellular life. Molecular mechanisms are discussed by which parasites can interact with or pass across the BBB. The possible targeting of the circumventricular organs by parasites, as well as the parasites' direct entry to the brain from the nasal cavity through the olfactory nerve pathway, is also highlighted. Finally, examples are given which illustrate different mechanisms by which parasites can cause dysfunction or damage in the CNS related to toxic effects of parasite-derived molecules or to immune responses to the infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Machado FS, Dutra WO, Esper L, Gollob KJ, Teixeira MM, Factor SM, Weiss LM, Nagajyothi F, Tanowitz HB, Garg NJ. Current understanding of immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi infection and pathogenesis of Chagas disease. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 34:753-70. [PMID: 23076807 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains an important neglected tropical disease and a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. No longer confined to endemic areas of Latin America, it is now found in non-endemic areas due to immigration. The parasite may persist in any tissue, but in recent years, there has been increased recognition of adipose tissue both as an early target of infection and a reservoir of chronic infection. The major complications of this disease are cardiomyopathy and megasyndromes involving the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of Chagas disease is complex and multifactorial involving many interactive pathways. The significance of innate immunity, including the contributions of cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress, has been emphasized. The role of the components of the eicosanoid pathway such as thromboxane A(2) and the lipoxins has been demonstrated to have profound effects as both pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. Additionally, we discuss the vasoconstrictive actions of thromboxane A(2) and endothelin-1 in Chagas disease. Human immunity to T. cruzi infection and its role in pathogen control and disease progression have not been fully investigated. However, recently, it was demonstrated that a reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was associated with clinically significant chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana S Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vilar-Pereira G, Silva AAD, Pereira IR, Silva RR, Moreira OC, de Almeida LR, de Souza AS, Rocha MS, Lannes-Vieira J. Trypanosoma cruzi-induced depressive-like behavior is independent of meningoencephalitis but responsive to parasiticide and TNF-targeted therapeutic interventions. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:1136-49. [PMID: 22841695 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 07/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokines and microbe-borne immunostimulators have emerged as triggers of depressive behavior. Behavioral alterations affect patients chronically infected by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We have previously shown that C3H/He mice present acute phase-restricted meningoencephalitis with persistent central nervous system (CNS) parasitism, whereas C57BL/6 mice are resistant to T. cruzi-induced CNS inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether depression is a long-term consequence of acute CNS inflammation and a contribution of the parasite strain that infects the host. C3H/He and C57BL/6 mice were infected with the Colombian (type I) and Y (type II) T. cruzi strains. Forced-swim and tail-suspension tests were used to assess depressive-like behavior. Independent of the mouse lineage, the Colombian-infected mice showed significant increases in immobility times during the acute and chronic phases of infection. Therefore, T. cruzi-induced depression is independent of active or prior CNS inflammation. Furthermore, chronic depressive-like behavior was triggered only by the type I Colombian T. cruzi strain. Acute and chronic T. cruzi infection increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression in the CNS. Treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine abrogated the T. cruzi-induced depressive-like behavior. Moreover, treatment with the parasiticide drug benznidazole abrogated depression. Chronic T. cruzi infection of C57BL/6 mice increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression systemically but not in the CNS. Importantly, TNF modulators (anti-TNF and pentoxifylline) reduced immobility. Therefore, direct or indirect parasite-induced immune dysregulation may contribute to chronic depressive disorder in T. cruzi infection, which opens a new therapeutic pathway to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Av Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trypanosoma cruzi: experimental parasitism in the central nervous system of albino mice. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2099-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
16
|
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a structural and functional barrier that protects the central nervous system (CNS) from invasion by blood-borne pathogens including parasites. However, some intracellular and extracellular parasites can traverse the BBB during the course of infection and cause neurological disturbances and/or damage which are at times fatal. The means by which parasites cross the BBB and how the immune system controls the parasites within the brain are still unclear. In this review we present the current understanding of the processes utilized by two human neuropathogenic parasites, Trypanosoma brucei spp and Toxoplasma gondii, to go across the BBB and consequences of CNS invasion. We also describe briefly other parasites that can invade the brain and how they interact with or circumvent the BBB. The roles played by parasite-derived and host-derived molecules during parasitic and white blood cell invasion of the brain are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willias Masocha
- Department of Applied Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | |
Collapse
|