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Kwakye-Nuako G, Middleton CE, McCall LI. Small molecule mediators of host-T. cruzi-environment interactions in Chagas disease. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012012. [PMID: 38457443 PMCID: PMC10923493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecules (less than 1,500 Da) include major biological signals that mediate host-pathogen-microbiome communication. They also include key intermediates of metabolism and critical cellular building blocks. Pathogens present with unique nutritional needs that restrict pathogen colonization or promote tissue damage. In parallel, parts of host metabolism are responsive to immune signaling and regulated by immune cascades. These interactions can trigger both adaptive and maladaptive metabolic changes in the host, with microbiome-derived signals also contributing to disease progression. In turn, targeting pathogen metabolic needs or maladaptive host metabolic changes is an important strategy to develop new treatments for infectious diseases. Trypanosoma cruzi is a single-celled eukaryotic pathogen and the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease associated with cardiac and intestinal dysfunction. Here, we discuss the role of small molecules during T. cruzi infection in its vector and in the mammalian host. We integrate these findings to build a theoretical interpretation of how maladaptive metabolic changes drive Chagas disease and extrapolate on how these findings can guide drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Kwakye-Nuako
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Caitlyn E. Middleton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Louise V, Machado BAA, Pontes WM, Menezes TP, Dias FCR, Ervilhas LOG, Pinto KMDC, Talvani A. Theracurmin Modulates Cardiac Inflammation in Experimental Model of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:343. [PMID: 37505639 PMCID: PMC10384540 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Theracurmin is a nanoparticle formulation derived from curcumin, a bioactive compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, triggers an intense inflammatory response in mammals and also causes severe tissue damage. To evaluate the immunomodulatory and antiparasitic effects of Theracurmin, Swiss mice were experimentally infected with 103 trypomastigote forms of the Colombian strain of T. cruzi and submitted to daily therapy with 30 mg/kg of Theracurmin. In addition, daily benznidazole therapy (100 mg/kg) was performed as a positive control. We evaluated the systemic and tissue parasitism, the survival and the body mass rate, the release of inflammatory mediators (TNF, IL-6, IL-15, CCL2 and creatine kinase) and the tissue inflammation at day 30 post-infection. Theracurmin therapy reduced the parasitemia curve without altering the animals' survival rate, and it protected mice from losing body mass. Theracurmin also reduced CCL2 in cardiac tissue, IL-15 in cardiac and skeletal tissue, and plasma CK. Even without effects on TNF and IL-6 production and tissue amastigote nests, Theracurmin reduced the leukocyte infiltrate in both evaluated tissues, even in the case of more effective results observed to the benznidazole treatment. Our data suggest Theracurmin has an immunomodulatory (CCL2, IL-15, CK and tissue leukocyte infiltration) and a trypanocidal effect (on circulating parasites) during experimental infection triggered by the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. Further investigations are necessary to comprehend the Theracurmin role performed in combination with benznidazole or other potential anti-T. cruzi chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória Louise
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-145, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Washington Martins Pontes
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-145, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-145, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - André Talvani
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-145, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectology and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Pimenta BL, Menezes TP, Louise V, Dias FCR, Machado BAA, Ribeiro L, Pinto KMDC, Talvani A. Protective effects of Theracurmin treatment during experimental infection of the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi at the testicular site. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1143360. [PMID: 37033490 PMCID: PMC10079985 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1143360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas' disease is a tropical neglected illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and remains one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in South and Central Americas. The disease is caused by a moderate to intense and persistent inflammatory response characterized by local upregulated expression and production of inflammatory mediators that favors the activation and recruitment of distinct cells of the immune system into different tissues to eliminate the parasites. Theracurmin is a curcumin's derived formulation of nanoparticles. Its anti-inflammatory properties make this bioactive compound a mitigating factor in pathological cases after an overwhelming inflammatory response. Methods Our research focused on the testicular investigation in 28 mice infected by 103 trypomastigote forms of Colombian strain of T. cruzi and preventively treated with Theracurmin. The mice were treated with 30 mg/Kg of Theracurmin during the period of 30 days. At the 30th day post infection animals were euthanized, and its testicles were collected to morphological and immunological assays. Results The animals infected and treated with Theracurmin presented a reduction in the testicular levels of IL-15 and IL-6. The volume density (%) of the tunica propria was also higher in all infected animals, but Theracurmin decreased this parameter in the treated animals. In the intertubular area, the percentage of some intertubular components was decreased in the infected animals such as the percentage and volume of Leydig cells, connective tissue, and macrophages. Discussion Furthermore, our data pointed to the daily use of Theracurmin in the diet as a protective element of the testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Luiz Pimenta
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Andre Talvani, ; Tatiana Prata Menezes,
| | - Vitória Louise
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Bianca Alves Almeida Machado
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lais Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Physiology of Exercise, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andre Talvani
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Andre Talvani, ; Tatiana Prata Menezes,
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Figueiredo VP, Silva MC, Souza DMSD, Coelho Junior D, Lopes LR, Azevedo MDA, Menezes APDJ, de Lima WG, Peluzio MDCG, Talvani A. Trypanosoma cruzi infection increases atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE-deficient mice. Microb Pathog 2022; 171:105730. [PMID: 35995253 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the major ligand for the transporting and removal of chylomicrons and lipoproteins by the liver. Since the creation of the ApoE-knockout mice, it is well established that ApoE deficiency results in spontaneous atherosclerosis in aged animals. Atherosclerosis is also observed in animals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan that elicits a systemic inflammatory response in mammalian hosts, culminating in damage to cardiac, neuronal, and endothelial cells. Pro-atherogenic effects related to the experimental infection with T. cruzi may be induced by inflammatory components affecting the vascular wall. Herein, we evaluated whether infection with different strains of T. cruzi worsened the atherogenic lesions observed in aged ApoE-/- mice. After four weeks of infection with Berenice-78 (Be-78) or Colombian (Col) strains of the parasite, mice presented increased CCL2 and CCL5 production and high migration of inflammatory cells to cardiac tissue. Although the infection with either strain did not affect the survival rate, only the infection with Col strain caused abundant parasite growth in blood and heart and increased aortic root lesions in ApoE-/- mice. Our findings show, for the first time that ApoE exerts a protective anti-atherosclerotic role in the aortic root of mice in the acute phase of experimental infection with the Col strain of T. cruzi. Further studies should target ApoE and nutritional interventions to modulate susceptibility to cardiovascular disabilities after T. cruzi infection, minimizing the risk of death in both experimental animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Paulino Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Cláudia Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora Maria Soares de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diógenes Coelho Junior
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laís Roquete Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maira de Araújo Azevedo
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula de Jesus Menezes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Geraldo de Lima
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Andre Talvani
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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