Evaluation of matrix-metalloproteinases production and activity in the peripheral circulation of patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis: correlation with the clinical form and treatment

• Grant number: 13/19030-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Ronei Luciano Mamoni
• Grantee: Murilo Amato David
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, can be classified in two main clinical forms: the adult form (AF) which presents chronic evolution, affecting primarily the lungs, skin and mucosa and the juvenile form (JF) characterized by the involvement of the mononuclear-phagocytic system, more severe and with rapid evolution. The lesions caused by the P. brasiliensis are characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, that in the individuals presenting the JF of the disease, may be characterized by a loose granulomatous process, with numerous fungi, while lesions from patients with the AF are characterized by compact epithelioid granulomas with few fungal cells. In some individuals, mainly those presenting the AF, the disease can evolve to fibrosis, which impair the function of the affected organs, compromising the life quality of these patients. Currently, it is known that the balance between the synthesis and the breaking of the ECM components in inflammatory lesions involve the participation of enzymes that degrades these proteins, among them the matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs). In other granulomatous diseases such as tuberculosis, it has been shown that the MMPs contribute to the formation of the granulomatous reaction and also to the tissue injury, and sequels. However, the study of these enzymes in PCM still incipient. The present work aims to evaluate the profile of the production of MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9) in the peripheral circulation of patients presenting the Adult or Juvenile forms of PCM, before, during and after anti-fungal treatment.(AU)