Curcumin DS17: Evaluation of immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects in Wistar rats infected by Trypanosoma cruzi

• Grant number: 24/14081-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Vânia Brazão Muniz
• Grantee: Gabriela Soares dos Santos
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/02254-1 - Benznidazole and Curcumin: Evaluation of metabolic, lipid and neuroimmunoendocrine changes in Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi., AP.R

Abstract

The evolution of chagasic infection is intensely influenced by the balance of the immuno-endocrine system and although the immunological mechanisms that provide protection or promote the formation of cardiac lesions during infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) are not yet completely understood, studies show that chronic chagasic heart disease has a worse prognosis than non-inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathies, being a consequence of the exacerbated immune response. Another important factor that may also be involved in the progression of Chagas disease is the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). It is known that high levels of these in tissues contribute to oxidative stress, generating tissue damage that reflects the severity of Chagas disease. The modulation of immunological responses to the administration of pharmacologically active substances in experimental models infected by T. cruzi has contributed significantly to the investigation of new therapies for Chagas disease. The cardioprotective and antioxidant actions of curcumin have been increasingly studied. Therefore, the proposal of this work is unprecedented, as no studies are available that describe the effects of solid dispersion of curcumin (DS17) during experimental infection by T. cruzi. The results of this work, with the analysis of the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation, during chagasic infection will be of great importance in the development of future immune-therapeutic intervention strategies that aim to provide the host with efficient targeting of the immune response during infection.