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Investigation of the gene expression profile of toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines in the brain and in the spleen of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

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Author(s):
Fernanda Grecco Grano
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: Araçatuba. 2017-08-22.
Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária. Araçatuba
Defense date:
Advisor: Gisele Fabrino Machado
Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease that presents world distribution, affecting humans and animals. Dogs are considered the main hosts of the disease. Infected dogs with the Leishmania parasite can be asymptomatic or present generalized disorders, including neurological alterations. There are some reports of brain commitment during infection. Nevertheless, neuropathogenesis of VL is not completely elucidated. There are evidences of brain barriers breakdown and of the presence of Leishmania DNA in the brain. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune sensors capable of detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), trigger an inflammatory response with production of several inflammatory mediators, including cytokines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate gene expression profile of TLRs1-10, along with the production of proinflammatory cytokines in both brain and spleen in dogs with VL. In spleen there was an upregulation of TLR-5 and TLR-9 while in the brain there was up-regulation of TLR- 4 in a few number of infected animals. Regarding cytokines, all cytokines were detected in both tissues, except IL-6. In the infected dogs, TNF-α and IL-1β were present at higher concentrations in the brain and spleen, respectively. This study provides support to explain the involvement of TLRs in VL and our data confirm the brain as an affected organ in this disease. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/25498-1 - Investigation of Toll-like receptors activation in the brain of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
Grantee:Fernanda Grecco Grano
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate