Modulation of inflammation response to murine cutaneous Leishmaniasis by homeopathic medicines: Antimonium crudum 30cH

Author(s)

de Santana, Fabiana Rodrigues ^[1] ; Coelho, Cideli de Paula ^{[1, 2]} ; Cardoso, Thayna Neves ^[1] ; Perez Hurtado, Elizabeth Cristina ^{[1, 3]} ; Benites, Nilson Roberti ^[4] ; Laurenti, Marcia Dalastra ^[5] ; Bonamin, Leoni Villano ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Paulista, Res Ctr, Grad Program Environm & Expt Pathol, BR-04026002 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Santo Amara, Lab Vet Pathol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Immunol Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Vet & Zootechny Fac, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Homeopathy; v. 103, n. 4, p. 264-274, OCT 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the mononuclear phagocytic system. The modulation activity of these cells can interfere in the host/parasite relationship and influences the prognosis. Methods: We evaluated the effects of the homeopathic preparation Antimonium crudum 30cH on experimental infection induced by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Male Balb/c mice were inoculated with 2 x 10(6) Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes into the footpad and, after 48 h (acute phase) or 60 days (chronic phase), cell population of lymphocytes and phagocytes present in the peritoneal washing fluid and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry and histopathology, with histometry of the subcutaneous primary lesion, local lymph node and spleen. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify CD3 (T lymphocyte), CD45RA (B lymphocyte) and CD11b (phagocytes) positive cells. Results: In treated mice, during the acute phase, there was significant increase of the macroscopic lesion, associated to inflammatory edema, as well increase in the number of free amastigotes and B lymphocytes inside the lesion. Increase of B lymphocytes (predominantly B-2 cells) was also seen in the local lymph node, spleen and peritoneum. In the chronic phase, the inflammatory process in the infection focus was reduced, with reduced phagocyte migration and peritoneal increase of B-1a cells (precursors of B-2 immunoglobulin producers cells) and T CD8+ cells. Conclusion: The treatment of mice with Antimonium crudum 30cH induced a predominantly B cell pattern of immune response in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis experimental infection, alongside the increase of free amastigote forms number in the infection site. The clinical significance of this study is discussed, further studies are suggested. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/50842-0 - Effects of thymulin 5cH in BCG-induced granuloma: the B-1 cell participation
• Grantee: Leoni Villano Bonamin
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants