Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 in the skin of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Author(s)

Prudente Jacintho, Ana Paula ^[1] ; Melo, Guilherme D. ^[2] ; Machado, Gisele F. ^[3] ; Leal Bertolo, Paulo Henrique ^[4] ; Reina Moreira, Pamela Rodrigues ^{[4, 5]} ; Momo, Claudia ^[6] ; Souza, Thiago A. ^[4] ; Vasconcelos, Rosemeri de Oliveira ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Rio Preto Univ Ctr UNIRP, Dept Vet Med, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Pasteur Inst, Dept Infect & Epidemiol IE, Paris - France

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Aracatuba Sch Vet Med FMVA, Dept Clin Med Surg & Anim Reprod, Aracatuba, SP - Brazil

^[4] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Vet & Agr Sci FCAV, Dept Vet Pathol, Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

^[5] FCAV Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Patol Vet, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

^[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci FMVZ, Dept Pathol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Parasitology Research; v. 117, n. 6, p. 1819-1827, JUN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

The skin is the first organ to be infected by the parasite in canine visceral leishmaniasis. The enzyme matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) acts towards degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and modulation of the inflammatory response against many kinds of injuries. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through immunohistochemistry and zymography on the skin (muzzle, ears, and abdomen) of dogs that were naturally infected by Leishmania spp. and to compare these results with immunodetection of the parasite and with alterations to the dermal ECM. Picrosirius red staining was used to differentiate collagen types I and III in three regions of the skin. The parasite load, intensity of inflammation, and production of MMP-2 (latent) and MMP-9 (active and latent) were higher in the ear and muzzle regions. MMP-9 (active) predominated in the infected group of dogs and its production was significantly different to that of the control group. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells predominated in the dermal inflammation and formed granulomas in association with degradation of mature collagen (type I) and with discrete deposition of young collagen (type III). This dermal change was more pronounced in dogs with high parasite load in the skin. Therefore, it was concluded that the greater parasite load and intensity of inflammation in the skin led consequently to increased degradation of mature collagen, caused by increased production of MMPs, particularly active MMP-9, in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. This host response profile possibly favors systemic dissemination of the parasite. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/07815-4 - MIF, iNOS and MHC class II expression in macrophages of lymph nodes of the dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
• Grantee: Rosemeri de Oliveira Vasconcelos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/11687-1 - Expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9 in skin of the dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
• Grantee: Ana Paula Prudente Jacintho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master