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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The treatment with selenium increases placental parasitismin pregnant Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi

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Author(s):
Barbosa de Freitas, Murilo Rodrigues [1] ; Bronzon da Costa, Cassia Mariana [1] ; Pereira, Luiz Miguel [1] ; do Prado Junior, Jose Clovis [1] ; Sala, Miguel Angel [2] ; Carraro Abrahao, Ana Amelia [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Immunobiology; v. 223, n. 10, p. 537-543, OCT 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in the diet of mammals and has an important role in the immune function. Selenium is a key element in selenoproteins involved in the in the maintenance of the antioxidant defense. Diet with selenium is beneficial for the treatment of diseases correlated with high levels of oxidative stress, also observed in the Chagas disease. Chagas disease is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and several research groups are focused on the illness treatment. Immunomodulation of the infection using microelements is an important tool to avoid deleterious effects of the Chagas disease. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on pregnant Wistar rats infected with T. cruzi. Selenium treatment stimulated the weight and length of fetuses and placentas allied to the decrease of blood parasitemia. However, selenium demonstrated a low influence on T cells, diminishing the B cell population (CD4511A(+)). Moreover, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was downregulated under selenium administration. Low pro-inflammatory cytokines levels probably are related to the increase in the number of amastigote nests in infected and treated animals Thus, selenium supplementation during pregnancy could impair the local placental immune response. Further studies are necessary to assess the interaction between selenium and the acute Chagas' disease during pregnancy, which will base future supplementation strategies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/11029-4 - Effects of zinc, selenium and arginine in the pregnancy of Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi.
Grantee:Ana Amélia Carraro Abrahão
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants