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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.)

Effects of melatonin on thymic and oxidative stress dysfunctions during Trypanosoma cruzi infection

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Author(s):
Brazao, Vania [1] ; Colato, Rafaela Pravato [1] ; Santello, Fabricia Helena [1] ; do Vale, Gabriel Tavares [2] ; Gonzaga, Natalia de Almeida [2] ; Tirapelli, Carlos Renato [2] ; do Prado, Jr., Jose Clovis [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto FCFRP, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Nursing Ribeirao Preto, Lab Pharmacol, Dept Psychiat Nursing & Human Sci, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Pineal Research; v. 65, n. 3 OCT 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 29
Abstract

Although the exact etiology of Chagas disease is not completely elucidated, thymic atrophy and oxidative stress are believed to be important contributors to the pathogenesis during acute Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) infection. We hypothesized that exogenous melatonin, administered by gavage (5mg/kg, p.o., gavage) to young (5weeks old) and middle-aged (18months old) male Wistar rats, would modulate thymic oxidative damage and reverse the age-related thymus regression during T.cruzi acute infection. Increased levels of superoxide anion (O-2(-)) were detected in the thymus of infected animals, and treatment with melatonin reverted this response. We found reduced TBARS levels as well as a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the thymus of all middle-aged melatonin-treated animals, infected or not with T.cruzi. Furthermore, melatonin increased the thymic expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in middle-aged control animals. Nox2 expression was not affected by melatonin treatment in young or middle-aged animals. Melatonin reverted the age-related thymic regression as revealed by the increase in thymus weight, total number of thymocytes, and reduction in age-related accumulation of double-negative thymocytes. This is the first report to directly examine the effects of melatonin treatment on the thymic antioxidant/oxidant status and thymic changes during T.cruzi infection. Our results revealed new antioxidant features that turn melatonin a potentially useful compound for the treatment of Chagas disease, a condition in which an excessive oxidative damage occurs. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/09806-3 - Melatonin and senescence : study the modulation of the immune system during experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.
Grantee:José Clóvis do Prado Júnior
Support type: Regular Research Grants