Pro-inflammatory cytokines predominate in the brains of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis: A natural model of neuroinflammation during systemic parasitic infection

Author(s)

Melo, Guilherme D. ; Seraguci, Tulio F. ; Schweigert, Augusto ; Silva, Jose Eduardo S. ; Grano, Fernanda G. ; Peiro, Juliana R. ^[1] ; Lima, Valeria M. F. ^[1] ; Machado, Gisele F. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Coll Vet Med, Dept Anim Clin Surg & Reprod, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Veterinary Parasitology; v. 192, n. 1-3, p. 57-66, FEB 18 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a multisystemic zoonotic disease that can manifest with several symptoms, including neurological disorders. To investigate the pathogenesis of brain alterations occurring during visceral leishmaniasis infection, the expression of the cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha and their correlations with peripheral parasite load were evaluated in the brains of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. IL-1 beta, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were noticeably up-regulated, and IL-10, TGF-beta and IL-12p40 were down-regulated in the brains of infected dogs. Expression levels did not correlate with parasite load suggestive that the brain alterations are due to the host's immune response regardless of the phase of the disease. These data indicate the presence of a proinflammatory status in the nervous milieu of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis especially because IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha are considered key factors for the initiation, maintenance and persistence of inflammation. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/12473-2 - Evaluation of cytokines gene expression in the brain of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
• Grantee: Guilherme Dias de Melo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master