Trypanosoma cruzi: The effects of zinc supplementation during experimental infection

• Published in: Experimental parasitology Vol. 118; no. 4; pp. 549 - 554
• Main Authors: Brazão, Vânia, Filipin, Marina Del Vecchio, Caetano, Leony Cristina, Toldo, Miriam Paula Alonso, Caetano, Luana Naiara, Prado, José Clóvis do
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.04.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Count; Chagas Disease - drug therapy; Chagas Disease - immunology; Chagas Disease - parasitology; Cytokines - biosynthesis; Cytokines - drug effects; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Interferon gamma (IFN-γ); Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Life cycle. Host-agent relationship. Pathogenesis; Macrophages, Peritoneal - cytology; Macrophages, Peritoneal - drug effects; Male; Nitric oxide (NO); Nitric Oxide - biosynthesis; Parasitemia - drug therapy; Parasitemia - immunology; Parasitemia - parasitology; Peritoneal macrophages; Protozoa; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Trypanosoma cruzi; Trypanosoma cruzi - drug effects; Trypanosoma cruzi - immunology; Zinc; Zinc - administration & dosage; Interferon gamma (IFN-γ); Zinc; Nitric oxide (NO); Peritoneal macrophages; Trypanosoma cruzi; Kinetoplastida; Infection; Protozoa; Parasite; Supplementation; Experimental study
• ISSN: 0014-4894; 1090-2449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.11.008

It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system. The use of oligoelements as zinc can be considered a tool in modulating the effectiveness of the immune response. In this work zinc was daily and orally supplied in male Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitemia was evaluated and a significant reduction on blood parasites was observed. In order to check some immunological parameters peritoneal macrophages were counted revealing higher percentages for zinc supplied group. Consequently enhanced concentrations of IFN-γ was found and for the first time NO was evaluated in T. cruzi infected animals under the influence of zinc therapy, revealing enhanced concentrations when compared to unsupplied counterparts. We conclude that zinc is able to up-regulate the host’s immune response against parasite replication.