Patrícia Flora Sandri

Predominance of Th1 response, increase of megakaryocytes and Kupffer cells are related to survival in Trypanosoma cruzi infected mice treated with Lycopodium clavatum.

We investigated the number of megakaryocytes, Kupffer cells and ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th1/Th17 cytokines in survival of mice infected with Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi and treated with Lycopodium clavatum. In a blind, randomized and controlled assay, Swiss male mice, 8weeks-old, infected with 1400 trypomastigotes (Y strain) were divided into groups and treated with: GLy - Lycopodium clavatum dynamization13c and GCI - alcohol solution 7° GL (vehicle medicine). The treatment was offered two days before infection and on the 2nd, 4th and 6th days after infection, overnight (1mL/100mL) and ad libitum. Parameters assessed were: survival rate, number of megakaryocytes and Kupffer cells, cytokines dosage (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17), Th1/Th2 and Th1/Th17 ratios. The increase in megakaryocytes, Kupffer cells, predominance of Th1 response, with increased TNF-α, IL-10, TNF-α/IL-4, TNF-α/IL-17 and decreased IL-6 IL-6/IL-4, are related to increased survival in mice infected with T. cruzi and treated with Lycopodium clavatum 13c. This result demonstrates the possibility of an alternative approach for the treatment of Chagas disease with dynamized drugs.

Dynamized ethyl alcohol improves immune response and behavior in murine infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Aim To evaluate the effects of dynamized ethyl alcohol (Ethylicum) 6cH and 30cH in mice infected with T. cruzi. Methods In a blind, randomized and controlled assay, 63 eight‐week‐old, Swiss, male mice, infected with IP (1400 trypomastigotes, T. cruzi‐Y‐strain), were allocated into groups: CNI‐non‐infected (n = 12), CI‐infected and non‐treated (n = 17), Et6cH‐infected, treated with Ethylicum 6cH (dilution 1:1012) (n = 17), Et30cH‐infected, treated with Ethylicum 30cH (dilution 1:1060) (n = 17). Treatment was administered 48 h before and after infection, followed by 56 h/56 h periods, until the 9th day after infection (a.i), for 16 h. Survival and mortality were assessed until the 82nd day after infection (a.i.). TNF‐&agr;, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐5 and IL‐17A cytokines were assessed in serum (3–4 animals/group), at time T0 (before infection), T8 and T12 (8th and 12th a.i), using the Mouse Cytokine 20‐Plex Panel Magnetic Kit (Invitrogen, USA). Inflammation was determined in heart sections (eosin‐hematoxylin staining) and behavior was analyzed with ANY‐maze® software. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee/UEM. Statistica 8.0 and R 3.0.2 software were used for statistical analyses. Results The greater survival observed in the Et6cH group was related to decreased inflammation in heart tissue and increased IL‐5 at T0 (p < 0.05) and IL‐10 at T8 (p < 0.05), characterizing the Th2 response. It was also related to shorter periods of immobility, observed on day 12 a.i. The higher mortality in the Et30cH group was related to increased inflammation in the heart and a higher concentration of IL‐6 and TNF‐&agr; cytokines, characterizing the Th1 response. Conclusion The results demonstrate the beneficial effect of Ethylicum 6cH in acute murine infection by T. cruzi. HighlightsBeneficial effect of Ethylicum 6cH in acute murine infection by T. cruzi.Ethylicum 6cH presented pronounced Th2 response.Ethylicum 6cH decreased inflammation in heart and increased hosts survival.Ethylicum 30cH exhibited pronounced Th1 response. Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available.