Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Once transmitted to the host, the parasite, being an obligate intracellular pathogen, localizes primarily inside macrophages, where it starts replication. Interferon γ (IFN-γ) is one of the most important mediators produced by Th1 subpopulation and it is responsible for macrophages activation that could lead to parasite control. Neopterin belongs to the chemical group known as pteridines. It is synthesised also by macrophages upon stimulation with interferon-γ and is indicative of immune system activation. Measurement of N concentrations in body fluids like blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine provides information about the cell-mediated (T helper cells type 1 Th1) immune sistem activation in humans; assuming that, the present study aimed at investigating if N could also be considered as an indicator of a protective reaction (Th1-mediated) of the host against Leishmania, and then if it could be used clinically as prognostic factor in leishmaniotic patients or as helpful parameter in monitoring treated patients, as investigated in men. For these purposes, the study was divided into two phases independent of each other. The first phase of the study aimed to at investigating the possible correlations between sera N values and antibody titers (dosed by immunofluorescence antibody test IFAT) in 74 dogs, both seronegative and seropositive. In the second one, 5 patients affected by leishmaniasis and in treatment for it, were followed for a period of 24 months comparing N values to other parameters (e.g. IFAT, PCRs, citology on fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lymphnodes). Even in the absence of a statistically significant correlation between N values and IFAT titers, serum N appeared to be an interesting marker possibly able to provide an indirect value of Th1/Th2 ratio in leishmaniotic patients. It should also be further investigated its possible role in the early detection of ill patients possibly predisposed to develop renal failure and/or to relapse.
Quantitative serum neopterin determination in dogs affected by Leishmaniasis
SPAZIANTE, Daniele
2012-05-21
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Once transmitted to the host, the parasite, being an obligate intracellular pathogen, localizes primarily inside macrophages, where it starts replication. Interferon γ (IFN-γ) is one of the most important mediators produced by Th1 subpopulation and it is responsible for macrophages activation that could lead to parasite control. Neopterin belongs to the chemical group known as pteridines. It is synthesised also by macrophages upon stimulation with interferon-γ and is indicative of immune system activation. Measurement of N concentrations in body fluids like blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine provides information about the cell-mediated (T helper cells type 1 Th1) immune sistem activation in humans; assuming that, the present study aimed at investigating if N could also be considered as an indicator of a protective reaction (Th1-mediated) of the host against Leishmania, and then if it could be used clinically as prognostic factor in leishmaniotic patients or as helpful parameter in monitoring treated patients, as investigated in men. For these purposes, the study was divided into two phases independent of each other. The first phase of the study aimed to at investigating the possible correlations between sera N values and antibody titers (dosed by immunofluorescence antibody test IFAT) in 74 dogs, both seronegative and seropositive. In the second one, 5 patients affected by leishmaniasis and in treatment for it, were followed for a period of 24 months comparing N values to other parameters (e.g. IFAT, PCRs, citology on fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lymphnodes). Even in the absence of a statistically significant correlation between N values and IFAT titers, serum N appeared to be an interesting marker possibly able to provide an indirect value of Th1/Th2 ratio in leishmaniotic patients. It should also be further investigated its possible role in the early detection of ill patients possibly predisposed to develop renal failure and/or to relapse.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
