Zinc and manganese imbalances in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The clinical progression of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection depends on multiple factors, including immunological status of the host and their genotypic interaction. Several immunological processes depend directly on minerals for an efcient performance. Therefore, this study used an experimental model to investigate the alterations of trace metals in L. amazonensis infection associate with clinical outcome, parasite load, and histopathological lesions, and the efect of CD4+T cells depletion on these parameters. Methods A total of 28 BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: 1—non-infected; 2—treated with anti-CD4 antibody; 3— infected with L. amazonensis; and 4—treated with anti-CD4 antibody and infected with L. amazonensis. After 24 weeks postinfection, levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), Cu, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy using tissue samples of the spleen, liver, and kidneys. Additionally, parasite burdens were determined in the infected footpad (inoculation site) and samples of inguinal lymph node, spleen, liver, and kidneys were submitted to histopathological analysis. Results Despite no signifcant diference was observed between groups 3 and 4, L. amazonensis-infected mice had a signifcant reduction of Zn (65.68–68.32%) and Mn (65.98 to 82.17%) levels. Presence of L. amazonensis amastigotes was also detected in the inguinal lymph node, spleen, and liver samples in all infected animals. Conclusion The results showed that signifcant alterations in micro-elements levels occur in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with L. amazonensis and may increase the susceptibility of individuals to the infection.