Diminazene Aceturate (Berenil) Modulates the Host Cellular and Inflammatory Responses to Trypanosoma congolense Infection

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048696
• Publication Date: 2012-11-07T23:28:39Z
• Authors: Shiby Kuriakose; Helen M. Muleme; Chukwunonso Onyil...; Rani Singh; Ping Jia; Jude E. Uzonna
• Keywords: Diminazene

Background Trypanosoma congolense are extracellular and intravascular blood parasites that cause debilitating acute or chronic disease in cattle other domestic animals. Diminazene aceturate (Berenil) has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for trypanosomiasis livestock since 1955. As livestock, treatment of infected highly susceptible BALB/c mice with Berenil leads to rapid control parasitemia survival from an otherwise lethal infection. The molecular biochemical mechanisms action still not very well defined its effect on the host immune system remained relatively unstudied. Here, we investigated whether has, addition trypanolytic effect, modulatory response congolense. Methodology/Principal Findings C57BL/6 were intraperitoneally T. congolense, treated expression CD25 FoxP3 splenic cells was assessed directly ex vivo. In addition, serum levels spontaneous LPS-induced production pro-inflammatory cytokines by hepatic CD11b+ determined ELISA. significantly reduced percentages CD25+ cells, concomitant reduction percentage regulatory (CD4+Foxp3+) T striking exacerbating including IL-6, IL-12, TNF IFN-γ. Furthermore, suppressed inflammatory liver macrophages ameliorated septic shock associated cytokine storm. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results provide evidence direct also modulates parasite manner dampen excessive activation pathology-promoting cytokines, suggesting this drug may be beneficial conditions caused cytokines.