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Biochemical association between essential trace elements and susceptibility to Leishmania major in BALB/c and C57BL/6
Marzyeh Amini1, Hossein Nahrevanian, Shohreh Khatami
1Tehran Center, Payame Nour University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Several enzymes that contribute to immune system responses require zinc and copper as trace elements for their activity. We examined zinc and copper levels in two susceptible Balb/c mouse lines and resistant C57bl/6 mice infected with Leishmania major MRHO/IR/75/ER, a prevalent strain that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Serum Zn and Cu were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Higher Cu levels were found in infected C57bl/6 mice and higher Zn levels were found in infected Balb/c mice. Also, Cu/Zn ratios were increased in both the Balb/c and the C57bl/6 mice. We conclude that concentrations of essential trace elements vary during cutaneous leishmaniasis infection and that this variation is associated with susceptibility/resistance to Leishmania major in Balb/c and C57bl/6 mice. We detected Zn deficiency in the plasma of infected Balb/c mice; possibly, therapeutic administration of Zn would be useful for treating this form of leishmaniasis. Increases in Cu level might increase resistance to leishmaniasis. Based on our findings, the Cu/Zn ratio could be a useful marker for the pathophysiology of leishmaniasis.
Insights
Zinc and copper levels change during cutaneous leishmaniasis infection, impacting disease resistance. Zinc deficiency in Balb/c mice suggests potential therapeutic benefits of zinc supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Parasitology
Background:
- Immune responses rely on enzymes requiring zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu).
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania major, is prevalent in Iran.
- Mouse models (Balb/c and C57bl/6) exhibit differential susceptibility to Leishmania infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum zinc and copper levels in susceptible and resistant mice infected with Leishmania major.
- To determine the association between trace element variations and host resistance/susceptibility to cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of Balb/c (susceptible) and C57bl/6 (resistant) mice with Leishmania major.
- Quantification of serum zinc and copper using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Analysis of copper/zinc ratios in infected and control mice.
Main Results:
- Infected C57bl/6 mice showed higher copper levels; infected Balb/c mice exhibited higher zinc levels.
- Both mouse strains displayed increased copper/zinc ratios post-infection.
- Zinc deficiency was observed in the plasma of infected Balb/c mice.
Conclusions:
- Serum zinc and copper concentrations vary significantly during cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- These variations correlate with the differential susceptibility and resistance observed in Balb/c and C57bl/6 mice.
- The copper/zinc ratio may serve as a valuable biomarker for leishmaniasis pathophysiology, with potential therapeutic implications for zinc supplementation.
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