[Increase of lipids in human chagasic placentas: cytochemical and biochemical study]

It has been demonstrated that the normal human trophoblast has lipidic granules that contain triglycerides and phospholipids of yet unclear signification. With the purpose of analyzing the effect of Chagas disease on these structures, the present study was undertaken with the purpose of determining the relationship between the degree of placental lesion, the presence of lipids and the general condition of the fetus and newborn. Human placentas from mothers with chronic Chagas disease detected by the Machado Guerreiro test and immunofluorescence were used. Red Oil 0 technique was used for the histochemical localization of lipids. Homogenates of placental villi were analyzed to determine total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol. The children of the studied mothers were controlled to establish their general condition and weight. The chagasic placentas presented a marked increase of lipidic droplets in the trophoblast and in mesenchymal areas next to blood vessels. These images appeared localized, with evident tissues alterations that altered with apparently normal regions. Lipid determination showed a significant increment of triglycerides and, in a lesser proportion, of cholesterol. With two exceptions, the children of these mothers were not chagasic, although they presented a significative weight diminution and a greater incidence of prematures over a total of 89 pregnant women. These results show that the placental alterations induced by Chagas' disease are accompanied by an increment of lipids, with an specific increase of triglycerides and of cholesterol, indicating modifications of these components of the placenta and of maternal serum, influencing fetal development and eventually favoring infection in the child through the interaction of the placental membrane and T. cruzi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)