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Brugia malayi: status of host during different stages of infection
A Joshi1, J K Saxena, P K Murthy
1Division of Biochemistry, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
The status of glycogen, protein, lipid components, lipid peroxides and a few enzymes of energy metabolism was studied in liver of Mastomys natalensis during the development of Brugia malayi infection. Glycogen and lipid contents were decreased during the patent phase of infection while total protein was slightly altered in latent animals. Phospholipid and triglyceride contents declined at prepatent and patent phase of infection. The levels of lactate and malate dehydrogenases, as well as of adenosine triphosphatases (Na+K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), were significantly elevated and monoamine oxidase activity was decreased at patent phase of infection, while succinic dehydrogenase remained unaltered. The lipid peroxide formation was enhanced in liver during the development of filarial infection.
Insights
Brugia malayi infection alters liver metabolism in Mastomys natalensis, decreasing glycogen and lipids while increasing certain enzymes and lipid peroxides during infection development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Parasitology
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Filarial infections, such as Brugia malayi, can significantly impact host physiology.
- Understanding metabolic changes in the host liver is crucial for comprehending disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and metabolic alterations in the liver of Mastomys natalensis during Brugia malayi infection.
- To assess changes in key biomolecules and enzyme activities related to energy metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of liver glycogen, total protein, and lipid components (phospholipids, triglycerides).
- Measurement of lipid peroxide levels.
- Enzymatic assays for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), and monoamine oxidase (MAO).
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in liver glycogen and total lipid content during the patent phase of infection.
- Decline in phospholipid and triglyceride levels during both prepatent and patent phases.
- Elevated activity of LDH, MDH, and ATPases, with decreased MAO activity in the patent phase.
- Increased lipid peroxide formation in the liver during filarial infection.
Conclusions:
- Brugia malayi infection induces substantial metabolic disturbances in the host liver.
- Altered energy metabolism and increased oxidative stress are key features of this parasitic infection.