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Dynamized ethyl alcohol improves immune response and behavior in murine infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Patrícia F Sandri1, Angela R Portocarrero2, Larissa Ciupa1
1Program in Biosciences and Physiopathology, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Av. Colombo 5790, Bloco T20, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of dynamized ethyl alcohol (Ethylicum)6cH and 30cH in mice infected with T. cruzi.
Methods:
In a blind, randomized and controlled assay, 63 eight-week-old, Swiss, male mice, infected with IP (1400 trypomastigotes, T. cruzi-Y-strain), were allocated into groups: CNI-non-infected (n=12), CI-infected and non-treated (n=17), Et6cH-infected, treated with Ethylicum 6cH (dilution 1:1012) (n=17), Et30cH-infected, treated with Ethylicum 30cH (dilution 1:1060) (n=17). Treatment was administered 48h before and after infection, followed by 56h/56h periods, until the 9th day after infection (a.i), for 16 h. Survival and mortality were assessed until the 82nd day after infection (a.i.). TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-5 and IL-17A cytokines were assessed in serum (3-4 animals/group), at time T0 (before infection), T8 and T12 (8th and 12th a.i), using the Mouse Cytokine 20-Plex Panel Magnetic Kit (Invitrogen, USA). Inflammation was determined in heart sections (eosin-hematoxylin staining) and behavior was analyzed with ANY-maze® software. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee/UEM. Statistica 8.0 and R 3.0.2 software were used for statistical analyses.
Results:
The greater survival observed in the Et6cH group was related to decreased inflammation in heart tissue and increased IL-5 at T0 (p<0.05) and IL-10 at T8 (p<0.05), characterizing the Th2 response. It was also related to shorter periods of immobility, observed on day 12 a.i. The higher mortality in the Et30cH group was related to increased inflammation in the heart and a higher concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines, characterizing the Th1 response.
Conclusion:
The results demonstrate the beneficial effect of Ethylicum 6cH in acute murine infection by T. cruzi.
Insights
Ethylicum 6cH improved survival in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi by reducing inflammation and promoting a Th2 immune response. Ethylicum 30cH, however, increased mortality and Th1-associated inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Homeopathy
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the causative agent of Chagas disease, poses a significant global health challenge.
- Current treatments for T. cruzi infection have limitations, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.
- Dynamized preparations of ethyl alcohol, such as Ethylicum, are used in homeopathic medicine, but their efficacy against parasitic infections requires rigorous scientific evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two different potencies of dynamized ethyl alcohol (Ethylicum 6cH and 30cH) on acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a murine model.
- To assess the impact of Ethylicum treatment on survival rates, inflammatory markers, cytokine profiles, and behavioral changes in infected mice.
Main Methods:
- A blind, randomized, and controlled study was conducted using 63 Swiss male mice infected with the T. cruzi Y-strain.
- Mice were allocated into non-infected, infected non-treated, Ethylicum 6cH-treated, and Ethylicum 30cH-treated groups.
- Survival, mortality, serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-5, IL-17A), cardiac inflammation, and behavioral parameters were assessed.
Main Results:
- Ethylicum 6cH treatment was associated with significantly greater survival, reduced cardiac inflammation, elevated IL-5 and IL-10 levels (indicating a Th2 response), and decreased immobility.
- Conversely, Ethylicum 30cH treatment correlated with higher mortality, increased cardiac inflammation, and elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels (indicating a Th1 response).
Conclusions:
- Ethylicum 6cH demonstrates a beneficial effect in managing acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice.
- The findings suggest that the therapeutic outcome is potency-dependent, with the 6cH potency showing protective effects while the 30cH potency appeared detrimental.
