Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
09:23

Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model

Published on: July 29, 2012

14.4K

Pathogenesis of Chronic Chagas Disease: Macrophages, Mitochondria, and Oxidative Stress

Marcos Lopez1, Herbert B Tanowitz2, Nisha J Garg3

  • 1Translational Biomedical Research Group, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciencies, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
|June 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Chagas disease cardiomyopathy involves parasite persistence, macrophage dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Metabolic regulators PARP-1/SIRT1 may offer new therapies by modulating these factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • * *Trypanosoma cruzi* causes Chagas disease, leading to chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy in ~30% of infected individuals.
  • * Pathogenesis involves parasite persistence, immune responses, vascular compromise, and nervous system involvement.
  • * This review focuses on macrophages, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in cardiomyopathy progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the role of macrophages, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in Chagas disease cardiomyopathy.
  • * To explore the impact of parasite persistence and immune responses on disease progression.
  • * To identify potential therapeutic targets for chronic Chagas disease.

Main Methods:

  • * Review of current literature on *Trypanosoma cruzi* pathogenesis.
  • * Analysis of mechanisms involving macrophages and mitochondrial oxidative stress.
  • * Discussion of metabolic regulators (PARP-1/SIRT1) in disease outcome.

Main Results:

  • * *T. cruzi* evades immune cells, persists in the host, and induces mitochondrial oxidative stress.
  • * Oxidative damage generates neoantigens, contributing to chronic inflammation.
  • * Macrophage dysfunction and mitochondrial stress are key factors in cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

  • * Metabolic regulators PARP-1/SIRT1 influence Chagas disease outcome.
  • * Modulating mitochondrial and macrophage stress offers a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • * Targeting antioxidant/oxidant imbalance may provide new treatments for chronic Chagas disease.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chagas diseaseTrypanosoma cruziinnate immunitymitochondrial dysfunctionoxidative stressreactive oxygen species

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response07:59

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Published on: May 31, 2024

2.1K
Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos11:05

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: July 7, 2014

38.2K

Related Concept Videos

Peroxisomes and Mitochondria01:30

Peroxisomes and Mitochondria

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are two important oxygen-utilizing organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration—the process that converts energy from food into ATP. Peroxisomes carry out a variety of functions, primarily breaking down different substances, such as fatty acids.
The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within...
97.1K
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
753
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.6K
Pyruvate Oxidation01:15

Pyruvate Oxidation

After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
169.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
4.7K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.9K