Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis
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Published on: September 20, 2024
Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk1, Karolina Kot1, Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka2
1Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. In the final phase of infection (24 dpi), there was a further decrease in urinary K excretion and a lower level of P in Acanthamoeba sp. infected immunocompetent hosts. During acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts, increased excretion of Zn, Fe, and Cr was observed at the beginning of the infection, and increased Na excretion only at 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. Additionally, host immunosuppression affected the concentration of Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca in urine.
Insights
Free-living amoebas alter urine element excretion. Acanthamoebiasis infection in mice increases urinary calcium, manganese, copper, iron, sodium, and chromium, while decreasing potassium.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Free-living amoebas, such as *Acanthamoeba*, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on host physiology.
- Urinary excretion of macroelements and microelements is a key indicator of metabolic balance.
- The influence of parasitic infections on host mineral and trace element homeostasis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the urinary excretion patterns of macroelements (Ca, P, Na, K, Mg) and microelements (Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr) during *Acanthamoeba* infection.
- To determine how the host's immunological status (immunocompetent vs. immunosuppressed) influences these excretion changes.
- To establish the temporal dynamics of element excretion changes post-infection.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of *Acanthamoeba* sp. in *in vivo* mouse models (immunocompetent and immunosuppressed).
- Collection and analysis of urine samples at specific time points post-infection (e.g., 16 days post-infection, 24 days post-infection).
- Quantification of urinary macroelement and microelement concentrations using appropriate analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- In immunocompetent mice, *Acanthamoeba* infection led to increased urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, and decreased K excretion by 16 days post-infection.
- In the later stage (24 dpi), immunocompetent hosts showed further decreased K and lower P excretion.
- Immunosuppressed hosts exhibited increased urinary Zn, Fe, and Cr early in infection, with increased Na at 16 dpi. Host immunosuppression significantly altered Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca urinary concentrations.
Conclusions:
- *Acanthamoeba* infection significantly alters the urinary excretion profiles of essential macroelements and microelements in a manner dependent on host immunological status.
- These findings highlight the potential of urinary element analysis as a biomarker for parasitic infections and host metabolic disturbances.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these observed changes and their clinical implications.
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