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Iron and vitamin D intake on a diet are able to modify the in vitro immune response to Mycobacterium leprae
Bruna Letícia Martins1, Jonatas Perico1, Daniele Ferreira de Faria Bertoluci1,2
1Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Botucatu, SP, Brasil.
Background:
The impact of nutrient availability on the survival of Mycobacterium leprae and the development of leprosy remains largely unknown. Iron is essential for the survival and replication of pathogens, while vitamin D has been involved with pathogen elimination and immunoregulation.
Objectives:
We evaluated the influence of dietary iron and vitamin D supplementation and restriction on the inflammatory response of mouse immune cells in vitro.
Methods:
After 30 days of standard or modified diets, peritoneal cells and splenocytes were stimulated with the alive microorganisms and sonicated antigens of M. leprae, respectively. The production of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and cell proliferation were evaluated.
Findings:
In peritoneal cells, vitamin D supplementation and iron restriction reduced the production of IL-6 and TNF in response to M. leprae, while splenocytes presented a reduction in TNF production under the same conditions. Lower levels of IFN-γ and TNF were observed in both iron-supplemented and iron-deficient splenocytes. Besides, iron supplementation also reduced the production of IL-6 and IL-10. No changes in the production of reactive oxygen species or in cell proliferation were observed related to different diets.
Main Conclusions:
Taken together, these data point to an interference of the status of these nutrients on the interaction between the host and M. leprae, with the potential to interfere with the progression of leprosy. Our results highlight the impact of nutritional aspects on this neglected disease, which is significantly associated with unfavourable social conditions.
Insights
Dietary iron and vitamin D influence immune responses to Mycobacterium leprae. Nutrient levels impact cytokine production, potentially affecting leprosy progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- The role of nutrient availability in Mycobacterium leprae survival and leprosy development is unclear.
- Iron is vital for pathogen replication, while vitamin D modulates immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how dietary iron and vitamin D affect immune cell inflammatory responses in vitro.
- To assess the impact of nutrient supplementation and restriction on immune cells exposed to M. leprae.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed standard or modified diets for 30 days.
- Peritoneal cells and splenocytes were isolated and stimulated with M. leprae components.
- Production of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and cell proliferation were measured.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D supplementation and iron restriction reduced IL-6 and TNF in peritoneal cells.
- Splenocytes showed reduced TNF production with vitamin D and iron restriction.
- Both iron-supplemented and iron-deficient diets altered IFN-γ and TNF levels in splenocytes.
- Iron supplementation decreased IL-6 and IL-10 production.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient status significantly influences host-M. leprae interactions.
- Dietary iron and vitamin D levels can modulate the inflammatory response to M. leprae.
- Nutritional interventions may offer a strategy to influence leprosy progression.
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