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Decreased Insulin Levels in Patients with Acute Chagas Disease from Brazilian Amazon treated with Benznidazole

João Marcos Barbosa-Ferreira1,2, Jessica Vanina Ortiz3, Fernanda Gallinaro Pessoa2

  • 1Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM - Brasil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|May 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found lower insulin levels in acute Chagas disease (ACD) patients before and after treatment. No significant correlation was found between metabolic parameters and cardiac or autonomic function in ACD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Acute Chagas disease (ACD) is rising in the Amazon, causing cardiac abnormalities.
  • Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) involves microvascular and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
  • Limited research exists on metabolic parameters like adipocytokines and insulin in ACD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess adiponectin, leptin, and insulin levels pre- and post-benznidazole treatment for ACD.
  • To correlate these metabolic markers with ANS and cardiac function.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 13 ACD patients with 15 controls.
  • Evaluated ECG, echocardiography, ANS function, and serum adiponectin, insulin, and leptin.
  • Statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • Insulin levels were significantly lower in ACD patients compared to controls, both before and after treatment.
  • Insulin levels further decreased after treatment in the ACD group.
  • Adiponectin, leptin, and adipocytokine levels did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Lower insulin levels characterize ACD, persisting post-treatment.
  • No significant correlation was observed between adipocytokines, insulin, and cardiac/ANS parameters in ACD patients.
Abstract

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