Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Neonatal malnutrition and macrophage in Candida albicans infection
N G Morais-Coneglian1, T B Costa2, V R A Pereira3
1Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Abstract:
Neonatal malnutrition is an important environmental exposure factor that can influence the development and health of all body systems, including the immune system. The objective was to detect the impacts of malnutrition in critical period of development on the response Candida albicans infection. It was used 24 male rats Wistar. The animals were divided malnourished group (8% protein) or nourished group (17% protein). It was collected alveolar macrophages by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the rats with 90-day-old. Expression levels of the targets were performed using Real-time RT-PCR. It had lower body weights from 5 days of life, until adulthood. Macrophages collected from malnourished animals exhibit a lower expression of the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR-9), interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interleukin 33 (IL-33); however, transcription nuclear kappa B (NF- kB) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) are expressed in systems where there is a challenge with an immunogenic stimulus (Lipopolysaccharide and Candida albicans). Nutritional reduction during the neonatal period has repercussions on body growth and defense mechanisms observed in adult life. The results revealed dysregulation of immune mediators with probable implications for the effector immune response. Thus, the response to Candida albicans was altered for neonatal malnutrition, with a high chance of progressing to tissue damage.
Insights
Neonatal malnutrition impairs immune responses in adult rats, altering their defense against Candida albicans infection and increasing tissue damage risk. This highlights long-term immune system consequences of early-life nutritional deficits.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Neonatal malnutrition is a significant environmental factor impacting immune system development and function.
- Early-life nutrition critically influences long-term health outcomes and susceptibility to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of neonatal malnutrition on the immune response to Candida albicans infection in adult rats.
- To assess the expression of key immune mediators in macrophages following early-life nutritional insult.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were divided into malnourished (8% protein) and nourished (17% protein) groups.
- Alveolar macrophages were collected via bronchoalveolar lavage from 90-day-old rats.
- Gene expression levels of Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR-9), interleukins (IL-18, IL-33, IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were analyzed using Real-time RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Malnourished rats exhibited lower body weights from early life into adulthood.
- Macrophages from malnourished rats showed reduced expression of TLR-9, IL-18, and IL-33.
- NF-κB and IL-1β expression increased upon challenge with lipopolysaccharide and Candida albicans, indicating a dysregulated inflammatory response.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal nutritional reduction negatively impacts growth and immune defense mechanisms in adult life.
- The study reveals dysregulation of immune mediators, affecting the effector immune response to Candida albicans.
- Neonatal malnutrition alters the immune response to fungal infections, potentially leading to increased tissue damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...