Nitric oxide, protein oxidation and total antioxidant levels in serum of dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum and Babesia vogeli

ABSTRACT

Background: Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli comprise a group of globally distributed pathogens transmitted by ticks. Leishmania infantum is transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis, etiological agent of leishmaniasis. The pathogens affect the animals; and can also affect the human. An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants compounds causes an increase in free radicals, and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) has play an important role in tissue damage in a variety of pathological processes, as parasitic disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nitric oxide levels, protein oxidation and total antioxidant status in serum of dogs infected by L. infantum, E. canis and B. vogeli.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples from dogs originating from the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil were collected to research hemoparasites by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for each parasite. Serum samples obtained from 54 dogs with single and co-infection were used this study L. infantum (n = 19), E. canis (n = 8), B. vogeli (n = 5), L. infantum and E. canis (n = 12), L. infantum and B. vogeli (n = 4), and E. canis and B. vogeli (n = 6), as well as 17 normal controls (uninfected). Samples were stored at -80ºC for further evaluation of NOx , AOPP, and FRAP levels using Cobas Mira automated analyzer, and results were expressed as µmol/L. NOx , AOPP and FRAP levels were increased (P < 0.01) in dogs infected by parasites when compared to uninfected animals. Levels of NO· and AOPP in dogs naturally infected by Babesia vogeli and Ehrlichia canis, respectively, did not differ from the control group (uninfected). The higher NOx levels were observed in the serum of dogs with co-infection by L. infantum and E. canis, and L. infantum and B. vogeli (P < 0.01). Altogether, our results indicate that dogs naturally infected by L. infantum, E. canis and B. vogeli developed a state of redox imbalance.[...](AU)