Oxidative stress evaluation in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

INTRODUCTION

Chagas disease (CD), caused by protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The parasite clearance by the immune cells is accomplished by the activation of inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species, including nitric oxide (NO) that can lead to tissue injury and DNA damage. On the other hand, to balance the oxidative environment and decrease free radicals, there is an antioxidant system composed of enzymes and vitamins. The aim was to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Chagas disease.

METHODS

Participants were divided into three groups: indeterminate CD (asymptomatic, n = 8), CD with cardiac/digestive involvement (symptomatic, n = 14), and Control healthy individuals (n = 20). The following parameters were analyzed: DNA damage, NO serum levels, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (HAC) and vitamin E.

RESULTS

Symptomatic patients showed increased DNA damage and NO levels and lower HAC and vitamin E levels compared to asymptomatic patients and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to conclude that CD patients with clinical symptoms have higher oxidative stress, characterized by increased DNA damage and NO levels, and reduced antioxidant capacity and vitamin E levels.