How Ecto-NTPDase Affects Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Santos Ramon F., Pôssa Marcela A. S., Bastos Matheus S., Guedes Paulo M. M., Almeida Márcia R., DeMarco Ricardo, Verjovski-Almeida Sergio, Bahia Maria T., Fietto Juliana L. R.
Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Hypothesis
Ecto-NTPDase activity influences the infectivity and virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi.
Conclusion
Ecto-ATPDases facilitate infection and virulence in Trypanosoma cruzi and could be targeted for Chagas disease treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Ecto-NTPDase activity was shown to decrease during continuous cultivation of T. cruzi.
- Suramin significantly inhibited T. cruzi infectivity in vitro.
- Pre-treatment with ecto-NTPDase inhibitors resulted in lower parasitemia and increased survival in mice.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific protein helps the parasite that causes Chagas disease to infect cells, and blocking this protein could help treat the disease.
Methodology
The study used in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the effects of Ecto-NTPDase activity on T. cruzi infectivity.
Limitations
The study focused on a single strain of T. cruzi, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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