Assessment of the Effects of a Novel Herbal Immunomodulator Drug (IMOD) on Cytokine Profiles in Experimental Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: a Preliminary Survey.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cytokines play a fundamental role in the regulation of immune responses in remission and/or relapsing of leishmaniasis. Therefore, immunotherapy for the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has represented a principle approach in control of the infection. The present research aimed to evaluating the immunotherapeutic potential of a novel herbal immunomodulator drug (IMOD) on CVL.

METHODS:

Twelve mongrel dogs were intravenously infected with Iranian strain of L. infantum and randomly divided into three groups; 1: negative control (non-infected), 2: immunotherapy with IMOD and 3: positive control (non-treated). Cell proliferation and Th1-/Th2-type cytokines were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) by cell proliferation kit I (MTT) and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays, respectively.

RESULTS:

At the 60 days follow-up assessment, no adverse effects were observed in treated interventional group. Cellular proliferation assay indicated that PBMCs of IMOD group had higher stimulation index (SI) than positive control group (p < 0.05). Enhancement of CD4+T cells such as IL-2, IL-4 & IL-10 were detected in negative control group due to in vitro IMOD stimulation 30 days post-treatment. In accordance to decreasing trends of Th1 & Th2 cytokines in positive control group, the mean number of IFN-γ IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 spot forming cells (SFCs) down regulated for IMOD group during the study.

CONCLUSION:

These data indicate that IMOD had immunomodulatory potential but is not sufficient for total parasitic cure due to balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines. This is a preliminary study and we propose to undertake a series of experiments to evaluate the CVL due to in vitro modulatory effects of IMOD.

• Authors: Abdolali Malmasi, Bijan Ziaie Ardestani, Saeed Bayanolhagh, Mehdi Mohebali, Hamidreza Khorram Khorshid, Parisa Sadrpour, Negin Hosseini Rouzbahani, Behnaz Akhoundi, Soulmaz Naserli, Shadi Ziaie, Ehsan Mostafavi
• Journal: Iranian journal of parasitology (Iran J Parasitol) Vol. 9 Issue 3 Pg. 292-301 (Sep 2014) ISSN: 1735-7020 [Print] Iran
• PMID: 25678912 (Publication Type: Journal Article)