Authors
E Gugliandolo, E Palma, AF Peritore, R Siracusa
Lab
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Journal
Animals
Abstract
Background:Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of artesunate in Leishmania amazonensi- infected BALB/c mice, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, neuroinflammation, and nociceptive and sickness behaviors.
Results: Our results demonstrate a significant increase in pain sensitivity and sickness behaviors after L. amazonensis infection. Moreover, the infection induced a significant increase in inflammatory response at both the paw and spinal cord level. Treatment with artesunate was able to induce a significant decrease in tissue inflammation and neuroinflammation and thus induce a significant decrease in pain sensitivity and sickness behaviors.
Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that artesunate is a good candidate for treatment and/or as an adjuvant in leishmanicidal therapy, and to prevent and alleviate leishmaniasis-induced pain and neuroinflammation and thereby improve the quality of life of leishmaniasis patients.
BIOSEB Instruments Used:
Electronic Von Frey 4 (BIO-EVF4),Electronic Von Frey 5 with embedded camera (BIO-EVF5)