A review of the proposed role of neutrophils in rodent amebic liver abscess models

Rafael Campos-Rodríguez, Manuel Gutiérrez-Meza, Rosa Adriana Jarillo-Luna, María Elisa Drago-Serrano, Edgar Abarca-Rojano, Javier Ventura-Juárez, Luz María Cárdenas-Jaramillo, Judith Pacheco-Yepez

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Host invasion by Entamoeba histolytica, the pathogenic agent of amebiasis, can lead to the development of amebic liver abscess (ALA). Due to the difficulty of exploring host and amebic factors involved in the pathogenesis of ALA in humans, most studies have been conducted with animal models (e.g., mice, gerbils, and hamsters). Histopathological findings reveal that the chronic phase of ALA in humans corresponds to lytic or liquefactive necrosis, whereas in rodent models there is granulomatous inflammation. However, the use of animal models has provided important information on molecules and mechanisms of the host/parasite interaction. Hence, the present review discusses the possible role of neutrophils in the effector immune response in ALA in rodents. Properly activated neutrophils are probably successful in eliminating amebas through oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms, including neutrophil degranulation, the generation of free radicals (O2-, H2O2, HOCl) and peroxynitrite, the activation of NADPH-oxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzymes, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). On the other hand, if amebas are not eliminated in the early stages of infection, they trigger a prolonged and exaggerated inflammatory response that apparently causes ALAs. Genetic differences in animals and humans are likely to be key to a successful host immune response.

Original languageEnglish
Article number23
JournalParasite
Volume23
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Amoebic liver abscess
  • Neutrophil activation
  • Neutrophil extracellular traps
  • Peroxynitrite
  • Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
  • Rodents

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