Therapeutic and Preventive Effects of Morphine Against Leishmania Major and Evaluation the Expression of TLRs and Cytokines in Infected Macrophages in Vitro and in BALB/c Mice
Abstract Purpose: Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) and cytokines play key roles in infection control. They also enhance phagocytosis and killing of parasites. Morphine can modify host immunity and defense against infectious diseases. Methods: In this study, we assessed Therapeutic and preventive effects of morphine against Leishmania major and then we evaluated the expression of TLRs and pro and anti-inflamatory cytokines in both healthy macrophages and those infected with Leishmania major in vitro and in BALB/c mice. Results: Morphine showed preventive effect and no lesions were observed in the group that was taken morphine before being challenged with promastigotes. TLR2 expression decreased in drug-treated healthy macrophages, whereas TLR4 expression increased. TLR7 expression decreased in healthy macrophages. TLR9 expression was the highest in the groups treated with morphine in infected macrophages. Our findings revealed that healthy macrophages produce higher TNFα and lower IL6; the infected macrophages show a reverse pattern by producing higher IL6 and lower TNFα. We found that treatment with morphine strengthen defensive reactions against leishmaniasis. In mouse macrophages, the highest level of TLR9 expression was induced by morphine. Conclusion: TLR9 has critical role for recognition and control of microbial infection. No lesions were developed in mice treated with morphine before challenge which suggests a protective role for morphine in leishmaniasis. The positive role of morphine in decreasing IL-10 expression and increasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and therefore its preventing role in Leishmania disease.