Tryparedoxin peroxidases and superoxide dismutases expression as well as ROS release are related to Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes growth phases

Schematic representation of TcCPx, TcMPx, SODB and SODA expression along the growth curve of Trypanosoma cruzi Tulahuen 2 and Y strains. [Display omitted] ► H2O2 release and O2- production differ between strains and along the growth curve. ► All the enzymes varied their expression in both strains along the growth curve. ► The results presented are shown for the first time in T. cruzi. ► The results add new steps to be overcome when performing drug development research. Trypanosoma cruzi’s antioxidant system is unique and relevant to the parasite. In this study, quantitative assays were performed to determine cytosolic and mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidases and superoxide dismutases expression (TcCPx, TcMPx, SODB and SODA) in correlation to H2O2 release and O2- production. Differences were observed regarding H2O2 release and O2- production between strains and along the growth curve. All of the enzymes studied exhibited varied expression as a function of time in culture. Although at lower levels, the Y strain exhibited the same pattern of Tulahuen 2 enzyme expression for all of the proteins studied, except SODA. In the stationary phase, the degree of expression of all of the enzymes in the Y strain returned to similar levels as those detected in the log phase with the exception of TcCPx and SODA. In Tulahuen 2, a higher expression of TcMPx, SODA and SODB was detected in the early stationary phase, and a slight decrease was observed in the late stationary phase for each enzyme, excluding TcMPx, which exhibited a marked decrease, and TcCPx, which increased its level. Because of the significance of ROS in redox signaling, these differences in enzyme expression underscore the importance of these parameters for epimastigote proliferation.