Biomarkers and Their Possible Functions in the Intestinal Microenvironment of Chagasic Megacolon: An Overview of the (Neuro)inflammatory Process

The association between inflammatory processes and intestinal neuronal destruction during the progression of Chagasic megacolon is well established. However, many other components play essential roles, both in the long-term progression and control of the clinical status of patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Components such as neuronal subpopulations, enteric glial cells, mast cells and their proteases, and homeostasis-related proteins from several organic systems (serotonin and galectins) are differentially involved in the progression of Chagasic megacolon. This review is aimed at revealing the characteristics of the intestinal microenvironment found in Chagasic megacolon by using different types of already used biomarkers. Information regarding these components may provide new therapeutic alternatives and improve the understanding of the association between T. cruzi infection and immune, endocrine, and neurological system changes.

Automated summary

The progression of Chagasic megacolon is influenced by the association between inflammatory processes and intestinal neuronal destruction, with components such as neuronal subpopulations, enteric glial cells, mast cells, and homeostasis-related proteins playing crucial roles in both the long-term progression and control of the disease. The review aims to uncover the characteristics of the intestinal microenvironment in Chagasic megacolon by analyzing different biomarkers, which may lead to new therapeutic options and enhance understanding of the association between T. cruzi infection and changes in the immune, endocrine, and neurological systems.