LEISHMANIASIS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR NEOPLASM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Cancer is a significant public health problem, and among the various causes contributing to its pathogenesis, it can be associated with parasitic diseases, including leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of the female sandfly, commonly known as a "straw mosquito," and can manifest in visceral or cutaneous forms. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to discuss potential associations between carcinogenesis and leishmaniasis. To achieve this objective, a literature review was conducted, consulting databases such as Medline/PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, and Web of Science over the last 10 years (2014 to April 2024). Studies related to the themes were selected and explored. It was possible to evaluate from various works that, based on the understanding of the pathophysiology of leishmaniasis, the promotion of carcinogenesis by the parasite is elucidated. The literature indicates that this occurs through epigenetic changes caused by the intracellular protozoan, such as DNA methylation, which is frequently found in tumorigenesis. Additionally, persistent inflammation found in the disease intensifies the immune response provoked by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This inflammation is capable of generating DNA damage through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), causing mutations that favor carcinogenesis, such as mutations in the p53 gene. Therefore, analyzing the association between leishmaniasis and the emergence of neoplasms allows for the development of studies on therapeutic measures against Leishmania infection and the prevention of disease complications leading to cancer.