Determination of Genetic Polymorphisms in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of polymorphisms of the genes CLDN-1 (Claudina-1), LGALS3 (Lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3), SOCS3 (Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), IL-28B (interleukin-28B), CCL5 (Chemokine C-C ligand 5) in the determination of clinical forms and in the percentage of cardiac fibrosis in patients with Chagas disease.

The Chagas disease, in its chronic phase, can lead to the development of cardiac arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy, which can evolve to heart failure, causing great morbidity and reduction on patient's quality of life. Some patients stay asymptomatic while others develop the cardiac form of the disease (chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy), or other forms, like the digestive (megacolon and megaesophagus) and the mixed form (cardiac and digestive). The objective of this study is to analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms with the clinical forms and the amount of cardiac fibrosis in patients with Chagas disease. The polymorphisms will be analyzed by real time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The genes whose polymorphisms will be analyzed are: galectin-3, SOCS-3, IL-28B, CLDN-1 and CCL5. The patients shall be accompanied in the specialized outpatient clinics for Chagas disease - Center of Biotechnology and Cell Therapy. They will be submitted to collection of blood samples for biochemical analysis and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.