Melatonin: A look at protozoal and helminths

Melatonin is a pleiotropic neurohormone found in different animal, plant, and microorganism species. It is a product resulting from tryptophan metabolism in the pineal gland and is widely known for its ability to synchronize the circadian rhythm to antitumor functions in different types of cancers....

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Published in:Biochimie 2024-04, Vol.219, p.96-109
Main Authors: Ribeiro Franco, Pablo Igor, do Carmo Neto, José Rodrigues, Guerra, Rhanoica Oliveira, Ferreira da Silva, Priscilla Elias, Braga, Yarlla Loyane Lira, Nunes Celes, Mara Rúbia, de Menezes, Liliana Borges, Miguel, Marina Pacheco, Machado, Juliana Reis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antioxidants - pharmacology
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Helminths
Helminths - metabolism
Host-parasite interactions
Melatonin
Melatonin - metabolism
Melatonin - therapeutic use
Parasites
Parasitic Diseases - drug therapy
Pineal Gland - metabolism
Protozoan infections
Therapeutics
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Summary:Melatonin is a pleiotropic neurohormone found in different animal, plant, and microorganism species. It is a product resulting from tryptophan metabolism in the pineal gland and is widely known for its ability to synchronize the circadian rhythm to antitumor functions in different types of cancers. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant and cytoprotective effects involve binding to high-affinity G protein-coupled receptors and interactions with intracellular targets that modulate signal transduction pathways. In vitro and in vivo studies have reported the therapeutic potential of melatonin in different infectious and parasitic diseases. In this review, the protective and pathophysiological roles of melatonin in fighting protozoan and helminth infections and the possible mechanisms involved against these stressors will be discussed. •Melatonin is an indole hormone with different functions, from antioxidant activity to immunomodulation.•Melatonin has activity against protozoa by acting, above all, directly and indirectly in the infectious process.•Melatonin reduces the impact of the infectious process caused by helminths, especially by inducing protection against oxidative stress.
ISSN:0300-9084
1638-6183
DOI:10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.021