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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 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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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. |
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ISSN: | 0300-9084 1638-6183 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.021 |