Abstract
The indoleamine compound melatonin has been extensively studied in the regulation of the circadian rhythm in nearly all vertebrates. The effects of melatonin have also been studied in Protozoan parasites, especially in the synchronization of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum via a complex downstream signalling pathway. Melatonin activates protein kinase A (PfPKA) and requires the activation of protein kinase 7 (PfPK7), PLC-IP3, and a subset of genes from the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In other parasites, such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii, melatonin increases inflammatory components, thus amplifying the protective response of the host’s immune system and affecting parasite load. The development of melatonin-related indole compounds exhibiting antiparasitic properties clearly suggests this new and effective approach as an alternative treatment. Therefore, it is critical to understand how melatonin confers stimulatory functions in host–parasite biology.
Highlights
Malaria is a disease associated with a remarkably high mortality rate in its endemic areas, which have subtropical climates
This study indicates that parasites require G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)-mediated signalling, and this area is central for the development of new therapies against malaria
Malaria has emerged as a major problem causing severe setbacks to the global economy
Summary
Malaria is a disease associated with a remarkably high mortality rate in its endemic areas, which have subtropical climates. A female Anopheles mosquito injects few sporozoites subcutaneously into the host during blood feeding These sporozoites primarily establish infection in hepatocytes, remain hidden from the host’s immune system, and divide mitotically into liver-stage merozoites [3]. It was shown that the schizogonic cycle of P. chabaudi adjusted to the circadian rhythm of the infected mice after 10 days, even after changing the timing of parasite inoculation time [8]. This evidence suggests that the circadian rhythm of the host plays a role in the synchronous IED of parasites. We will discuss the effect of melatonin in other unicellular protozoan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis), Leishmania (leishmaniases), and Trypanosomes species (Chagas’ and sleeping sickness)
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