Evaluation of metal complexes coordinated to melatonin derivatives as metal-drug candidates: synthesis, characterization and studies of trypanocidal activity

• Grant number: 18/24544-3
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: May 01, 2019 - April 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Medicines Analysis and Control
• Principal Investigator: Sérgio de Albuquerque
• Grantee: Sérgio de Albuquerque
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chagas disease is part of the so-called Neglected Tropical Diseases group, affecting 8 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Formerly endemic only in Latin America, it spread throughout the globe along with migratory movements, thus becoming a global health issue. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland through the transformation, when there is no light, from tryptophan through serotonin to the aforementioned product. This hormone participates in the regulation of a number of processes and has fundamental properties such as antioxidant action, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging actions. The domain of the use of metals was fundamental for the evolution of the human species. For the past 5000 years, mankind has been using metals from the transition series for medicinal purposes, and a series of complexes are currently used clinically for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer among others, highlighting gold, platinum and ruthenium complexes. This project aims the production of new gold, platinum and ruthenium complexes containing melatonin derivatives as ligands, since the coordination to transition metals can increase the biological activity of this hormone. The activity of the complexes will be monitored in vitro and in vivo, being a very promising proposal for allying the already known melatonin activity with astonishing properties that the transition metal complexes present. (AU)