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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

T. cruzi infection among aged rats: Melatonin as a promising therapeutic molecule

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Author(s):
Brazao, Vania [1] ; Santello, Fabricia Helena [1] ; Colato, Rafaela Pravato [1] ; Prado, Jose Clovis [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto FCFRP, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Review article
Source: Experimental Gerontology; v. 135, JUL 1 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Although T. cruzi was identified as the cause of Chagas disease more than 100 years ago, satisfactory treatments still do not exist, especially for chronic disease. Here we review work suggesting that melatonin could have promise as a Chagas therapeutic. Melatonin has remarkably diverse actions. It is an immunomodulator, an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, and has antiapoptotic and anti-aging effects. The elderly (aged 60 years or more) as a group are growing faster than any other age group. Here we discuss the major effects and the mechanisms of action of melatonin on aged T. cruzi-infected rats. Melatonin's protective effects may be consequences of its cooperative antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions. Melatonin modulates oxidative damage, inducing an antioxidant response and reversing age-related thymus regression. Its protective actions could be the result of its anti-apoptotic activity, and by its counteracting the excessive production of corticosterone. This review describes our work showing that host age plays an important and variable influence on the progression of systemic T. cruzi infection and supporting the hypothesis that melatonin should be considered as a powerful therapeutic compound with multiple activities that can improve host homeostasis during experimental T. cruzi infection. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/20673-4 - Evaluation of melatonin, lycopene and benznidazole supplementation during experimental Chagas Disease
Grantee:José Clóvis do Prado Júnior
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 10/02222-2 - Potential therapeutic actions of the melatonin-meloxicam association on the chagasic myocardite in wistar rats infected with the y strain of T. cruzi.
Grantee:José Clóvis do Prado Júnior
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 15/09806-3 - Melatonin and senescence : study the modulation of the immune system during experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.
Grantee:José Clóvis do Prado Júnior
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants