What is hemozoin and what is its effect?

Hemozoin is a crystalline, brown pigment that is formed and sequestered in the digestive vacuole of Plasmodium as a product of hemoglobin (Hb) catabolism (57). The parasite digests up to 80\% of the Hb in the host RBC, which it utilizes as an essential source of nutrients and energy (2).

What is meant by hemozoin?

Medical Definition of hemozoin : an iron-containing pigment which accumulates as cytoplasmic granules in malaria parasites and is a breakdown product of hemoglobin.

What is the use of hemozoin?

Hemozoin is released together with merozoites upon rupture of parasitized erythrocytes. It reaches high concentrations in the circulation, and is engulfed by macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils and other immune cells [1]. It has been suggested that free hemozoin activates the host innate immune system in mammals [2].

Why is hemozoin toxic?

This compound is toxic, since it is a pro-oxidant and catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress is believed to be generated during the conversion of heme (ferroprotoporphyrin) to hematin (ferriprotoporphyrin).

What causes paroxysm of malaria?

The blood-stage parasites within a host usually undergo a synchronous schizogony. The simultaneous rupture of the infected erythrocytes and the concomitant release of antigens and waste products accounts for the intermittent fever paroxysms associated with malaria.

When is Hemozoin released?

Hemozoin (Hz) is released into the blood stream after rupture of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) at the end of each parasite replication cycle. This free Hz is ingested by circulating and resident phagocytes.

When is hemozoin released?

Which infected cells release Hemozoin?

Toxin released from Plasmodium infected cells.

Is heme toxic to parasites?

Heme is toxic due to the reactivity of iron, so the parasite has developed mechanisms to detoxify it1,2,3,4,5,6. These detoxification mechanisms have been the target of drug development, since blocking heme detoxification will kill the parasite3, 6,7,8,9.

Which form of malarial parasite reach the liver through blood?

Malaria infection begins when an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person, injecting Plasmodium parasites, in the form of sporozoites, into the bloodstream. The sporozoites pass quickly into the human liver.