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Biomolecules Dec 2023Sarcopenia is an age-related condition that involves a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, leading to increased risk of falls, frailty, and mortality.... (Review)
Review
Sarcopenia is an age-related condition that involves a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, leading to increased risk of falls, frailty, and mortality. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, aging-related processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial capacity, and cell apoptosis contribute to this decline. Disruption of the circadian system with age may initiate these pathways in skeletal muscle, preceding the onset of sarcopenia. At present, there is no pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia, only resistance exercise and proper nutrition may delay its onset. Melatonin, derived from tryptophan, emerges as an exceptional candidate for treating sarcopenia due to its chronobiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its impact on mitochondria and organelle, where it is synthesized and crucial in aging skeletal muscle, further highlights its potential. In this review, we discuss the influence of clock genes in muscular aging, with special reference to peripheral clock genes in the skeletal muscle, as well as their relationship with melatonin, which is proposed as a potential therapy against sarcopenia.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Melatonin; Aging; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38136651
DOI: 10.3390/biom13121779 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2019Melatonin is a multifunctional signaling molecule, ubiquitously distributed in different parts of plants and responsible for stimulating several physiological responses... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is a multifunctional signaling molecule, ubiquitously distributed in different parts of plants and responsible for stimulating several physiological responses to adverse environmental conditions. In the current review, we showed that the biosynthesis of melatonin occurred in plants by themselves, and accumulation of melatonin fluctuated sharply by modulating its biosynthesis and metabolic pathways under stress conditions. Melatonin, with its precursors and derivatives, acted as a powerful growth regulator, bio-stimulator, and antioxidant, which delayed leaf senescence, lessened photosynthesis inhibition, and improved redox homeostasis and the antioxidant system through a direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. In addition, exogenous melatonin boosted the growth, photosynthetic, and antioxidant activities in plants, confirming their tolerances against drought, unfavorable temperatures, salinity, heavy metals, acid rain, and pathogens. However, future research, together with recent advancements, would support emerging new approaches to adopt strategies in overcoming the effect of hazardous environments on crops and may have potential implications in expanding crop cultivation against harsh conditions. Thus, farming communities and consumers will benefit from elucidating food safety concerns.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Antioxidants; Melatonin; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 30818835
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051040 -
Cells Jul 2019Melatonin is a widespread molecule among living organisms involved in multiple biological, hormonal, and physiological processes at cellular, tissue, and organic levels.... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is a widespread molecule among living organisms involved in multiple biological, hormonal, and physiological processes at cellular, tissue, and organic levels. It is well-known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and renowned antioxidant effects, acting as a free radical scavenger, up-regulating antioxidant enzymes, reducing mitochondrial electron leakage, and interfering with proinflammatory signaling pathways. Detected in various medicinal and food plants, its concentration is widely variable. Plant generative organs (e.g., flowers, fruits), and especially seeds, have been proposed as having the highest melatonin concentrations, markedly higher than those found in vertebrate tissues. In addition, seeds are also rich in other substances (lipids, sugars, and proteins), constituting the energetic reserve for a potentially growing seedling and beneficial for the human diet. Thus, given that dietary melatonin is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and transported into the bloodstream, the ingestion of medicinal and plant foods by mammals as a source of melatonin may be conceived as a key step in serum melatonin modulation and, consequently, health promotion.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Antioxidants; Biological Availability; Gastrointestinal Absorption; Humans; Melatonin; Plants, Edible; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 31284489
DOI: 10.3390/cells8070681 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Aug 2023This study aimed to investigate the age-dependent anti-angiogenic capability of melatonin in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and to explore the underlying molecular...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the age-dependent anti-angiogenic capability of melatonin in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS
In the present study, a laser-induced CNV model was established in both young (three months of age) and old (18 months of age) mice, and the size of CNV lesions and vascular leakage was detected by morphological and imaging examination. Next, Western blot and immunostaining were used to observe the levels of M2 markers, senescence-related markers, and molecules involved in IL-10/STAT3 pathway. Additionally, colivelin was used to study the effect of IL-10/STAT3 pathway activation on the expression of M2 markers and senescence-related markers by Western blot and immunostaining. Finally, the effects of colivelin on melatonin-induced reduction of CNV size and vascular leakage in mice at different ages were assessed using morphological and imaging examination.
RESULTS
Our results revealed that aging promoted M2 macrophage/microglia polarization, and aggravated CNV and vascular leakage. Melatonin significantly inhibited the M2 polarization of senescent macrophage/microglia and reduced the CNV area and vascular leakage. Moreover, melatonin markedly suppressed IL-10/STAT3 pathway activation in the macrophage/microglia of old mice, and STAT3 activator colivelin reversed the suppressive effect of melatonin on M2 polarization of senescent macrophage/microglia and laser-induced CNV in old mice.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data demonstrated that melatonin significantly prevented the M2 polarization of senescent macrophage/microglia by inhibiting the IL-10/STAT3 pathway, and eventually attenuated senescence-associated CNV. These findings suggested that melatonin could serve as a promising therapeutic agent to treat CNV and other age-related ocular diseases.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Microglia; Melatonin; Interleukin-10; Choroidal Neovascularization; Macrophages; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37578424
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.11.19 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2019When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and... (Review)
Review
When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and pathways. Melatonin, a highly conserved ancient molecule, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of skin. As human skin has functional melatonin receptors and also acts as a complete system that is capable of producing and regulating melatonin synthesis, melatonin is a promising candidate for its maintenance and protection. Below, we review the studies of new metabolic pathways involved in the protective functions of melatonin in dermal cells. We also discuss the advantages of the topical use of melatonin for therapeutic purposes and skin protection. In our view, endogenous intracutaneous melatonin production, together with topically-applied exogenous melatonin and its metabolites, represent two of the most potent defense systems against external damage to the skin.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Melatonin; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Skin
PubMed: 31597233
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194948 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Oct 2020We evaluated the evidence in research on the effects of melatonin on hypothyroidism and gonadal development. According to the World Health Organization, thyroid... (Review)
Review
We evaluated the evidence in research on the effects of melatonin on hypothyroidism and gonadal development. According to the World Health Organization, thyroid disorders due to iodine deficiency affect about 740 million people worldwide. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid dysfunction characterized by hypometabolism of the gland, with reduced or physiologically normal T3 and T4 serum levels, and high TSH level. This disorder occurs mainly in adult women in the reproductive phase, with a prevalence of 2% among the world's female population, with profound repercussions on gestation and fetal formation. During the gestational period, the thyroid is initially stimulated by high concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin; thus, maintaining maternal euthyroidism during pregnancy and lactation is fundamental for fetal growth and development. Besides, the hormones produced by this gland are involved in the formation of various organs, such as the skin, brain and gonads. Hypothyroidism is associated with several menstrual abnormalities, anovulation and hyperprolactinemia, resulting in a high rate of abortions, premature births, placental rupture, and weight-related neonatal deficits. In addition, there are studies showing that hypothyroidism can affect ovarian morphology (number of ovarian follicles) and testicular morphology (changes in the testicular-lumen epithelium). Melatonin is a hormone known to modulate the estrous cycle and pregnancy, and studies show that the exogenous application of melatonin increased T4 levels in female rats and controlled the decrease in T3 serum levels, reverting the sigs of hypothyroidism.
Topics: Animals; Female; Hypothyroidism; Male; Melatonin; Ovary; Rats; Testis
PubMed: 32945645
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200053 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Mar 2020Melatonin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can influence tissue growth and apoptosis. This aspect may influence the success of organ...
OBJECTIVE
Melatonin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can influence tissue growth and apoptosis. This aspect may influence the success of organ transplantation. To evaluate the relationship between melatonin and organ transplantation.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in PubMed databases using the search terms: "melatonin physiology" or "melatonin therapy" and "transplant pharmacology" or "transplant physiology" or "transplant therapy" or "Transplant therapy". Experiments on the organs of the reproductive system were not included. After analysis, five articles were selected after reading the title and abstract of 50 manuscripts. The works were divided into two aspects: a) analysis of the influence of the organ transplantation procedure on melatonin production; b) action of melatonin on organ transplantation.
RESULTS
The cardiac transplantation surgical procedure, immunosuppression, and graft did not influence melatonin secretion in rodents, but there was a significant reduction of melatonin in the renal transplantation procedure in patients with renal insufficiency. Melatonin administration in experimental models decreased rejection and improved transplant success.
CONCLUSION
Studies show that melatonin can reduce organ and species dependence, and the use of melatonin decreases graft rejection.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Graft Rejection; Graft Survival; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Kidney Transplantation; Melatonin; Organ Transplantation; Rats
PubMed: 32520157
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.66.3.353 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2018Heart failure is a multifactorial clinical syndrome characterized by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body. Despite recent advances in medical... (Review)
Review
Heart failure is a multifactorial clinical syndrome characterized by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body. Despite recent advances in medical management, poor outcomes in patients with heart failure remain very high. This highlights a need for novel paradigms for effective, preventive and curative strategies. Substantial evidence supports the importance of endogenous melatonin in cardiovascular health and the benefits of melatonin supplementation in various cardiac pathologies and cardiometabolic disorders. Melatonin plays a crucial role in major pathological processes associated with heart failure including ischemic injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cardiac remodeling. In this review, available evidence for the role of melatonin in heart failure is discussed. Current challenges and possible limitations of using melatonin in heart failure are also addressed. While few clinical studies have investigated the role of melatonin in the context of heart failure, current findings from experimental studies support the potential use of melatonin as preventive and adjunctive curative therapy in heart failure.
Topics: Animals; Fibrosis; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Melatonin
PubMed: 30037127
DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071819 -
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS Mar 2021Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed human cancers in males. Nearly 191,930 new cases and 33,330 new deaths of PCa are estimated in 2020. Androgen... (Review)
Review
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed human cancers in males. Nearly 191,930 new cases and 33,330 new deaths of PCa are estimated in 2020. Androgen and androgen receptor pathways played essential roles in the pathogenesis of PCa. Androgen depletion therapy is the most used therapies for primary PCa patients. However, due to the high relapse and mortality of PCa, developing novel noninvasive therapies have become the focus of research. Melatonin is an indole-like neurohormone mainly produced in the human pineal gland with a prominent anti-oxidant property. The anti-tumor ability of melatonin has been substantially confirmed and several related articles have also reported the inhibitory effect of melatonin on PCa, while reviews of this inhibitory effect of melatonin on PCa in recent 10 years are absent. Therefore, we systematically discuss the relationship between melatonin disruption and the risk of PCa, the mechanism of how melatonin inhibited PCa, and the synergistic benefits of melatonin and other drugs to summarize current understandings about the function of melatonin in suppressing human prostate cancer. We also raise several unsolved issues that need to be resolved to translate currently non-clinical trials of melatonin for clinic use. We hope this literature review could provide a solid theoretical basis for the future utilization of melatonin in preventing, diagnosing and treating human prostate cancer. Video abstract.
Topics: Apoptosis; Humans; Male; Melatonin; Models, Biological; Prostatic Neoplasms; Receptors, Androgen; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33722247
DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00723-0 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023Melatonin, an endogenous hormone mainly released at night by the pineal gland, has multifaceted biofunctions. Emerging evidence points to melatonin having a crucial role... (Review)
Review
Melatonin, an endogenous hormone mainly released at night by the pineal gland, has multifaceted biofunctions. Emerging evidence points to melatonin having a crucial role in kidney health and disease. As the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still rising, a superior strategy to advance global kidney health is needed to not just treat CKD, but prevent it early on. Adult kidney disease can have its origins in early life. This review aims to evaluate the recent literature regarding melatonin's effect on kidney development, its clinical uses in the early stage of life, animal models documenting preventive applications of melatonin on offspring's kidney-related disease, and a thorough summary of therapeutic considerations concerning melatonin supplementation.
Topics: Animals; Melatonin; Kidney; Pineal Gland; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Models, Animal; Circadian Rhythm
PubMed: 37175813
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098105