Studies

Melatonin inhibits GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus consistent with a reduction in wakefulness.

Although melatonin is necessary for circadian regulation of sleep, the mechanisms underlying this effect of melatonin are still unclear. In the present study, we showed that melatonin suppressed the activity of GABAergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, which has been reported to play a crucial role in maintaining wakefulness.

Melatonin inhibits GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus consistent with a reduction in wakefulness. Read More »

Effect of acute total sleep deprivation on plasma melatonin, cortisol and metabolite rhythms in females.

Disruption to sleep and circadian rhythms can impact on metabolism. The study aimed to investigate the effect of acute sleep deprivation on plasma melatonin, cortisol and metabolites, to increase understanding of the metabolic pathways involved in sleep/wake regulation processes.

Effect of acute total sleep deprivation on plasma melatonin, cortisol and metabolite rhythms in females. Read More »

Association Between Sleep Quality and Semen Parameters and Reproductive Hormones: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang, China.

The effects of sleep duration on semen quality have been documented in many epidemiological studies. However, the association between sleep quality and semen parameters and reproductive hormones is still unclear.

Association Between Sleep Quality and Semen Parameters and Reproductive Hormones: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang, China. Read More »

Poor sleep quality associates with self-reported psychiatric and cardiometabolic symptoms independently of sleep timing patterns in a large sample of rural and urban workers.

Poor sleep associates with mental and cardiometabolic pathological outcomes. The participation of sleep timing features in the pathways by which this relationship occurs is not clear.

Poor sleep quality associates with self-reported psychiatric and cardiometabolic symptoms independently of sleep timing patterns in a large sample of rural and urban workers. Read More »

Mitochondria: the birth place, battle ground and the site of melatonin metabolism cells.

It was a surprising discovery when mitochondria, as the power houses of cells, were also found to synthesize the potent mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, melatonin. The melatonin synthetic enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) was found in matrix and also in the intermembrane space of mitochondria.

Mitochondria: the birth place, battle ground and the site of melatonin metabolism cells. Read More »

The effect of melatonin on depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients after acute coronary syndrome: The MEDACIS randomized clinical trial.

Depression following acute coronary syndrome is prevalent and associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Melatonin may function as a primary prophylactic antidepressant substance and alleviate depressive symptoms. The study was undertaken to determine if melatonin administered following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) could prevent development of depression.

The effect of melatonin on depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients after acute coronary syndrome: The MEDACIS randomized clinical trial. Read More »

Melatonin Promotes Uterine and Placental Health: Potential Molecular Mechanisms.

The development of the endometrium is a cyclic event tightly regulated by hormones and growth factors to coordinate the menstrual cycle while promoting a suitable microenvironment for embryo implantation during the “receptivity window”. Many women experience uterine failures that hamper the success of conception, such as endometrium thickness, endometriosis, luteal phase defects, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, viral infection, and even endometrial cancer; most of these disturbances involve changes in endocrine components or cell damage.

Melatonin Promotes Uterine and Placental Health: Potential Molecular Mechanisms. Read More »

The Effects of Melatonin on the Descending Pain Inhibitory System and Neural Plasticity Markers in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (ACBC) has been associated with fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, and disturbed sleep. And, previous studies in non-cancer patients showed that melatonin could improve the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS).

The Effects of Melatonin on the Descending Pain Inhibitory System and Neural Plasticity Markers in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Read More »

Reduced melatonin synthesis in pregnant night workers: Metabolic implications for offspring.

Several novel animal studies have shown that intrauterine metabolic programming can be modified in the event of reduced melatonin synthesis during pregnancy, leading to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in the offspring. It is therefore postulated that female night workers when pregnant may expose the offspring to unwanted health threats.

Reduced melatonin synthesis in pregnant night workers: Metabolic implications for offspring. Read More »

Melatonin has profound effects on mitochondrial dynamics in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.

Research focus recently shifted to mitochondrial dynamics and the role of fusion and fission in cardioprotection. The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) the function and dynamics of mitochondria isolated from hearts exposed to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) (ii) the effects of melatonin, a powerful cardioprotectant, on mitochondrial dynamics in I/R.

Melatonin has profound effects on mitochondrial dynamics in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. Read More »

Infusion of Melatonin Into the Paraventricular Nucleus Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines.

Melatonin, the receptors for which are abundant in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), can protect the heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether the infusion of melatonin into the PVN protects the heart from MI/R injury by suppressing oxidative stress or regulating the balance between proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MI/R rats.

Infusion of Melatonin Into the Paraventricular Nucleus Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines. Read More »

Melatonin for prevention of placental malperfusion and fetal compromise associated with intrauterine inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a mouse model.

Melatonin has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and mitigate hypercoagulability. We hypothesized that maternally administered melatonin may reduce placental oxidative stress and hypercoagulability associated with exposure to intrauterine inflammation (IUI) and consequently improve fetoplacental blood flow and fetal sequelae.

Melatonin for prevention of placental malperfusion and fetal compromise associated with intrauterine inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a mouse model. Read More »

The Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin: Possible Role in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disease.

Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland. To date, melatonin is known to regulate the sleep cycle by controlling the circadian rhythm. However, recent advances in neuroscience and molecular biology have led to the discovery of new actions and effects of melatonin.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin: Possible Role in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disease. Read More »

Advanced melatonin onset relative to sleep in women with unmedicated major depressive disorder.

Studies on circadian timing in depression have produced variable results, with some investigations suggesting phase advances and others phase delays. This variability may be attributable to differences in participant diagnosis, medication use, and methodology between studies.

Advanced melatonin onset relative to sleep in women with unmedicated major depressive disorder. Read More »

An integrated approach to diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in menopausal women.

Sleep disorders increase in prevalence during the menopausal transition and they constitute a complex phenomenon. Insomnia, the main sleep disorder, can be a primary disorder or it can be secondary to hot flushes (HF), mood disorders, psychosocial factors, medical conditions, and other sleep disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or restless legs syndrome (RLS).

An integrated approach to diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in menopausal women. Read More »

Cardioprotective Melatonin: Translating from Proof-of-Concept Studies to Therapeutic Use.

In this review we summarized the actual clinical data for a cardioprotective therapeutic role of melatonin, listed melatonin and its agonists in different stages of development, and evaluated the melatonin cardiovascular target tractability and prediction using machine learning on ChEMBL.

Cardioprotective Melatonin: Translating from Proof-of-Concept Studies to Therapeutic Use. Read More »

The Circadian Syndrome: is the Metabolic Syndrome and much more!

The Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors and comorbidities conveying high risk of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is responsible for huge socio-economic costs with its resulting morbidity and mortality in most countries. The underlying aetiology of this clustering has been the subject of much debate.

The Circadian Syndrome: is the Metabolic Syndrome and much more! Read More »

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation in Women with Unexplained Infertility Undergoing Fertility Treatment.

Unexplained infertility occurs when common causes for a couple’s inability to conceive have been excluded. Although origins of idiopathic infertility are still unclear, factors, such as an altered oxidative balance, are believed to be involved. Melatonin is an outstanding antioxidant reportedly present in the follicular fluid (FF), which has been suggested as a useful tool in the management of human fertility.

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation in Women with Unexplained Infertility Undergoing Fertility Treatment. Read More »

Healthier rhythm, healthier brain? Integrity of circadian melatonin and temperature rhythms relates to the clinical state of brain-injured patients.

Healthy circadian rhythmicity has been suggested to relate to a better state of brain-injured patients and to support the emergence of consciousness in patient groups characterized by a relative instability thereof such as patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC).

Healthier rhythm, healthier brain? Integrity of circadian melatonin and temperature rhythms relates to the clinical state of brain-injured patients. Read More »

Melatonin and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate: Partners in Fighting Cancer.

We have demonstrated previously that melatonin attenuates hepatotoxicity triggered by high doses of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in mice. The current work investigated the influence of melatonin on the oncostatic activity of EGCG in two cancer cell lines, wherein melatonin induced an opposite response of p21.

Melatonin and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate: Partners in Fighting Cancer. Read More »

Night-shift work, circadian and melatonin pathway related genes and their interaction on breast cancer risk: evidence from a case-control study in Korean women.

Our purpose is to investigate the impact of circadian and melatonin pathway genes as well as their interactions with night-shift work (NSW) on breast cancer risk in Korean women.

Night-shift work, circadian and melatonin pathway related genes and their interaction on breast cancer risk: evidence from a case-control study in Korean women. Read More »

Melatonin Signaling a Key Regulator of Glucose Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism.

Melatonin, a hormone synthesized by both the pineal gland and retina, functions as an important modulator of a number of physiological functions. In addition to its rather well-established roles in the regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep, and reproduction, melatonin has also been identified as an important regulator of glucose metabolism.

Melatonin Signaling a Key Regulator of Glucose Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism. Read More »

Melatonin protects circulatory death heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

The shortage of donor hearts could be alleviated with the use of the allografts from donation after circulatory death (DCD). Here, we evaluated the protective effect of melatonin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury in a DCD heart model after ex vivo perfusion.

Melatonin protects circulatory death heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Read More »

Co-administering Melatonin With an Estradiol-Progesterone Menopausal Hormone Therapy Represses Mammary Cancer Development in a Mouse Model of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Melatonin has numerous anti-cancer properties reported to influence cancer initiation, promotion, and metastasis. With the need for effective hormone therapies (HT) to treat menopausal symptoms without increasing breast cancer risk, co-administration of nocturnal melatonin with a natural, low-dose HT was evaluated in mice that develop primary and metastatic mammary cancer.

Co-administering Melatonin With an Estradiol-Progesterone Menopausal Hormone Therapy Represses Mammary Cancer Development in a Mouse Model of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Read More »

Pregnancy Induces an Earlier Chronotype in Both Mice and Women.

Daily rhythms generated by endogenous circadian mechanisms and synchronized to the light-dark cycle have been implicated in the timing of birth in a wide variety of species. Although chronodisruption (e.g., shift work or clock gene mutations) is associated with poor reproductive outcomes, little is known about circadian timing during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Induces an Earlier Chronotype in Both Mice and Women. Read More »

Melatonin MT1 receptor as a novel target in neuropsychopharmacology: MT1 ligands, pathophysiological and therapeutic implications, and perspectives.

Melatonin (MLT), a neuromodulator mainly acting through two G-protein coupled receptors MT1 and MT2, regulates many brain functions, including circadian rhythms, mood, pain and sleep. MLT and non-selective MT1/MT2 receptor agonists are clinically used in neuropsychiatric and/or sleep disorders.

Melatonin MT1 receptor as a novel target in neuropsychopharmacology: MT1 ligands, pathophysiological and therapeutic implications, and perspectives. Read More »

Effects of red light on sleep inertia.

Sleep inertia, broadly defined as decrements in performance and lowering of alertness following waking, lasts for durations ranging between 1 min and 3 hrs. This study investigated whether, compared to a dim light condition (the control), exposure to long-wavelength (red) light delivered to closed eyelids during sleep (red light mask) and to eyes open upon waking (red light goggles) reduced sleep inertia.

Effects of red light on sleep inertia. Read More »

Melatonin profiles during the third trimester of pregnancy and health status in the offspring among day and night workers: A case series.

Successful pregnancy requires adaptation in maternal physiology. During intrauterine life the mother’s circadian timing system supports successful birth and postnatal development. Maternal melatonin is important to transmit circadian timing and day length to the fetus.

Melatonin profiles during the third trimester of pregnancy and health status in the offspring among day and night workers: A case series. Read More »

Night workers have lower levels of antioxidant defenses and higher levels of oxidative stress damage when compared to day workers.

The effects of circadian misalignment and work shift on oxidative stress profile of shift workers have not been explored in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of shift work (day and night) and social jetlag – a measure of circadian misalignment – with oxidative stress markers.

Night workers have lower levels of antioxidant defenses and higher levels of oxidative stress damage when compared to day workers. Read More »

Interplay between diet, exercise and the molecular circadian clock in orchestrating metabolic adaptations of adipose tissue.

Disruption of circadian rhythmicity induced by prolonged light exposure, altered sleep patterns and shift work is associated with the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Interplay between diet, exercise and the molecular circadian clock in orchestrating metabolic adaptations of adipose tissue. Read More »

Melatonin is a biomarker of circadian dysregulation and is correlated with major depression and fibromyalgia symptom severity.

This study compared urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) over 24 hours among fibromyalgia (FM), major depression disorder (MDD), and healthy control (HC) groups, and examined whether rhythm is correlated with depressive symptoms. To answer this question we compared the rhythm of urinary aMT6s secretion among each group in four time series: morning (06:00-12:00 hours), afternoon (12:00-18:00 hours), evening (18:00-24:00 hours), and night (24:00-06:00 hours). In the FM subjects, we assessed if the rhythm of urinary aMT6s secretion is associated with pain severity, sleep quality, number of trigger points (NTPs), and the pain pressure threshold (PPT).

Melatonin is a biomarker of circadian dysregulation and is correlated with major depression and fibromyalgia symptom severity. Read More »

Melatonin improves endothelial function in vitro and prolongs pregnancy in women with early-onset preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There have been no material advances in the treatment of preeclampsia for nearly 50 years. Combining in vitro studies and a clinical trial, we aimed to determine whether melatonin could be a useful adjuvant therapy.

Melatonin improves endothelial function in vitro and prolongs pregnancy in women with early-onset preeclampsia. Read More »

From Implantation to Birth: Insight into Molecular Melatonin Functions.

Melatonin is a lipophilic hormone synthesized and secreted mainly in the pineal gland, acting as a neuroendocrine transducer of photoperiodic information during the night. In addition to this activity, melatonin has shown an antioxidant function and a key role as regulator of physiological processes related to human reproduction.

From Implantation to Birth: Insight into Molecular Melatonin Functions. Read More »

Melatonin in Heart Failure: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy?

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.

Melatonin in Heart Failure: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy? Read More »

Melatonin: A Versatile Protector against Oxidative DNA Damage.

Oxidative damage to DNA has important implications for human health and has been identified as a key factor in the onset and development of numerous diseases. Thus, it is evident that preventing DNA from oxidative damage is crucial for humans and for any living organism. Melatonin is an astonishingly versatile molecule in this context.

Melatonin: A Versatile Protector against Oxidative DNA Damage. Read More »

Melatonin as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant: one of evolution’s best ideas.

Melatonin is an ancient antioxidant. After its initial development in bacteria, it has been retained throughout evolution such that it may be or may have been present in every species that have existed. Even though it has been maintained throughout evolution during the diversification of species, melatonin’s chemical structure has never changed; thus, the melatonin

Melatonin as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant: one of evolution’s best ideas. Read More »

Melatonin prevents postovulatory oocyte aging and promotes subsequent embryonic development in the pig.

Oxidative stress is known as a major contributing factor involved in oocyte aging, which negatively affects oocyte quality and development after fertilization. Melatonin is an effective free radical scavenger and its metabolites AFMK and AMK are powerful detoxifiers that eliminate free radicals.

Melatonin prevents postovulatory oocyte aging and promotes subsequent embryonic development in the pig. Read More »

Melatonin, a Full Service Anti-Cancer Agent: Inhibition of Initiation, Progression and Metastasis.

There is highly credible evidence that melatonin mitigates cancer at the initiation, progression and metastasis phases. In many cases, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these inhibitory actions have been proposed. What is rather perplexing, however, is the large number of processes by which melatonin reportedly restrains cancer development and growth.

Melatonin, a Full Service Anti-Cancer Agent: Inhibition of Initiation, Progression and Metastasis. Read More »

Effect of myo-inositol and melatonin versus myo-inositol, in a randomized controlled trial, for improving in vitro fertilization of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) induces anovulation in women of reproductive age, and is one of the pathological factors involved in the failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Effect of myo-inositol and melatonin versus myo-inositol, in a randomized controlled trial, for improving in vitro fertilization of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Read More »

Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers.

Melatonin is uncommonly effective in reducing oxidative stress under a remarkably large number of circumstances. It achieves this action via a variety of means: direct detoxification of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species and indirectly by stimulating antioxidant enzymes while suppressing the activity of pro-oxidant enzymes.

Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers. Read More »

A Randomized Control Trial Study to Determine the Effect of Melatonin on Serum Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS is an inflammatory disease; associated with the demyelination of the central nervous system.

A Randomized Control Trial Study to Determine the Effect of Melatonin on Serum Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Read More »

Serum Levels of Melatonin and Oxidative Stress Markers and Correlation between Them in Infertile Men.

Infertility is the problem of 15% of young couples in different societies. One of the factors that could affect fertility is oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the level of Melatonin, a free radical scavenger, and its correlation with oxidative biomarkers in infertile men.

Serum Levels of Melatonin and Oxidative Stress Markers and Correlation between Them in Infertile Men. Read More »

Melatonin prevents postovulatory oocyte aging in the mouse and extends the window for optimal fertilization in vitro.

The quality of metaphase II oocytes deteriorates rapidly following ovulation as the result of an aging process associated with impaired fertilizing potential, disrupted developmental competence, and increased likelihood of embryonic resorption.

Melatonin prevents postovulatory oocyte aging in the mouse and extends the window for optimal fertilization in vitro. Read More »

Beneficial actions of melatonin in the management of viral infections: a new use for this “molecular handyman”?

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a multifunctional signaling molecule that has a variety of important functions. Numerous clinical trials have examined the therapeutic usefulness of melatonin in different fields of medicine.

Beneficial actions of melatonin in the management of viral infections: a new use for this “molecular handyman”? Read More »

High endogenous melatonin concentrations enhance sperm quality and short-term in vitro exposure to melatonin improves aspects of sperm motility.

Although human seminal fluid contains melatonin and spermatozoa reportedly possess membrane melatonin receptors, there are no experimental studies that have ascertained the relationship between melatonin and male infertility.

High endogenous melatonin concentrations enhance sperm quality and short-term in vitro exposure to melatonin improves aspects of sperm motility. Read More »

Melatonin: action as antioxidant and potential applications in human disease and aging.

This review aims at describing the beneficial properties of melatonin related to its antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, i.e., an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defences, is involved in several pathological conditions such as cardiovascular or neurological disease, and in aging. Therefore, research for antioxidants has developed. However, classical antioxidants often failed to exhibit beneficial effects, especially in metabolic diseases.

Melatonin: action as antioxidant and potential applications in human disease and aging. Read More »

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