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1563920 
Journal Article 
Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation 
Radogna, F; Diederich, M; Ghibelli, L 
2010 
Yes 
Biochemical Pharmacology
ISSN: 0006-2952
EISSN: 1873-2968 
80 
12 
1844-1852 
20696138 
WOS:000284177400007 
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland
that regulates sleep and circadian functions. Melatonin also regulates inflammatory and immune
processes acting as both an activator and inhibitor of these responses. Melatonin demonstrates
endocrine, but also paracrine and autocrine effects in the leukocyte compartment: on one side,
leukocytes respond to melatonin in a circadian fashion: on the other side, leukocytes are able to
synthesize melatonin by themselves. With its endocrine and paracrine effects, melatonin
differentially modulates pro-inflammatory enzymes, controls production of inflammatory mediators
such as cytokines and leukotrienes and regulates the lifespan of leukocytes by interfering with
apoptotic processes. Moreover, its potent antioxidant ability allows scavenging of oxidative
stress in the inflamed tissues. The interesting timing of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects,
such as those affecting lipoxygenase activity, suggests that melatonin might promote early phases
of inflammation on one hand and contribute to its attenuation on the other hand, in order to
avoid complications of chronic inflammation. This review aims at giving a comprehensive overview
of the various inflammatory pathways regulated by this pleiotropic hormone. (C) 2010 Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved. 
Melatonin; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species; Lipoxygenase; NF-kappa B