Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation

Radogna, F; Diederich, M; Ghibelli, L

HERO ID

1563920

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

PMID

20696138

HERO ID 1563920
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation
Authors Radogna, F; Diederich, M; Ghibelli, L
Journal Biochemical Pharmacology
Volume 80
Issue 12
Page Numbers 1844-1852
Abstract 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.
Doi 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.07.041
Pmid 20696138
Wosid WOS:000284177400007
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000284177400007
Is Public Yes
Keyword Melatonin; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species; Lipoxygenase; NF-kappa B