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Biomolecules
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Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease
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Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 7494

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Georges Maestroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center of Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: circadian rhythms; melatonin; immune system; adrenergic modulation of hematopoiesis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In mammals, melatonin is synthesized in virtually all cells of the body, where it functions as an autocrine or paracrine messenger and as a cytoprotective agent by virtue of its detoxifying and antioxidant properties. However, it is the melatonin synthesized in the pineal gland that circulates in the blood in a circadian fashion, playing a vital role in the body. In fact, pineal melatonin transduces light as a basic environmental cue into an endocrine signal capable of synchronizing the entire organism during the photoperiod. As a result, virtually all physiological processes are affected, and deranged pineal melatonin production is associated with various pathological states. Melatonin activates two high-affinity membrane receptors, the specific contribution of which to most of its effects is still not clear. This Special Issue aims to gather research articles or reviews on the role of melatonin in normal physiology, including emerging roles such as neurotrophic effects, human reproduction, and mesenchymal stem cell function. In addition, papers on the pathological significance of disturbed melatonin rhythms, as well as the related therapeutic possibilities in inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, viral and bacterial infections, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmunity, are also welcome.

Dr. Georges Maestroni
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • circadian rhythms
  • immunity
  • skin
  • reproduction
  • aging
  • viral and bacterial infection
  • inflammation
  • mesenchymal stem cells
  • cancer
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • osteoporosis

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2301 KiB  
Article
The Role of Melatonin in the Inflammatory Process in Patients with Hyperglycemia and Leishmania Infection
by Thalissa Mariana de Moraes Martins, Felipe Rubin Ferrari, Adriele Ataides de Queiroz, Letícia Damas Leão Dalcin, Danielle Cristina Honorio França, Adenilda Cristina Honório-França, Eduardo Luzía França and Danny Laura Gomes Fagundes-Triches
Biomolecules 2024, 14(8), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14080950 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes chronic high blood sugar levels, and diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections. American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite that affects the skin and mucous membranes, leading to [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes chronic high blood sugar levels, and diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections. American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite that affects the skin and mucous membranes, leading to one or multiple ulcerative lesions. Chronic inflammation and functional changes in various organs and systems, including the immune system, are the primary causes of both diseases. Melatonin, an essential immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent, can benefit many immunological processes and infectious diseases, including leishmaniasis. Although, limited reports are available on diabetic patients with leishmaniasis. The literature suggests that melatonin may play a promising role in inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to assess melatonin levels and inflammatory mediators in diabetic patients affected by leishmaniasis. Blood samples from 25 individuals were analyzed and divided into four groups: a control group (without any diseases), a Leishmania-positive group, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and patients with a combination of both diseases. This study measured the serum levels of melatonin through ELISA, while IL-4 and TNF-α were measured using flow cytometry, and C-reactive protein was measured through turbidimetry. This study found that patients with leishmaniasis significantly increased TNF-α and decreased melatonin levels. However, the group of diabetic patients with leishmaniasis showed higher melatonin levels than the control group. These observations suggest that TNF-α may influence melatonin production in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis, potentially contributing to the inflammatory characteristics of both diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
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13 pages, 1549 KiB  
Article
Correlation between Melatonin and Colostral Regulatory T Cells in Giardia lamblia Infection
by Adriele Ataides de Queiroz, Eduardo Luzía França, Gabriella Regina Borges Gadenz, Letícia Damas Leão Dalcin, Mahmi Fujimori, Danielle Cristina Honorio França, Maria Aparecida Gomes and Adenilda Cristina Honorio-França
Biomolecules 2024, 14(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070744 - 24 Jun 2024
Viewed by 603
Abstract
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) that affects people worldwide. Still, few studies report on the immunoregulatory effects of the biomolecules of colostrum during interactions with G. lamblia. This study aimed to assess the concentrations [...] Read more.
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) that affects people worldwide. Still, few studies report on the immunoregulatory effects of the biomolecules of colostrum during interactions with G. lamblia. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of melatonin and cortisol hormones, the percentage of Treg cells, and the levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in colostrum from mothers who tested positive for the parasite. This cross-sectional study analyzed colostrum samples from 25 puerperal. The samples were tested using an ELISA to determine if they were seropositive for G. lamblia and the type of antibody present (IgM and IgG). Based on the results, the samples were divided into three groups: a control group (N = 10) with no reaction to either IgM or IgG, a group seropositive for IgG (IgG+/IgM−; N = 8), and a group seropositive for IgM (IgM+/IgG−; N = 7). The concentrations of melatonin and cortisol were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β and immunophenotyping were analyzed using flow cytometry. In the group that tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia, the concentration of melatonin was lower. However, in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgG anti-G. lamblia, the level of this hormone had increased. The cortisol levels were similar between the groups, regardless of seropositivity. There was a higher percentage of Treg cells in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. TGF-β levels also increased in the colostrum of mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. In the seronegative group for G. lamblia, there was a positive correlation between melatonin concentration and the percentage of Treg cells. These data suggest that the increase in regulatory cells and cytokines and the reduction in melatonin in colostrum from mothers with recent giardia infection may contribute to the evolution and manifestation of the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
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Review

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12 pages, 618 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Peptides in Dairy Milk: Highlighting the Role of Melatonin
by Melania Andrani, Eleonora Dall’Olio, Fabio De Rensis, Padet Tummaruk and Roberta Saleri
Biomolecules 2024, 14(8), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14080934 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Melatonin, an endogenous indolamine derived from tryptophan, is primarily synthesized by the pineal gland in mammals and regulated by a complex neural system. Its release follows a circadian rhythm, which is crucial for regulating physiological processes in response to light–dark cycles in both [...] Read more.
Melatonin, an endogenous indolamine derived from tryptophan, is primarily synthesized by the pineal gland in mammals and regulated by a complex neural system. Its release follows a circadian rhythm, which is crucial for regulating physiological processes in response to light–dark cycles in both humans and animals. In this review, we report that the presence of this hormone in bovine milk, with significant differences in concentration between daytime and nighttime milking, has increased interest in milk as a natural source of bioactive molecules. Melatonin lowers cortisol levels at night, reduces body temperature and blood pressure, coinciding with decreased alertness and performance, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, modulates the immune system, offers neuroprotective benefits, and supports gastrointestinal health by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in dairy cows. Many factors influence the release of melatonin, such as the intensity of artificial lighting during nighttime milking, the frequency of milkings, milk yield, and genetic differences between animals. Nocturnal milking under low-intensity light boosts melatonin, potentially reducing oxidative damage and mastitis risk. Additionally, ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment does not significantly affect the melatonin content in milk. However, further research on its stability during milk processing and storage is crucial for ensuring product efficacy. In some countries, nighttime milk with naturally elevated melatonin content is already commercialized as a natural aid for sleep. Thus, naturally melatonin-rich milk may be a promising alternative to synthetic supplements for promoting better sleep and overall well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
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15 pages, 305 KiB  
Review
The Physiological Impact of Melatonin, Its Effect on the Course of Diseases and Their Therapy and the Effect of Magnetic Fields on Melatonin Secretion—Potential Common Pathways of Influence
by Marta Woldańska-Okońska and Kamil Koszela
Biomolecules 2024, 14(8), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14080929 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 850
Abstract
Melatonin is a relic, due to its millions-of-years-old presence in chemical reactions, found in evolutionarily diverse organisms. It has a multidirectional biological function. It controls diurnal rhythms, redox homeostasis, intestinal motor functions, mitochondrial biogenesis and fetal development and has antioxidant effects. It also [...] Read more.
Melatonin is a relic, due to its millions-of-years-old presence in chemical reactions, found in evolutionarily diverse organisms. It has a multidirectional biological function. It controls diurnal rhythms, redox homeostasis, intestinal motor functions, mitochondrial biogenesis and fetal development and has antioxidant effects. It also has analgesic and therapeutic effects. The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of melatonin in vital processes occurring in interaction with the environment, with particular reference to various magnetic fields ubiquitous in the life of animate matter, especially radio frequency/extra low frequency (RF/ELF EMF) and static magnetic fields. The most important part of this article is to describe the potential effects of magnetic fields on melatonin secretion and the resulting possible health effects. Melatonin in some cases positively amplifies the electromagnetic signal, intensifying health effects, such as neurogenesis, analgesic effects or lowering blood pressure. In other cases, it is a stimulus that inhibits the processes of destruction and aggravation of lesions. Sometimes, however, in contrast to the beneficial effects of electromagnetic fields in therapy, they intensify pathogenic effects, as in multiple sclerosis by intensifying the inflammatory process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
16 pages, 768 KiB  
Review
Role of Melatonin in Viral, Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
by Georges J. M. Maestroni
Biomolecules 2024, 14(3), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030356 - 16 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2201
Abstract
In all mammals, the circulating pool of MLTs is synthesized in the pineal gland during the night’s darkness hours. Its main function is synchronizing the organism in the photoperiod. In contrast, extra-pineal MLT is synthesized in peripheral organs, does not follow any circadian [...] Read more.
In all mammals, the circulating pool of MLTs is synthesized in the pineal gland during the night’s darkness hours. Its main function is synchronizing the organism in the photoperiod. In contrast, extra-pineal MLT is synthesized in peripheral organs, does not follow any circadian rhythm or circulate, and plays a detoxifying and cytoprotective role. Circulating MLT may stimulate both innate and acquired immune responses through its circadian action and by activating high-affinity receptors on immunocompetent cells. Extra-pineal MLT may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that dampen the innate immune response. These two seemingly divergent roles may be considered to be two sides of the same coin. In fact, the integration of both circulating and extra-pineal MLT functions might generate a balanced and effective immune response against microbial pathogens. The studies described in this review investigated the effects of exogenous MLT in various models of infectious diseases using extremely different doses and treatment schedules. None of them evaluated the possibility of integrating the non-circadian anti-inflammatory effect with the circadian immunoenhancing action of MLT. As a consequence, in spite of the fact that most studies agree that MLT has a beneficial effect against infections, it seems difficult to draw any definite conclusion about its possible therapeutic use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
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22 pages, 1948 KiB  
Review
From Chronodisruption to Sarcopenia: The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin
by José Fernández-Martínez, Yolanda Ramírez-Casas, Yang Yang, Paula Aranda-Martínez, Laura Martínez-Ruiz, Germaine Escames and Darío Acuña-Castroviejo
Biomolecules 2023, 13(12), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13121779 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2274
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin in Normal Physiology and Disease)
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