Melatonin: Physiological Effects on Health and Diseases
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 46
Special Issue Editor
Interests: neuroscience; neuropharmacology; antioxidants; neuroinflammation; models of neurodegenerative diseases; aging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle. Its mechanism of action involves interaction with melatonin receptors in the brain, particularly in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is responsible for controlling the body’s circadian rhythm. By binding to these receptors, melatonin signals to the body that it is time to sleep, helping to promote relaxation and induce drowsiness.
In addition to its role in promoting sleep, melatonin also has antioxidant properties and plays a role in several physiological functions, including immune function and regulation of body temperature. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant via three approaches: direct scavenging of free radicals; stimulation of antioxidant enzymes; increasing the efficiency of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reducing electron leakage (thereby reducing free radical generation); and finally, it may potentiate other compounds with potential antioxidant activity.
Research has shown that melatonin may have potential benefits for several health conditions, including insomnia, jet lag, and certain mood disorders. It is also being studied for its potential role in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of melatonin in physiological and pathogenic conditions contributes to the development of therapeutic strategies that target multiple diseases or pathways.
The current Special Issue invites the submission of research manuscripts, reviews, and short commentaries on topics related to the underlying mechanisms mediated by melatonin-related systems and the role of specific or general signaling involved in their activity. Submissions may include reports from animal models to clinical trials in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Jana Tchekalarova
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- hormone melatonin
- oxidative stress
- sleep
- metabolism
- neurodegeneration
