Melatonin: New Places in Therapy |
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Authors: | Deepa S Maharaj Beverley D Glass Santy Daya |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa;(2) School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia |
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Abstract: | The fact that the full extent of the function of the pineal gland has not yet been elucidated, has stimulated melatonin research
worldwide. This review introduces melatonin’s mechanism of action, direct and indirect antioxidant actions as well as the
antioxidant properties of its metabolites, 6-hydroxymelatonin (6-OHM) and N-acetyl-N-formyl-5-methoxykynurenamine (AFMK).
At present the mechanism of action is proposed to be receptor-, protein- and nonprotein-mediated. From its popular role in
the treatment of jetlag, melatonin is now implicated in the reduction of oxidative stess, both as a free radical scavenger
and antioxidant. Melatonin’s direct scavenging action in respect of the following will be discussed: superoxide anions, hydrogen
peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, peroxy radicals and nitric oxide/peroxy nitrite anions. In addition melatonin
also possesses indirect antioxidant activity and the role of its metabolites, AFMK and 6-OHM will be presented. It is these
free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of melatonin that has shifted the focus from that of merely strengthening
circadian rhythms to that of neuroprotectant: a new place in therapy. |
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Keywords: | Melatonin Circadian rhythm Jetlag Free radical scavenger Antioxidant Neuroprotection |
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