Title:Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Sylvie Tordjman, Sylvie Chokron, Richard Delorme, Annaelle Charrier, Eric Bellissant, Nemat Jaafari and Claire Fougerou
Affiliation:Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000,, Laboratory of Psychology of Perception, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris 75270,, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debre Hospital, Paris 7 University, Paris 75019,, Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Regnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000,, Inserm CIC 1414 Clinical Investigation Centre, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033,, Unite de recherche clinique Pierre Deniker du Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit, INSERM CIC-P 1402, Poitiers 86022,, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033
Keywords:Adaptation to external and internal environment, biological clocks, biomarker, clinical application, central and
peripheral oscillators, melatonin, prevention and treatment, sleep-wake rhythm, synchronizer.
Abstract:Background: Melatonin synchronizes central but also peripheral oscillators (fetal adrenal
gland, pancreas, liver, kidney, heart, lung, fat, gut, etc.), allowing temporal organization of biological
functions through circadian rhythms (24-hour cycles) in relation to periodic environmental changes and
therefore adaptation of the individual to his/her internal and external environment. Measures of melatonin
are considered the best peripheral indices of human circadian timing based on an internal 24-hour clock.
Methods: First, the pharmacology of melatonin (biosynthesis and circadian rhythms, pharmacokinetics
and mechanisms of action) is described, allowing a better understanding of the short and long term effects
of melatonin following its immediate or prolonged release. Then, research related to the physiological
effects of melatonin is reviewed.
Results: The physiological effects of melatonin are various and include detoxification of free radicals and
antioxidant actions, bone formation and protection, reproduction, and cardiovascular, immune or body
mass regulation. Also, protective and therapeutic effects of melatonin are reported, especially with regard to
brain or gastrointestinal protection, psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases and oncostatic effects.
Conclusion: This review highlights the high number and diversity of major melatonin effects and opens
important perspectives for measuring melatonin as a biomarker (biomarker of early identification of
certain disorders and also biomarker of their follow-up) and using melatonin with clinical preventive and
therapeutic applications in newborns, children and adults based on its physiological regulatory effects.
