Abstract
The master biological clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus plays a vital role in orchestrating the circadian rhythms of multiple biological processes. Increasing evidence points to a role of the biological clock in the development of depression. In seasonal depression and in bipolar disorders it seems likely that the circadian system plays a vital role in the genesis of the disorder. For major unipolar depressive disorder (MDD) available data suggest a primary involvement of the circadian system but further and larger studies are necessary to conclude.
Melatonin and melatonin agonists have chronobiotic effects, which mean that they can readjust the circadian system. Seasonal affective disorders and mood disturbances caused by circadian malfunction are theoretically treatable by manipulating the circadian system using chronobiotic drugs, chronotherapy or bright light therapy. In MDD, melatonin alone has no antidepressant action but novel melatoninergic compounds demonstrate antidepressant properties. Of these, the most advanced is the novel melatonin agonist agomelatine, which combines joint MT1 and MT2 agonism with 5-HT2C receptor antagonism. Adding a chronobiotic effect to the inhibition of 5-HT2C receptors may explain the rapid impact of agomelatine on depression, since studies showed that agomelatine had an early impact on sleep quality and alertness at awakening. Further studies are necessary in order to better characterize the effect of agomelatine and other novel melatoninergic drugs on the circadian system of MDD patients.
In summary, antidepressants with intrinsic chronobiotic properties offer a novel approach to treatment of depression.
Keywords: Major depression disorder, circadian rhythms, melatonin, melatonin agonists, orchestrating, chronobiotic, agomelatine, thermoregulatory, hypersomia, polysynaptic, fluoxetine, actigraphy, paroxetine, venlafaxine, escitalopram, tasimelteon, electroencephalogram
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Circadian Rhythms, Melatonin and Depression
Volume: 17 Issue: 15
Author(s): M. A. Quera Salva, S. Hartley, F. Barbot, J. C. Alvarez, F. Lofaso and C. Guilleminault
Affiliation:
Keywords: Major depression disorder, circadian rhythms, melatonin, melatonin agonists, orchestrating, chronobiotic, agomelatine, thermoregulatory, hypersomia, polysynaptic, fluoxetine, actigraphy, paroxetine, venlafaxine, escitalopram, tasimelteon, electroencephalogram
Abstract: The master biological clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus plays a vital role in orchestrating the circadian rhythms of multiple biological processes. Increasing evidence points to a role of the biological clock in the development of depression. In seasonal depression and in bipolar disorders it seems likely that the circadian system plays a vital role in the genesis of the disorder. For major unipolar depressive disorder (MDD) available data suggest a primary involvement of the circadian system but further and larger studies are necessary to conclude.
Melatonin and melatonin agonists have chronobiotic effects, which mean that they can readjust the circadian system. Seasonal affective disorders and mood disturbances caused by circadian malfunction are theoretically treatable by manipulating the circadian system using chronobiotic drugs, chronotherapy or bright light therapy. In MDD, melatonin alone has no antidepressant action but novel melatoninergic compounds demonstrate antidepressant properties. Of these, the most advanced is the novel melatonin agonist agomelatine, which combines joint MT1 and MT2 agonism with 5-HT2C receptor antagonism. Adding a chronobiotic effect to the inhibition of 5-HT2C receptors may explain the rapid impact of agomelatine on depression, since studies showed that agomelatine had an early impact on sleep quality and alertness at awakening. Further studies are necessary in order to better characterize the effect of agomelatine and other novel melatoninergic drugs on the circadian system of MDD patients.
In summary, antidepressants with intrinsic chronobiotic properties offer a novel approach to treatment of depression.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
A. Quera Salva M., Hartley S., Barbot F., C. Alvarez J., Lofaso F. and Guilleminault C., Circadian Rhythms, Melatonin and Depression, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2011; 17 (15) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161211796197188
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161211796197188 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
This thematic issue will emphasize the recent breakthroughs in the mechanisms of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis and devotes some understanding of both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. It is expected to include studies about cellular and genetic aspects, which help to precipitate the disease, and the immune system-gut microbiome relations ...read more
Blood-based biomarkers in large-scale screening for neurodegenerative diseases
Disease biomarkers are necessary tools that can be employed in several clinical context of use (COU), ranging from the (early) diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction, to monitoring of disease state and/or drug efficacy. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a battery of well-validated biomarkers are available, such as cerebrospinal ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Diabetes mellitus: advances in diagnosis and treatment driving by precision medicine
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic degenerative metabolic disease with ever increasing prevalence worldwide which is now an epidemic disease affecting 500 million people worldwide. Insufficient insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells unable to maintain blood glucose homeostasis is the main feature of this disease. Multifactorial and complex nature of ...read more

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Emergence of Lipid-Based Vesicular Carriers as Nanoscale Pharmacotherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recent Patents on Nanomedicine CD36 and Intestinal Fatty Acid Absorption
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Molecular Targets of Tannic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease
Current Alzheimer Research Proteases as Anti-Cancer Targets - Molecular and Biological Basis for Development of Inhibitor-Like Drugs Against Cancer
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Renin-Angiotensin Systems: Evolving Pharmacological Perspectives for Cerebroprotection
Current Pharmaceutical Design Beneficial Effects of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants on the Metabolic Syndrome, Brain and Cognitive Function
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles as Telomerase Inhibitor: Potential Anticancer Agents
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Preparation of Bifunctional Gadolinium(III) Chelators
Current Organic Synthesis Regulation of Glycolytic and Mitochondrial Metabolism by Ras
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Involvement of the Transforming Growth Factor β in the Pathogenesis of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Current Pharmaceutical Design Dexmedetomidine: A Review of its Use for the Management of Pain, Agitation, and Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit
Current Pharmaceutical Design Exploiting Endogenous Cellular Process to Generate Quinone Methides In Vivo
Current Organic Chemistry Recent Advances in Design of Potential Quinoxaline Anti-Infectives
Current Medicinal Chemistry Ellipticine, its Derivatives: Re-evaluation of Clinical Suitability with the Aid of Drug Delivery Systems
Current Cancer Drug Targets Fungal Anticancer Metabolites: Synthesis Towards Drug Discovery
Current Medicinal Chemistry Co-Morbid Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Antidepressant Treatment in a Patient – A Management Challenge?
Current Drug Targets Pharmacological Applications of Antioxidants: Lights and Shadows
Current Drug Targets Synthesis and SAR Studies of Urea and Thiourea Derivatives of Gly/Pro Conjugated to Piperazine Analogue as Potential AGE Inhibitors
Protein & Peptide Letters Nanoparticle-Delivered Quercetin for Cancer Therapy
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Bergenin - A Biologically Active Scaffold: Nanotechnological Perspectives
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry