Melatonin as a stabilizer of mitochondrial function: role in diseases and aging

Abstract

It is now almost 60 years since the discovery of melatonin and new physiological functions of the indole continuously appear in the most recent studies worldwide. Experimental evidence emphasizes its importance as a stabilizer of the mitochondrial bioenergetics, which could be related to the prevention of development of aging and several diseases. In the next years, conscientious investigation about this topic should be undertaken by scientists of different research areas to achieve a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms implied. This will ultimately allow the development and clinical application of efficacious treatments.

Inhibition of the TRPM2 and TRPV1 Channels through Hypericum perforatum in Sciatic Nerve Injury-induced Rats Demonstrates their Key Role in Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve and Dorsal Root Ganglion

“…The caspase 9 is activated by the active caspase 3 (Carrasco et al, 2015). Caspase 9 induces death signals by triggering other types of caspase activation.…”

Hypericum perforatum L. supplementation protects sciatic nerve injury-induced apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative damage to muscle, blood and brain in rats

“…Melatonin as a potent antioxidant which detoxifies a variety of OFR in many pathophysiological states. Melatonin acts as endogenous OFR scavengers and broad‐spectrum antioxidants . Melatonin contributes to the antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic systems directly or indirectly .…”

“…Caspase 9 has a main role in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, whereas caspase 3 activity has an important role in executioner caspase‐activated pathways . It is well known that PARP enzymes involve mainly DNA repair and apoptosis.…”

Melatonin biosynthesis in plants: multiple pathways catalyze tryptophan to melatonin in the cytoplasm or chloroplasts

“…A recent report regarding the possible involvement of 2‐hydroxymelatonin in the defense response against combined cold and drought stress suggested that melatonin metabolites play pivotal roles in plant growth and development as functional substances . Melatonin synthesis and catabolism are closely coupled to regulation of the levels of melatonin and its metabolites, all of which act as biostimulators or signaling molecules for a series of biological functions in plants, as well as acting as a health‐promoting molecule in humans . Further in‐depth studies on melatonin synthesis and regulation in plants will provide effective metabolic engineering strategies to generate melatonin‐rich transgenic crops and microbes, by either overexpressing the key melatonin biosynthetic genes or suppressing the negative regulatory genes for melatonin synthesis …”