Melatonin: Basic and Clinical Aspects

Carpentieri, Ágata Rita; Areco, Vanessa Andrea; Barboza, Gabriela Díaz de; Rivoira, M.A.; Guizzardi, Solange; Talamoni, Nori Tolosa de

doi:10.1007/978-81-322-2803-5_4

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The cycle of light and darkness influences the release of MEL, that physiologically reaches the maximum peak during the dark phase of the cycle (around 03:00-04:00 a.m.) and is suppressed by the exposure to bright light. Therefore, MEL has been defined as “the hormone of darkness” [ 45 , 54 , 55 ]. One of the functions of MEL is the transduction of photoperiodic information (such as the time and the length of the day), representing the main synchronizer for the circadian organization of multiple internal processes in the organism [ 56 , 57 ].…”

Section: Melatonin Physiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The SCG contains norepinephrine (NE) projections able to stimulate the pinealocytes, leading to an increase in cyclic adenosine-3’,5’-monophosphate (cAMP) and in the activation of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), an enzyme that converts serotonin in N- acetylserotonin (NAS), which finally is transformed into MEL by the Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT). Finally, MEL is released immediately into circulation [ 55 , 61 , 66 ].…”

Section: Melatonin Physiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The SCG contains norepinephrine (NE) projections able to stimulate the pinealocytes, resulting in an activation of the MEL synthesis. As such, MEL is released immediately into circulation with a peak during the dark phase of the day [ 55 , 61 , 66 ]. MEL is produced for a longer time in winter when nights are long, than in summer when nights are short.…”

Section: Fig (1)mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Melatonin as a Chronobiotic with Sleep-promoting Properties

Cruz-Sanabria

Carmassi

Bruno

et al. 2023

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The use of exogenous melatonin as a sleep-promoting drug has been under debate due to the lack of consistency of its described effects. In this study, we conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on the chronobiotic, sleep-inducing, and overall sleep-promoting properties of exogenous melatonin (exo-MEL). To this aim, we first describe the possible pharmacological mechanisms involved in the sleep-promoting properties and then report the corresponding effects of exo-MEL administration on clinical outcomes in: a) healthy subjects, b) circadian rhythm sleep disorders, c) primary insomnia. Timing of administration and doses of exo-MEL received particular attention in this work. The exo-MEL pharmacological effects are hereby interpreted in view of changes in the physiological properties and rhythmicity of endogenous melatonin. Finally, we discuss some translational implications for the personalized use of exo-MEL in the clinical practice.

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