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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Research Article|
November 20 2007
Melatonin: New Places in Therapy
Deepa S. Maharaj;
Deepa S. Maharaj
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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Beverley D. Glass;
Beverley D. Glass
2School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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Santy Daya
Santy Daya
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Online ISSN: 1573-4935
Print ISSN: 0144-8463
© 2007 The Biochemical Society
2007
Biosci Rep (2007) 27 (6): 299–320.
Citation
Deepa S. Maharaj, Beverley D. Glass, Santy Daya; Melatonin: New Places in Therapy. Biosci Rep 20 November 2007; 27 (6): 299–320. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10540-007-9052-1
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