Melatonin: therapeutic and clinical utilization.
Melatonin, acting through melatonin receptors, is involved in numerous physiological processes including circadian entrainment, blood pressure regulation, oncogenesis, retinal physiology, seasonal reproduction, ovarian physiology, immune function and most recently in inducing osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, melatonin was proved to be a potent-free radical scavenger and a broad-spectrum antioxidant. More research is required into the effects of therapeutically modulating the melatoninergic system on circadian haemodynamics and rhythm under varying physiopathological conditions and the possible impact on morbidity and mortality in humans.
Altun
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Department of Cardiology, Medical School, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. altun@medscape.com
Ugur-Altun
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D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D020179:Jet Lag Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance
D008550:Melatonin