[Melatonin effects on the female genital system: a brief review].
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and this is linked to the day/night cycle. It is an antioxidant and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the jet-lag stage, in several physiological reactions and in control of the biologic rhythm. Human melatonin has an important influence on the female genital system. In fact, melatonin may influence production and action of steroids, modifying cellular signalization on the target tissue. There are many evidences that the melatonin therapy may be interfering with neoplasia development, mainly of the estrogen-dependent tumor. This paper aims to analyze the actions of melatonin on the neuroendocrine, immunological and cardiovascular systems, as well as on the reproductive function.
Maganhin
Carla C
CC
Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP.
Carbonel
Adriana Aparecida Ferraz
AA
Hatty
Juliana Halley
JH
Fuchs
Luiz Fernando Portugal
LF
Oliveira-Júnior
Itamar Souza de
IS
Simões
Manuel de Jesus
Mde J
Simões
Ricardo S
RS
Baracat
Edmund C
EC
Soares
José Maria
JM
D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000502:physiology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology
D004967:Estrogens; D008550:Melatonin