title: A new perspective in Oral health: potential importance and actions of melatonin receptors MT1, MT2, MT3, and RZR/ROR in the oral cavity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Melatonin is involved in many physiological processes in mammals, amongst others; it is implicated in sleep-wake regulation. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as an immunomodulator, stimulates bone metabolism and inhibits various tumours. Additionally an abnormal melatonin rhythm may contribute to depression and insomnia. The mechanisms of action of melatonin include the involvement of membrane receptors (MT1, MT2), cytosolic binding sites (MT3 and calmodulin), and nuclear receptors of the RZR/ROR family. Melatonin also has receptor-independent activity and can directly scavenge free radicals. The current review addresses the functions of melatonin in the oral cavity in relation to its receptors.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive search was conducted on the following scientific databases Pub Med, Science Direct, ISI Web of Knowledge and Cochrane database in order to review all pertinent literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Melatonin from the blood into the saliva may play an important role in suppressing oral diseases. It may have beneficial effects in periodontal disease, herpes and oral cancer, amongst others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Melatonin contributes to protecting of oral cavity from tissue damage due to its action of different receptors. From the reviewed literature it is concluded that experimental evidence suggests that melatonin can be useful in treating several common diseases of the oral cavity. Specific studies are necessary to extend the therapeutic possibilities of melatonin to other oral diseases.
authors: Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Granada, Spain. acutando@ugr.es
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Cutando
authors: Jose
authors: J
authors: Aneiros-Fernández
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: López-Valverde
authors: Salvador
authors: S
authors: Arias-Santiago
authors: Jose
authors: J
authors: Aneiros-Cachaza
authors: Russel J
authors: RJ
authors: Reiter
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology*; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D057094:Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 1 / Q000502:physiology; D009909:Oral Health; D044122:Receptor, Melatonin, MT1 / Q000502:physiology; D044123:Receptor, Melatonin, MT2 / Q000502:physiology; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D057094:Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 1; D044122:Receptor, Melatonin, MT1; D044123:Receptor, Melatonin, MT2; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D008550:Melatonin