New perspectives in melatonin uses.
This review summarizes the metabolism, secretion, regulation and sites of action of melatonin. An updated description of the melatonin receptors, including their signal transduction mechanisms, distribution and characterization of receptor genes, is given. Special emphasis is focused on the clinical aspects and potential uses of melatonin in the sleep-wake rhythms, in the immune function, in cancer therapy, in neuroprotection against oxidative damage and antioxidant activities in different tissues. Finally, combined effects of melatonin with other drugs are discussed.
Laboratorio Dr Fernando Cañas, Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
A
A
Carpentieri
G
G
Díaz de Barboza
V
V
Areco
M
M
Peralta López
N
N
Tolosa de Talamoni
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000378:metabolism; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D008550:Melatonin