title: Protective role of melatonin in liver damage.
abstract: The liver plays a key role in the detoxification of numerous molecules which results in the formation of an excessive number of toxic reactive oxygen species. This results in oxidative damage to the hepatocytes, which when severe, compromises the function of this critical organ. A variety of antioxidants protect the liver from free radical-mediated damage, one of the best of which is melatonin. Clinical studies have confirmed the melatonin, as well as it precursor tryptophan, protect the liver from non-alcoholic liver disease and also during the surgical procedure of partial liver resection.
authors.forename: Cezary
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chojnacki
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Walecka-Kapica
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Romanowski
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chojnacki
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Haller's Square, 90-647 Lodz, Poland. gastrologia@umed.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Klupinska
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D008550:Melatonin