title: Melatonin, the Hormone of Darkness: From Sleep Promotion to Ebola Treatment.
abstract: Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the enigmatic pineal gland in response to darkness, hence the namehormone of darkness. It has generated a great deal of interest as a therapeutic modality for various diseases particularly sleep disorders. This pleiotropic molecule has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulopathic properties in addition to its endothelial protective effects. In this article we discuss melatonin secretion and mechanisms of action as well as therapeutic rationale. We also highlight the potential utility of melatonin in the deadly modern-day Ebola epidemic.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 11203 Brooklyn, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Masters
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th St, 10016 New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Seithikurippu R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Pandi-Perumal
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th St, 10016 New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Azizi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seixas
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th St, 10016 New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jean-Louis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Girardin
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 11203 Brooklyn, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Samy I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: McFarlane
keywords: Ebola; Human; Jetlag; Melatonin; Pineal; Sleep