Description

Melatonin: Beyond Sleep Support

Often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin is also widely studied for its involvement in cellular and mitochondrial processes, particularly those related to oxygen dynamics and oxidative balance.

Melatonin and Cellular Oxygen Dynamics

• Antioxidant Activity: Melatonin has been researched for its ability to interact with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) and is often noted for its role in supporting the body’s antioxidant systems, including enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.
• Mitochondrial Interaction: Studies suggest melatonin may help maintain mitochondrial efficiency and oxygen utilization by supporting the balance between oxidative stress and cellular energy production.
• Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs): Melatonin is also being explored for its influence on cellular responses to oxygen availability through pathways involving hypoxia-inducible factors, which play a key role in cellular adaptation to low-oxygen environments.
• Response to Oxygen Imbalance: In research models, melatonin has shown potential in supporting balanced responses to oxidative stress and has been associated with improved cellular oxygen handling in fluctuating conditions.
• Efficient Oxygen Use: By supporting mitochondrial health, melatonin may contribute to more efficient oxygen usage and help maintain cellular energy dynamics.

Additional Functional Properties

• Transition Metal Interaction: Melatonin has been studied for its ability to bind transition metals like iron and copper, which can be involved in redox activity.
• Enzyme Regulation: It may support the function of key antioxidant enzymes.
• Gene Expression: Melatonin has also been investigated for its potential role in regulating genes associated with antioxidant defense.

Common Areas of Scientific Interest:

• Oxidative balance
• Cellular signaling and inflammation
• Apoptosis and tissue-level response
• Mitochondrial support
• Oxygen regulation and cellular adaptation

References:

• Reiter RJ, Mayo JC, Tan DX, Sainz RM, Alatorre-Jimenez M, Qin L. Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers. J Pineal Res. 2016 Oct;61(3):253-78. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12360. Epub 2016 Sep 1. PMID: 27500468.
  •  Article
• Tarocco, A., Caroccia, N., Morciano, G. et al. Melatonin as a master regulator of cell death and inflammation: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for newborn care. Cell Death Dis 10, 317 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-019-1556-7
  • Article
• Zhang, H.-M. and Zhang, Y. (2014), Melatonin: a well-documented antioxidant with conditional pro-oxidant actions. J. Pineal Res., 57: 131-146.
• Manchester, L.C., Coto-Montes, A., Boga, J.A., Andersen, L.P.H., Zhou, Z., Galano, A., Vriend, J., Tan, D.-X. and Reiter, R.J. (2015), Melatonin: an ancient molecule that makes oxygen metabolically tolerable. J. Pineal Res., 59: 403-419.
• Tengattini, S., Reiter, R.J., Tan, D.-X., Terron, M.P., Rodella, L.F. and Rezzani, R. (2008), Cardiovascular diseases: protective effects of melatonin. Journal of Pineal Research, 44: 16-25.