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Published in: Inflammopharmacology 5/2022

05-06-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Review

Melatonin and multiple sclerosis: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator mechanism of action

Authors: Ana Muñoz-Jurado, Begoña M. Escribano, Javier Caballero-Villarraso, Alberto Galván, Eduardo Agüera, Abel Santamaría, Isaac Túnez

Published in: Inflammopharmacology | Issue 5/2022

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Abstract

Background

Melatonin is an indole hormone secreted primarily by the pineal gland that showing anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic capacity. It can play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of various diseases. In this regard, different studies have shown that there is a relationship between Melatonin and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the Central Nervous System.

Aim

The objective of this review was to evaluate the mechanisms of action of melatonin on oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis caused by MS, as well as its interaction with different hormones and factors that can influence the pathophysiology of the disease.

Results

Melatonin causes a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione and can counteract and inhibit the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which would also be beneficial during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, melatonin increases antimicrobial peptides, especially Reg3β, which could be useful in controlling the microbiota.

Conclusion

Melatonin could exert a beneficial effect in people suffering from MS, running as a promising candidate for the treatment of this disease. However, more research in human is needed to help understand the possible interaction between melatonin and certain sex hormones, such as estrogens, to know the potential therapeutic efficacy in both men and women.
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Metadata
Title
Melatonin and multiple sclerosis: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator mechanism of action
Authors
Ana Muñoz-Jurado
Begoña M. Escribano
Javier Caballero-Villarraso
Alberto Galván
Eduardo Agüera
Abel Santamaría
Isaac Túnez
Publication date
05-06-2022
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Inflammopharmacology / Issue 5/2022
Print ISSN: 0925-4692
Electronic ISSN: 1568-5608
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-022-01011-0

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