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Open Access 01-06-2016 | Review

Melatonin in Chronic Pain Syndromes

Authors: Andrei Danilov, Julia Kurganova

Published in: Pain and Therapy | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by epiphysis and extrapineal structures. It performs several functions including chronobiotic, antioxidant, oncostatic, immune modulating, normothermal, and anxiolytic functions. Melatonin affects the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract, participates in reproduction and metabolism, and body mass regulation. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated melatonin efficacy in relation to pain syndromes. The present paper reviews the studies on melatonin use in fibromyalgia, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic back pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms of melatonin analgesic properties. On one hand, circadian rhythms normalization results in sleep improvement, which is inevitably disordered in chronic pain syndromes, and activation of melatonin adaptive capabilities. On the other hand, there is evidence of melatonin-independent analgesic effect involving melatonin receptors and several neurotransmitter systems.

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Title: Melatonin in Chronic Pain Syndromes
Authors: Andrei Danilov
Julia Kurganova
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Healthcare
Published in: Pain and Therapy / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 2193-8237
Electronic ISSN: 2193-651X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-016-0049-y

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