Melatonin in Disease and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases will be some of the main hot topics for the health care of the future.

Even more, it will be particularly important to consider the fine, basic mechanisms underlying the chronic dysfunctions towards which the human body gradually moves during the lifespan. In this regard, there are many recently published studies that emphasize the involvement of common general alterations (e.g., oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and endothelial function and dysfunction) in the pathogenesis of  most chronic diseases. Another point to consider is the progressive aging of the population and the associated increasing number of comorbidities. In this sense, it becomes fundamental to find a therapeutic and/or supplementation strategy that does not weigh on the already compromised functionality of organs and systems.

In this complex context, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has begun to be and remains the focus of new research works. As a small molecule that is ubiquitously present in all organisms, from cyanobacteria to humans, it has been investigated for its peculiar nocturne production and its role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. It is now recognized for its pleiotropic activity.

Overall, its biosynthesis starts after the uptake of tryptophan by cells; specifically, this essential amino acid is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan and then to 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and, ultimately, to melatonin. When it is released in the bloodstream, melatonin regulates physiological functions like circadian rhythm, sleep–wake cycle, gonadal activity, redox homeostasis, neuroprotection, immune modulation, and anticancer effects in the body. On the contrary, it is known that a decrease in melatonin secretion is related to the aging process and leads to tumorigenesis and visceral adiposity.

All these activities are carried out in two different ways: as an amphiphilic molecule, melatonin directly interacts with the intracellular components, but it also acts indirectly through the membrane receptors which are widely distributed in all eukaryotic cells.

Papers dealing with any aspects of melatonin in human health and disease, with special attention paid to new experimental therapeutic applications, will be considered for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Rita Rezzani
Guest Editor

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