Abstract

The pineal gland is a interface between light-dark cycle and shows neuro-endocrine functions. Melatonin is the primary hormone of pineal gland, secreted at night. The night-time melatonin peak regulates the physiological functions at dark. Melatonin has several unique features as it synchronises internal rhythm with daily and seasonal variations, regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. Physiologically melatonin involves in detoxification of free radicals, immune functions, neuro-protection, oncostatic effects, cardiovascular functions, reproduction, and foetal development. The precise functions of melatonin are exhibited by specific receptors. In relation to pathophysiology, impaired melatonin secretion promotes sleep disorder, cancer progression, type-2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Several reports have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of melatonin specially related to cancer protection, sleep disorder, psychiatric disorders, and jet lag problems. This review will touch the most of the area of melatonin-oriented health impacts and its therapeutic aspects.

摘要

松果体是明暗循环之间的界面，表现出神经内分泌功能。褪黑激素是松果体的主要激素，在夜间分泌。夜间褪黑激素峰值调节黑暗时的生理功能。褪黑激素有几个独特的功能，因为它使内部节律与每日和季节性变化同步，调节昼夜节律和睡眠-觉醒周期。生理上褪黑激素涉及自由基的解毒、免疫功能、神经保护、肿瘤抑制作用、心血管功能、生殖和胎儿发育。褪黑激素的精确功能由特定的受体表现出来。就病理生理而言，褪黑激素分泌受损会促进睡眠障碍、癌症进展、2 型糖尿病和神经退行性疾病。一些报告强调了褪黑激素的治疗​​益处，特别是与癌症保护、睡眠障碍、精神疾病和时差问题有关。这篇综述将涉及以褪黑激素为导向的健康影响及其治疗方面的大部分领域。