Open Access

Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Lijie Li
    • Xiaochao Gang
    • Jiajia Wang
    • Xiaoyan Gong
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: February 9, 2022     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11197
  • Article Number: 271
  • Copyright: © Li et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Melatonin, primarily secreted by the pineal gland, is an anthracemal compound. Its chemical name is N‑acetyl‑5‑methoxytryptamine. Great advances in melatonin‑related research have been made, including the understanding of its roles in the rhythm of the sleep/wake cycle, retardation of aging processes, as well as antioxidant and/or anti‑inflammatory effects. Melatonin exerts a wide range of physiological effects related to the high lipophilicity of melatonin itself. Melatonin has strong radical scavenging activity, which serves an important role in pulmonary disorders. Pulmonary disorders are among the diseases that threaten human health. Especially in developing countries, due to environmental factors such as smoke and dust, the incidences of pulmonary disorders are high. Melatonin has been reported to have great potential to treat patients with pulmonary disorders. The present review discusses the relationship between melatonin and pulmonary disorders, including coronavirus disease‑2019, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non‑small cell lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

1. Introduction

The lung is a complex organ composed of a system of tubes. It is involved in various important physiological activities, including gaseous exchanges and immune responses. Respiratory diseases occur frequently, seriously endanger public health and are a major cause of concern. For example, the overall prevalence of asthma from 2012 to 2015 in China was 4.2%, which represents 45.7 million adults (1). The increasing rate of incidence of respiratory diseases has imposed a huge burden on society (2,3). Although several advances have been made in the understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology, only a few effective drug treatment options are available for patients with pulmonary diseases, especially those associated with higher mortality rates. Since pulmonary transplant is the only choice for patients with advanced diseases (4-7), there is an urgent need to identify novel and more effective treatment regimens for pulmonary diseases.

Chemically, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, also known as melatonin, is an indoleamine synthesized from tryptophan (8). Starting from tryptophan, melatonin biosynthesis comprises four enzymatic steps in all organisms (Fig. 1). First, tryptophan is converted into serotonin through decarboxylation and hydroxylation. The biosynthetic pathway of serotonin in vertebrates differs from that in microorganisms and plants, resulting in the production of melatonin specific for different taxa (9). In plants, tryptophan decarboxylase, decarboxylates tryptophan into tryptamine and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase then catalyzes the synthesis of serotonin (10). However, tryptophan decarboxylation is not the first step in serotonin production. In animals, tryptophan hydroxylase hydroxylates tryptophan and produces 5-hydroxytryptophan and then aromatic amino acid decarboxylase decarboxylates 5-hydroxytryptophan, resulting in the production of serotonin (11-13). Finally, serotonin is either acetylated to N-acetylserotonin or methylated to form 5-methoxytryptamine. Through corresponding methylation or acetylation processes, these products finally produce melatonin (14-19). Melatonin exerts regulatory physiological effects on the central nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system and metabolism (20-28). In addition to its direct action, melatonin can also function indirectly through the melatonin receptors. Melatonin has three receptors, namely melatonin receptor-1 (MT1), melatonin receptor-2 (MT2) and melatonin receptor-3 (MT3). MT1 is characterized as a receptor linked to a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein), which mediates the inhibition of adenyly lcyclase in native tissues (29,30). MT2 was cloned just 1 year after the MT1 receptor was cloned. It is 362 amino acids long with a molecular weight of 40,188 Da and it shares 60% homology with MT1 (31-34). MT3 is an enzyme belonging to the reductase group, which is involved in the prevention of oxidative stress by inhibiting the electron transfer reactions of quinones (35,36). As a popular natural food supplement, melatonin is famous for its minimal side effects, although there are few studies on its long-term safety. The acute toxicity of melatonin is extremely low in both animal and human studies (22,24). Melatonin has been reported to exhibit strong clinical efficacy in a number of diseases (21); however, the recent findings on melatonin functions in the field of pulmonary disorders, such as its beneficial effects of decreasing thrombosis and sepsis in COVID-19 patients (37,38), have not received much attention. The present review mainly summarizes and discusses the roles of melatonin in pulmonary disorders.

2. Biological activities of melatonin

Anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin

Inflammation is a basic pathological process, wherein the body is stimulated by some injury factors, such as trauma and infection. Inflammatory cells, including leukocytes, macrophages, mast cells and endothelial cells, are involved in the repair processes of inflammatory tissues (39). Inhibition of the inflammatory processes is essential in antagonizing chronic or acute inflammatory diseases (40,41). The main mechanism of action of the commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical settings is the inhibition of the activity of cyclooxygenase and the reduction in synthesis of prostaglandin with a high risk of adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal and skin reactions as well as liver damage.

Melatonin has great potential as a therapeutic drug for preventing inflammation and regulating the sleep cycle in patients admitted to intensive care units (42). The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects are variable and consist of several pathways. These include downregulation of the activities of neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthases, downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cyclooxygenase-2, and inhibition of high-mobility group box-1 signaling, inflammasome NLR-family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3), NF-κB and toll-like receptor-4 (43-45) (Fig. 2). These effects are exerted via the downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors and concomitant upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (46). Pro-inflammatory effects of amyloid-β peptides are reduced upon increasing the activity of α-secretase and inhibiting those of β- and γ-secretases (47-49). Particularly, the role of melatonin may be associated with the upregulation of sirtuin-1, which affects signaling through mTOR and Notch pathways (50,51).

Antioxidant effect of melatonin

In the processes of energy metabolism, free radicals of oxygen are inevitably produced by aerobic metabolism, and without an adequate defense system for their removal, excess free radicals of oxygen can lead to cell damage (52,53). In 1993, melatonin was identified as a potent and efficient endogenous radical scavenger (8). Compared with conventional antioxidants (vitamins C and E, mannitol, and glutathione), melatonin has substantially powerful antioxidant potential (39). It is a strong endogenous free radical scavenger whose basic function is to participate in the antioxidant system and prevent oxidative damage to cells (54,55). Melatonin can eliminate several oxygen-derived reactants, including neutralizing superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid. In addition, it has been reported that melatonin can detoxify NO, peroxynitrite anion and/or peroxynitrous acid (56,57). After scavenging these free radicals, melatonin is transformed into metabolites, such as cyclic 3-hydroxmelatonin, N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine and N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine; these also exert potent antioxidative actions (58). Furthermore, melatonin indirectly increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase]. Through MT1 or MT2, the activities and the mRNA expression of the antioxidant enzymes increase substantially (57).

Antitumoral effect of melatonin

Melatonin exerts protective effects against several cancer types, including ovarian, prostate, colon and breast cancer (26,28). In a randomized study, after 31 months, relative to the ‘no treatment’ group, the percentage of disease-free survival in patients with melanoma who received oral adjuvant therapy of melatonin daily, was higher and the curve was substantially longer, suggesting that the adjuvant therapy with melatonin is effective in preventing tumor progression (59). Studies in animal models are consistent with these clinical findings; melatonin has anticancer effects in vivo at different stages of tumor development, where it is critical in inhibiting the mitogenic signaling molecule, linoleic acid and its metabolism to 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (60). Similarly, a reduction in melatonin secretion caused upon increasing exposure to nocturnal light is associated with the elevation in incidence rates of breast, endometrial and colorectal cancer (61,62). Additionally, melatonin suppresses chromium and X-ray-induced DNA damage, and reduces safrole-induced DNA-adduct formation and genetic damage caused by cis-platinum (63,64). Notably, melatonin administration inhibits endothelin-1 synthesis by suppressing the activity of endothelin converting enzyme, which is critical in suppressing tumor angiogenesis (65,66).

Effects on the apoptotic mechanism

Apoptosis is a spontaneous and ordered cell death process controlled by genes to maintain the stability of the internal environment (67). It involves the activation, expression and regulation of several genes. It is not a phenomenon of self-injury under pathological conditions, but a death process that actively strives for improved adaptation to the living environment (68). Amyloid β (Aβ)-treated cells show several apoptotic characteristics, while cells pre-treated with melatonin prior to Aβ exposure show a decrease in apoptotic characteristics due to decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, attenuation of NF-κB activation and decreased activity of the caspase-3 enzyme (69). Melatonin also prevented NO levels and apoptosis induced upon ischemic stroke through the upregulation of the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, BCL-2, in the pineal gland tumor-β immortalized cell line (70). Several studies have confirmed that melatonin reduces cancer cell proliferation and promotes their apoptosis (71,72).

3. Melatonin and viral infections

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel and highly pathogenic virus, and caused the recent pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Coronaviruses are linear single-stranded RNA viruses with a set of envelopes that are a naturally occurring huge family of viruses. The diameter of the coronavirus is 80-120 nm (73). The 5 ‘end of the genome has a methylated cap structure, while the 3’ end has a poly-(A) tail. The entire length of the complete genome is 27-32 kb, which is the largest among all known RNA viruses (74). The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly pathogenic infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets. Patients with COVID-19 present various symptoms, including fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue and diarrhea. However, severe progression of COVID-19 leads to acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is associated with high mortality rates among the elderly and those with previous underlying medical conditions (75). As SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor on the airway epithelial cell surfaces, it triggers a pro-inflammatory response, often leading to a cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Another pro-oxidation reaction leads to alveolar damage mediated by ROS. Therefore, to avoid severe development, treatment should be started immediately after confirmation of the infection (76-78).

Melatonin treatment for COVID-19 has been reported to exhibit satisfactory results with an expected reduction in symptom severity and possibly immunopathology (79-81). In addition, the combination of melatonin and antiviral drugs (such as ribavirin and acyclovir) has been found to be more effective than antiviral drugs alone (82,83). By inhibiting calmodulin and chymotrypsin-like protease, melatonin reduces the viral entry and viral replication in the host. Meanwhile, melatonin reduces systemic inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome by increasing sirtuin 1 activity, and simultaneously inhibiting the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NRLP3) inflammasome, toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase (80). Melatonin also protects the lungs by inhibiting angiotensin II and promoting angiotensin 1-7 activity (82). In order to reduce SARS-CoV-2-induced oxidative stress, melatonin can eliminate reactive nitrogen species, and increase the activities of SOD, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity (84-86). Overall, the beneficial role of melatonin in improving the symptoms of COVID-19 is attributed to its multi-faceted roles as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.

At present, the COVID-19 virus has mutated and become more contagious; the number of infected individuals is on the rise. The challenge of suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic is further complicated by the emergence of several SARS-COV-2 variants, such as the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P1 (Gamma) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants, showing increased transmissibility and resistance to vaccines and treatments (87,88). These variants are characterized by multiple mutations in the viral spike protein, the target of neutralizing antibodies elicited in response to infection or vaccine immunization (89). Thus, safe, effective and inexpensive drugs for the prevention of infection spread are warranted; melatonin is a strong candidate and further studies should verify its effect on these variants. Furthermore, viruses have always been a threat to humanity, which is reaffirmed by the SARS spread in 2003, and at present, they threaten human health due to multiple lung complications and disorders of the immune system. Melatonin may be a secret weapon against these viruses.

4. Melatonin and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD, which can further develop into pulmonary heart disease and respiratory failure, is a type of chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema characterized by airflow obstruction (90). It is related to the abnormal inflammatory reaction of harmful gases and harmful particles. It is associated with high rates of disability and fatality (91). Its global incidence rate in patients over 40 years old has reached 9-10% (92). The underlying pathogenic factors can be divided into two categories: External factors (environmental factors) and internal factors (individual-specific factors for susceptibility). External causes include smoking, inhalation of dust and chemicals, air pollution, respiratory infections, and lower socioeconomic status (possibly related to indoor and outdoor air pollution, crowded rooms, poor nutrition, and other factors associated with lower socioeconomic status). Internal causes include genetic factors, increased reactivity with the airway, and individuals with impaired lung development or growth attributed to different reasons during pregnancy, and in neonates, infants and children (93-95).

Preclinical data suggest that increased TGF-β1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, NLRP3, oxidant and mucus production, as well as reduced sirtuin-1 and antioxidant levels, suboptimal mitochondrial activity and dysfunction in the endoplasmic reticulum are important in COPD (96). All of them may be substantially improved by melatonin therapy. The protective effect of melatonin on COPD relies on targeting MT1 or MT2 (97,98) Melatonin improves the necroptosis by altering the LPS-induced disordered pathways of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (99-101). In addition, it may also be associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and neuroregulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activity (102,103).

5. Melatonin and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is a commonly occurring malignant tumor. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, almost one million new cases of lung cancer are registered worldwide each year, and 60% of patients with lung cancer succumb to the disease (104). The cause of lung cancer is still not completely clear, a large amount of data suggest that long-term smoking and lung cancer have a close relationship (105,106). There are two types of lung cancer: Small-cell lung cancer and NSCLC. NSCLC accounts for ~80% of all lung cancer cases, and ~75% of these patients are first diagnosed in the advanced stages, thereby having low 5-year survival rates (104). The usual treatment strategy is surgical resection along with adjuvant platinum chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy, a proven therapy for NSCLC, is often associated with toxicity, reducing its therapeutic potential (107,108). Thus, it is essential to find alternative and complementary treatment regimens with fewer adverse effects and enhanced therapeutic properties. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 100 patients with consecutively untreated metastatic NSCLC were divided into chemotherapy only [cisplatin, 20 mg/m/day, intravenous (i.v.); and etoposide, 100 mg/m/day, i.v.] or chemotherapy and melatonin (daily oral administration for 7 consecutive days before chemotherapy; 20 mg per day in the evening) groups. The results demonstrated that in terms of the toxicity of treatment, patients treated with melatonin could tolerate chemotherapy and the percentage of 5-year survival (6%) was higher in patients who received melatonin treatment compared with those (0%) receiving chemotherapy alone (109).

Melatonin restrains tumor cell proliferation by suppressing the activating enhancer-binding protein-2β/human telomerase reverse transcriptase signaling pathway and tumor growth by regulating EGFR (110-114); it exerts anti-metastatic roles by inhibiting the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway, and induces its apoptotic properties through regulating the balance of Bcl-2/Bax (114-116). Possible mechanisms related to the anticancer effects of melatonin are summarized in Table I (110-120).

Table I

Possible mechanisms related to anticancer effects of melatonin.

Table I

Possible mechanisms related to anticancer effects of melatonin.

First author/s, yearType of cancerMechanisms(Refs.)
García-Navarro et al, 2007Colon cancerInhibition of tumor cell proliferation and autonomic growth(110)
Tam et al, 2007Prostate cancerSelective blocking of signal transduction pathways of tumor cells, especially those related to metastasis(111)
Benítez-King et al, 2009Mammary cancerInhibits metastasis and invasive properties of tumors through regulating the structures of microtubule and microfilament(112)
Mediavilla et al, 1999Breast cancerDelays the mitosis of tumor cells and inhibits the entry of cancer cells into S phase(113)
Zhou et al, 2014Lung adenocarcinomaInhibits the migration of A549 cells with the downregulation of the expression of OPN, MLCK, phosphorylation of MLC, and upregulation of the expression of occludin via the JNK/MAPK pathway(114)
Haus et al, 2001Breast cancerInhibition of tumor growth by regulating epidermal growth factor receptor(115)
Fan et al, 2015Lung adenocarcinomaDownregulates Bcl-2 expression and upregulates Bax expression(116)
Wang et al, 2012Breast cancerExerts anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects by inhibiting COX-2 expression(117)
Lu et al, 2016Lung cancerSuppresses the AP-2β/hTERT signaling pathway(118)
Carrillo-Vico et al, 2004LeukemiaRegulates the human immune system(119)
Reiter et al, 2002Lung cancerScavenges ROS, decreases the formation of free radicals, and activates antioxidant enzymes(120)

[i] OPN, osteopontin; MLCK, myosin light chain kinase; MLC, phosphorylation of myosin light chain; COX-2, cyclooxygenase 2; hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase; AP-2β, activating enhancer-binding protein-2β; ROS, reactive oxygen species.

6. Melatonin and pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal change in several lung diseases, which is characterized by the proliferation of fibroblasts and aggregation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and is accompanied by inflammation injury and destruction of tissue structure. The normal alveolar tissue is damaged and failure to properly repair leads to structural abnormalities (scar formation). Fibrotic changes in different organ systems comprise four phases. First is the onset of response, driven by the primary injury to organs or tissues. Second is the activation of effector cells and third is the elaboration of the ECM. The fourth phase is the dynamic deposition (and insufficient resorption) of ECM, which ultimately ends in end-organ failure (121-125). To date, there is no effective treatment for this condition.

Ding et al (126) found that melatonin treatment upregulated the expression levels of Nrf2, inhibited the cell morphological changes induced by LPS, reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression levels as well as the levels of malondialdehyde and anti-oxidative enzymes, and reduced the production of ROS in A549 cells. Furthermore, melatonin can lead to the phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9) and the upregulation of Nrf2 protein in A549 cells through the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and ultimately inhibit LPS-induced EMT (127). In pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin, melatonin can alleviate the infiltration and accumulation of inflammatory cells and decrease the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (128,129). Melatonin may have a beneficial effect on pulmonary fibrosis due to its immunoregulatory effects and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17A, stimulating type 1 collagen expression. The inhibitory effect of melatonin on Wnt/β-catenin signaling suggests that melatonin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin/TGF-β-induced expression and deposition of type I collagen, a factor required for matrix stiffening in pulmonary fibrosis (130).

It has been reported that melatonin may serve a role in pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibrotic processes caused by growth factors because of the important role of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor signaling pathways in pulmonary fibrosis and inhibitory effects of these growth factors caused by melatonin (131-134). Endothelin, which is not only found in vascular endothelium but also in various tissues and cells, is an important factor that regulates cardiovascular function and serves an important role in maintaining basic vascular tension and in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system (135). Produced by endothelial cells, ET-1 is effective in constricting blood vessels and bronchus and regulating inflammation and mitotic activity (136). ET-1 regulates signal transduction through two different G-protein-coupled receptors, endothelin A and endothelin B. Melatonin can inhibit ET-1 expression in focal cerebral ischemia (137). Melatonin reduces ischemic injury by stabilizing vascular function with a strong inhibition of endothelin converting enzyme-1, a zinc-dependent metalloprotease involved in proteolysis of endothelin precursor to maturation of ET-1(65). In addition, melatonin also downregulates the expression and secretion of ET-1 through inactivating FoxO1 and NF-κB transcription factors in colorectal cancer cells and inhibits angiotensin II-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial dysfunction (66). Overall, by inhibiting the Janus kinase/STAT signaling pathway and angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress, melatonin may serve as an ideal drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis in the future (138-142).

7. Conclusion

The present review discussed the beneficial effects of melatonin in COVID-19, COPD, NSCLC and pulmonary fibrosis. A growing body of evidence has already demonstrated that melatonin has great potential in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Numerous animal and human studies have demonstrated that short-term melatonin use is safe, even at extreme dosages (81,95). To date, to the best of our knowledge, no study has reported any serious side effects of exogenous melatonin administration (143). Relative to a placebo treatment, a randomized clinical study demonstrated that long-term administration of melatonin induced only mild adverse effects (144). These findings indicate that melatonin is beneficial for patients with pulmonary diseases if administered within the limits of a safe dosage (a single dose of 1-10 mg). Therefore, studies should be designed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of melatonin in pulmonary diseases.

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

Funding: No funding was received.

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Authors' contributions

LL and XGo reviewed literature and wrote the manuscript. XGa and JW reviewed and revised the manuscript. XGo gave final approval for publication. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript. Data authentication is not applicable.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References

1 

Huang K, Yang T, Xu J, Yang L, Zhao J, Zhang X, Bai C, Kang J, Ran P, Shen H, et al: Prevalence, risk factors, and management of asthma in China: A national cross-sectional study. Lancet. 394:407–418. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

2 

Yach D, Hawkes C, Gould CL and Hofman KJ: The global burden of chronic diseases: Overcoming impediments to prevention and control. JAMA. 291:2616–2622. 2004.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

3 

Heron M, Hoyert DL, Murphy SL, Xu J, Kochanek KD and Tejada-Vera B: Deaths: Final data for 2006. Natl Vital Stat Rep. 57:1–134. 2009.PubMed/NCBI

4 

Orens JB, Shearon TH, Freudenberger RS, Conte JV, Bhorade SM and Ardehali A: Thoracic organ transplantation in the United States, 1995-2004. Am J Transplant. 6 (5 Pt 2):1188–1197. 2006.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

5 

Trulock EP, Christie JD, Edwards LB, Boucek MM, Aurora P, Taylor DO, Dobbels F, Rahmel AO, Keck BM and Hertz MI: Registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: Twenty-fourth official adult lung and heart-lung transplantation report-2007. J Heart Lung Transplant. 26:782–795. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

6 

O'Beirne S, Counihan IP and Keane MP: Interstitial lung disease and lung transplantation. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 31:139–146. 2010.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

7 

King TE Jr, Pardo A and Selman M: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lancet. 378:1949–1961. 2011.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

8 

Zhao D, Yu Y, Shen Y, Liu Q, Zhao Z, Sharma R and Reiter RJ: Melatonin synthesis and function: Evolutionary history in animals and plants. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 10(249)2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

9 

Back K, Tan DX and Reiter RJ: Melatonin biosynthesis in plants: Multiple pathways catalyze tryptophan to melatonin in the cytoplasm or chloroplasts. J Pineal Res. 61:426–437. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

10 

Manchester LC, Coto-Montes A, Boga JA, Andersen LP, Zhou Z, Galano A, Vriend J, Tan DX and Reiter RJ: Melatonin: An ancient molecule that makes oxygen metabolically tolerable. J Pineal Res. 59:403–419. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

11 

Hardeland R: Melatonin, hormone of darkness and more: Occurrence, control mechanisms, actions and bioactive metabolites. Cell Mol Life Sci. 65:2001–2018. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

12 

De Luca V, Marineau C and Brisson N: Molecular cloning and analysis of cDNA encoding a plant tryptophan decarboxylase: Comparison with animal dopa decarboxylases. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 86:2582–2586. 1989.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

13 

Park M, Kang K, Park S and Back K: Conversion of 5-hydroxytryptophan into serotonin by tryptophan decarboxylase in plants, Escherichia coli, and yeast. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 72:2456–2458. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

14 

Tan DX, Manchester LC, Esteban-Zubero E, Zhou Z and Reiter RJ: Melatonin as a potent and inducible endogenous antioxidant: Synthesis and Metabolism. Molecules. 20:18886–18906. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

15 

Axelrod J and Weissbach H: Enzymatic O-methylation of N-acetylserotonin to melatonin. Science. 131(1312)1960.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

16 

Kang K, Lee K, Park S, Byeon Y and Back K: Molecular cloning of rice serotonin N-acetyltransferase, the penultimate gene in plant melatonin biosynthesis. J Pineal Res. 55:7–13. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

17 

Byeon Y, Choi GH, Lee HY and Back K: Melatonin biosynthesis requires N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase activity of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase in rice. J Exp Bot. 66:6917–6925. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

18 

Byeon Y, Lee HJ, Lee HY and Back K: Cloning and functional characterization of the Arabidopsis N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase responsible for melatonin synthesis. J Pineal Res. 60:65–73. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

19 

Klein DC: Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase: ‘The Timezyme’. J Biol Chem. 282:4233–4237. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

20 

Favero G, Moretti E, Bonomini F, Reiter RJ, Rodella LF and Rezzani R: Promising antineoplastic actions of melatonin. Front Pharmacol. 9(1086)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

21 

Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral SA, Tan DX, Acuna-Castroviejo D, Qin L, Yang SF and Xu K: Melatonin, a full service anti-cancer agent: Inhibition of initiation, progression and metastasis. Int J Mol Sci. 18(843)2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

22 

Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, Rueda N, Mediavilla MD, Martinez-Cue C and Reiter RJ: Clinical uses of melatonin in neurological diseases and mental and behavioural disorders. Curr Med Chem. 24:3851–3878. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

23 

Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Afeche SC, Tan DX and Reiter RJ: Melatonin, energy metabolism, and obesity: A review. J Pineal Res. 56:371–381. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

24 

Favero G, Franceschetti L, Bonomini F, Rodella LF and Rezzani R: Melatonin as an Anti-Inflammatory agent modulating inflammasome activation. Int J Endocrinol. 2017(1835195)2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

25 

Ma N, Zhang J, Reiter RJ and Ma X: Melatonin mediates mucosal immune cells, microbial metabolism, and rhythm crosstalk: A therapeutic target to reduce intestinal inflammation. Med Res Rev. 40:606–632. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

26 

Moradkhani F, Moloudizargari M, Fallah M, Asghari N, Heidari Khoei H and Asghari MH: Immunoregulatory role of melatonin in cancer. J Cell Physiol. 235:745–757. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

27 

Alghamdi BS: The neuroprotective role of melatonin in neurological disorders. J Neurosci Res. 96:1136–1149. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

28 

Ji G, Zhou W, Li X, Du J, Li X and Hao H: Melatonin inhibits proliferation and viability and promotes apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via upregulation of the microRNA-34a/449a cluster. Mol Med Rep. 23(187)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

29 

Al-Ghoul WM, Herman MD and Dubocovich ML: Melatonin receptor subtype expression in human cerebellum. Neuroreport. 9:4063–4068. 1998.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

30 

Klosen P, Lapmanee S, Schuster C, Guardiola B, Hicks D, Pevet P and Felder-Schmittbuhl MP: MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors are expressed in nonoverlapping neuronal populations. J Pineal Res. 67(e12575)2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

31 

Meléndez J, Maldonado V and Ortega A: Effect of melatonin on beta-tubulin and MAP2 expression in NIE-115 cells. Neurochem Res. 21:653–658. 1996.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

32 

Lacoste B, Angeloni D, Dominguez-Lopez S, Calderoni S, Mauro A, Fraschini F, Descarries L and Gobbi G: Anatomical and cellular localization of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in the adult rat brain. J Pineal Res. 58:397–417. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

33 

Ng KY, Leong MK, Liang H and Paxinos G: Melatonin receptors: distribution in mammalian brain and their respective putative functions. Brain Struct Funct. 222:2921–2939. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

34 

Gerbier R, Ndiaye-Lobry D, Martinez de Morentin PB, Cecon E, Heisler LK, Delagrange P, Gbahou F and Jockers R: Pharmacological evidence for transactivation within melatonin MT2 and serotonin 5-HT2C receptor heteromers in mouse brain. FASEB J. 35(e21161)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

35 

Nosjean O, Ferro M, Coge F, Beauverger P, Henlin JM, Lefoulon F, Fauchere JL, Delagrange P, Canet E and Boutin JA: Identification of the melatonin-binding site MT3 as the quinone reductase 2. J Biol Chem. 275:31311–31317. 2000.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

36 

Boutin JA and Ferry G: Is there sufficient evidence that the melatonin binding site MT3 Is quinone reductase 2? J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 368:59–65. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

37 

Hasan ZT, Atrakji DMQYMAA and Mehuaiden DAK: The effect of melatonin on thrombosis, sepsis and mortality rate in COVID-19 Patients. Int J Infect Dis. 114:79–84. 2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

38 

Ziaei A, Davoodian P, Dadvand H, Safa O, Hassanipour S, Omidi M, Masjedi M, Mahmoudikia F, Rafiee B and Fathalipour M: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Melatonin in moderately ill patients with COVID-19: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 21(882)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

39 

Medzhitov R: Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature. 454:428–435. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

40 

Kuprash DV and Nedospasov SA: Molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation. Biochemistry (Mosc). 81:1237–1239. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

41 

Zarrin AA, Bao K, Lupardus P and Vucic D: Kinase inhibition in autoimmunity and inflammation. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 20:39–63. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

42 

Wang W and Gao J: Effects of melatonin on protecting against lung injury (Review). Exp Ther Med. 21(228)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

43 

Hardeland R: Melatonin and inflammation-Story of a double-edged blade. J Pineal Res. 65(e12525)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

44 

Mańka S and Majewska E: Immunoregulatory action of melatonin. The mechanism of action and the effect on inflammatory cells. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 70:1059–1067. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

45 

Hardeland R, Cardinali DP, Brown GM and Pandi-Perumal SR: Melatonin and brain inflammaging. Prog Neurobiol. 127:–128. 46–63. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

46 

Steinhilber D, Brungs M, Werz O, Wiesenberg I, Danielsson C, Kahlen JP, Nayeri S, Schräder M and Carlberg C: The nuclear receptor for melatonin represses 5-lipoxygenase gene expression in human B lymphocytes. J Biol Chem. 270:7037–7040. 1995.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

47 

Garcia-Mauriño S, Gonzalez-Haba MG, Calvo JR, Goberna R and Guerrero JM: Involvement of nuclear binding sites for melatonin in the regulation of IL-2 and IL-6 production by human blood mononuclear cells. J Neuroimmunol. 92:76–84. 1998.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

48 

García-Mauriño S, Pozo D, Calvo JR and Guerrero JM: Correlation between nuclear melatonin receptor expression and enhanced cytokine production in human lymphocytic and monocytic cell lines. J Pineal Res. 29:129–137. 2000.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

49 

Carrillo-Vico A, García-Mauriño S, Calvo JR and Guerrero JM: Melatonin counteracts the inhibitory effect of PGE2 on IL-2 production in human lymphocytes via its mt1 membrane receptor. FASEB J. 17:755–757. 2003.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

50 

Lardone PJ, Carrillo-Vico A, Naranjo MC, De Felipe B, Vallejo A, Karasek M and Guerrero JM: Melatonin synthesized by Jurkat human leukemic T cell line is implicated in IL-2 production. J Cell Physiol. 206:273–279. 2006.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

51 

Kuklina EM, Glebezdina NS and Nekrasova IV: Role of melatonin in the regulation of differentiation of T cells producing interleukin-17 (Th17). Bull Exp Biol Med. 160:656–658. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

52 

Kühlwein E and Irwin M: Melatonin modulation of lymphocyte proliferation and Th1/Th2 cytokine expression. J Neuroimmunol. 117:51–57. 2001.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

53 

Hardeland R, Reiter RJ, Poeggeler B and Tan DX: The significance of the metabolism of the neurohormone melatonin: Antioxidative protection and formation of bioactive substances. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 17:347–357. 1993.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

54 

Poeggeler B, Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Chen LD and Manchester LC: Melatonin, hydroxyl radical-mediated oxidative damage, and aging: A hypothesis. J Pineal Res. 14:151–168. 1993.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

55 

Reiter RJ: Functional pleiotropy of the neurohormone melatonin: Antioxidant protection and neuroendocrine regulation. Front Neuroendocrinol. 16:383–415. 1995.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

56 

Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Manchester LC, Lopez-Burillo S, Sainz RM and Mayo JC: Melatonin: Detoxification of oxygen and nitrogen-based toxic reactants. Adv Exp Med Biol. 527:539–548. 2003.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

57 

Tamura H, Jozaki M, Tanabe M, Shirafuta Y, Mihara Y, Shinagawa M, Tamura I, Maekawa R, Sato S, Taketani T, et al: Importance of melatonin in assisted reproductive technology and ovarian aging. Int J Mol Sci. 21(1135)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

58 

Moniruzzaman M, Ghosal I, Das D and Chakraborty SB: Melatonin ameliorates H2O2-induced oxidative stress through modulation of Erk/Akt/NFkB pathway. Biol Res. 51(17)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

59 

Lissoni P, Brivio O, Brivio F, Barni S, Tancini G, Crippa D and Meregalli S: Adjuvant therapy with the pineal hormone melatonin in patients with lymph node relapse due to malignant melanoma. J Pineal Res. 21:239–242. 1996.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

60 

Blask DE, Sauer LA, Dauchy RT, Holowachuk EW, Ruhoff MS and Kopff HS: Melatonin inhibition of cancer growth in vivo involves suppression of tumor fatty acid metabolism via melatonin receptor-mediated signal transduction events. Cancer Res. 59:4693–4701. 1999.PubMed/NCBI

61 

Blask DE, Dauchy RT, Brainard GC and Hanifin JP: Circadian stage-dependent inhibition of human breast cancer metabolism and growth by the nocturnal melatonin signal: Consequences of its disruption by light at night in rats and women. Integr Cancer Ther. 8:347–353. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

62 

Blask DE, Hill SM, Dauchy RT, Xiang S, Yuan L, Duplessis T, Mao L, Dauchy E and Sauer LA: Circadian regulation of molecular, dietary, and metabolic signaling mechanisms of human breast cancer growth by the nocturnal melatonin signal and the consequences of its disruption by light at night. J Pineal Res. 51:259–269. 2011.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

63 

Susa N, Ueno S, Furukawa Y, Ueda J and Sugiyama M: Potent protective effect of melatonin on chromium(VI)-induced DNA single-strand breaks, cytotoxicity, and lipid peroxidation in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 144:377–384. 1997.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

64 

Tan DX, Pöeggeler B, Reiter RJ, Chen LD, Chen S, Manchester LC and Barlow-Walden LR: The pineal hormone melatonin inhibits DNA-adduct formation induced by the chemical carcinogen safrole in vivo. Cancer Lett. 70:65–71. 1993.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

65 

Kilic E, Kilic U, Reiter RJ, Bassetti CL and Hermann DM: Prophylactic use of melatonin protects against focal cerebral ischemia in mice: Role of endothelin converting enzyme-1. J Pineal Res. 37:247–251. 2004.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

66 

León J, Casado J, Jiménez Ruiz SM, Zurita MS, González-Puga C, Rejón JD, Gila A, Muñoz de Rueda P, Pavón EJ, Reiter RJ, et al: Melatonin reduces endothelin-1 expression and secretion in colon cancer cells through the inactivation of FoxO-1 and NF-κβ. J Pineal Res. 56:415–426. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

67 

Elmore S: Apoptosis: A review of programmed cell death. Toxicol Pathol. 35:495–516. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

68 

Obeng E: Apoptosis (programmed cell death) and its signals-A review. Braz J Biol. 81:1133–1143. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

69 

Jang MH, Jung SB, Lee MH, Kim CJ, Oh YT, Kang I, Kim J and Kim EH: Melatonin attenuates amyloid beta25-35-induced apoptosis in mouse microglial BV2 cells. Neurosci Lett. 380:26–31. 2005.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

70 

Yoo YM, Yim SV, Kim SS, Jang HY, Lea HZ, Hwang GC, Kim JW, Kim SA, Lee HJ, Kim CJ, et al: Melatonin suppresses NO-induced apoptosis via induction of Bcl-2 expression in PGT-beta immortalized pineal cells. J Pineal Res. 33:146–150. 2002.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

71 

Joo SS and Yoo YM: Melatonin induces apoptotic death in LNCaP cells via p38 and JNK pathways: Therapeutic implications for prostate cancer. J Pineal Res. 47:8–14. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

72 

Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Uría H, Antolín I, Estéban MM and Rodríguez  : Inhibition of cell proliferation: A mechanism likely to mediate the prevention of neuronal cell death by melatonin. J Pineal Res. 25:12–18. 1998.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

73 

Han Z, Battaglia F and Terlecky SR: Discharged COVID-19 patients testing positive again for SARS-CoV-2 RNA: A minireview of published studies from China. J Med Virol. 93:262–274. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

74 

Huang C, Wang Y, Li X, Ren L, Zhao J, Hu Y, Zhang L, Fan G, Xu J, Gu X, et al: Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. Lancet. 395:497–506. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

75 

Salehi S, Abedi A, Balakrishnan S and Gholamrezanezhad A: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review of imaging findings in 919 patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 215:87–93. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

76 

Simko F, Hrenak J, Dominguez-Rodriguez A and Reiter RJ: Melatonin as a putative protection against myocardial injury in COVID-19 infection. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 13:921–924. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

77 

Tan DX and Hardeland R: Targeting host defense system and rescuing compromised mitochondria to increase tolerance against pathogens by melatonin may impact outcome of deadly virus infection pertinent to COVID-19. Molecules. 25(4410)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

78 

Cross KM, Landis DM, Sehgal L and Payne JD: Melatonin in early treatment for COVID-19: A narrative review of current evidence and possible efficacy. Endocr Pract. 27:850–855. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

79 

Zhou Y, Hou Y, Shen J, Mehra R, Kallianpur A, Culver DA, Gack MU, Farha S, Zein J, Comhair S, et al: A network medicine approach to investigation and population-based validation of disease manifestations and drug repurposing for COVID-19. PLoS Biol. 18(e3000970)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

80 

Reiter RJ, Abreu-Gonzalez P, Marik PE and Dominguez-Rodriguez A: Therapeutic algorithm for use of melatonin in patients with COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne). 7(226)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

81 

Zhang R, Wang X, Ni L, Di X, Ma B, Niu S, Liu C and Reiter RJ: COVID-19: Melatonin as a potential adjuvant treatment. Life Sci. 250(117583)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

82 

Cardinali DP, Brown GM, Reiter RJ and Pandi-Perumal SR: Elderly as a high-risk group during COVID-19 pandemic: Effect of circadian misalignment, sleep dysregulation and melatonin administration. Sleep Vigil. 1–7. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (Epub ahead of print).

83 

Huang SH, Cao XJ, Liu W, Shi XY and Wei W: Inhibitory effect of melatonin on lung oxidative stress induced by respiratory syncytial virus infection in mice. J Pineal Res. 48:109–116. 2010.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

84 

Shneider A, Kudriavtsev A and Vakhrusheva A: Can melatonin reduce the severity of COVID-19 pandemic? Int Rev Immunol. 39:153–162. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

85 

Campos LA, Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Michelini LC, Bader M and Baltatu OC: The Angiotensin-melatonin axis. Int J Hypertens. 2013(521783)2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

86 

Zhang HM and Zhang Y: Melatonin: A well-documented antioxidant with conditional pro-oxidant actions. J Pineal Res. 57:131–146. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

87 

Wang R, Hozumi Y, Yin C and Wei GW: Mutations on COVID-19 diagnostic targets. Genomics. 112:5204–5213. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

88 

Jia Z and Gong W: Will mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 lead to the failure of COVID-19 Vaccines? J Korean Med Sci. 36(e124)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

89 

Samudrala PK, Kumar P, Choudhary K, Thakur N, Wadekar GS, Dayaramani R, Agrawal M and Alexander A: Virology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and in-line treatment of COVID-19. Eur J Pharmacol. 883(173375)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

90 

Raherison C and Girodet PO: Epidemiology of COPD. Eur Respir Rev. 18:213–221. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

91 

Negewo NA, Gibson PG and McDonald VM: COPD and its comorbidities: Impact, measurement and mechanisms. Respirology. 20:1160–1171. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

92 

Vestbo J, Hurd SS, Agustí AG, Jones PW, Vogelmeier C, Anzueto A, Barnes PJ, Fabbri LM, Martinez FJ, Nishimura M, et al: Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 187:347–365. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

93 

Buist AS, McBurnie MA, Vollmer WM, Gillespie S, Burney P, Mannino DM, Menezes AM, Sullivan SD, Lee TA, Weiss KB, et al: International variation in the prevalence of COPD (the BOLD Study): A population-based prevalence study. Lancet. 370:741–750. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

94 

Menn P, Heinrich J, Huber RM, Jörres RA, John J, Karrasch S, Peters A, Schulz H and Holle R: KORA Study Group. Direct medical costs of COPD-an excess cost approach based on two population-based studies. Respir Med. 106:540–548. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

95 

Yong W, Ma H, Na M, Gao T, Zhang Y, Hao L, Yu H, Yang H and Deng X: Roles of melatonin in the field of reproductive medicine. Biomed Pharmacother. 144(112001)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

96 

Mao K, Luo P, Geng W, Xu J, Liao Y, Zhong H, Ma P, Tan Q, Xia H, Duan L, et al: An integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic study revealed that melatonin plays a protective role in chronic lung inflammation by reducing necroptosis. Front Immunol. 12(668002)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

97 

Shin NR, Ko JW, Kim JC, Park G, Kim SH, Kim MS, Kim JS and Shin IS: Role of melatonin as an SIRT1 enhancer in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by cigarette smoke. J Cell Mol Med. 24:1151–1156. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

98 

Shin NR, Park JW, Lee IC, Ko JW, Park SH, Kim JS, Kim JC, Ahn KS and Shin IS: Melatonin suppresses fibrotic responses induced by cigarette smoke via downregulation of TGF-β1. Oncotarget. 8:95692–95703. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

99 

Mahalanobish S, Dutta S, Saha S and Sil PC: Melatonin induced suppression of ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in COPD mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 144(111588)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

100 

Shin IS, Shin NR, Park JW, Jeon CM, Hong JM, Kwon OK, Kim JS, Lee IC, Kim JC, Oh SR and Ahn KS: Melatonin attenuates neutrophil inflammation and mucus secretion in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases via the suppression of Erk-Sp1 signaling. J Pineal Res. 58:50–60. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

101 

Hung MW, Yeung HM, Lau CF, Poon AMS, Tipoe GL and Fung ML: Melatonin attenuates pulmonary hypertension in chronically hypoxic rats. Int J Mol Sci. 18(1125)2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

102 

Kim GD, Lee SE, Kim TH, Jin YH, Park YS and Park CS: Melatonin suppresses acrolein-induced IL-8 production in human pulmonary fibroblasts. J Pineal Res. 52:356–364. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

103 

Pieper MP: The non-neuronal cholinergic system as novel drug target in the airways. Life Sci. 91:1113–1118. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

104 

Ferlay J, Colombet M, Soerjomataram I, Parkin DM, Piñeros M, Znaor A and Bray F: Cancer statistics for the year 2020: An overview. Int J Cancer. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (Epub ahead of print).

105 

Carter-Harris L, Ceppa DP, Hanna N and Rawl SM: Lung cancer screening: What do long-term smokers know and believe? Health Expect. 20:59–68. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

106 

Pinsky P and Gierada DS: Long-term cancer risk associated with lung nodules observed on low-dose screening CT scans. Lung Cancer. 139:179–184. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

107 

Lemjabbar-Alaoui H, Hassan OU, Yang YW and Buchanan P: Lung cancer: Biology and treatment options. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1856:189–210. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

108 

Vinod SK and Hau E: Radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer: Current status and future directions. Respirology. 25 (Suppl 2):S61–S71. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

109 

Lissoni P, Chilelli M, Villa S, Cerizza L and Tancini G: Five years survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy and melatonin: A randomized trial. J Pineal Res. 35:12–15. 2003.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

110 

García-Navarro A, González-Puga C, Escames G, López LC, López A, López-Cantarero M, Camacho E, Espinosa A, Gallo MA and Acuña-Castroviejo D: Cellular mechanisms involved in the melatonin inhibition of HT-29 human colon cancer cell proliferation in culture. J Pineal Res. 43:195–205. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

111 

Tam CW, Mo CW, Yao KM and Shiu SY: Signaling mechanisms of melatonin in antiproliferation of hormone-refractory 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells: Implications for prostate cancer chemoprevention. J Pineal Res. 42:191–202. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

112 

Benítez-King G, Soto-Vega E and Ramírez-Rodriguez G: Melatonin modulates microfilament phenotypes in epithelial cells: Implications for adhesion and inhibition of cancer cell migration. Histol Histopathol. 24:789–799. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

113 

Mediavilla MD, Cos S and Sánchez-Barceló EJ: Melatonin increases p53 and p21WAF1 expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in vitro. Life Sci. 65:415–420. 1999.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

114 

Zhou Q, Gui S, Zhou Q and Wang Y: Melatonin inhibits the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell lines involving JNK/MAPK pathway. PloS One. 9(e101132)2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

115 

Haus E, Dumitriu L, Nicolau GY, Bologa S and Sackett-Lundeen L: Circadian rhythms of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), cortisol, and melatonin in women with breast cancer. Chronobiol Int. 18:709–727. 2001.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

116 

Fan C, Pan Y, Yang Y, Di S, Jiang S, Ma Z, Li T, Zhang Z, Li W, Li X, et al: HDAC1 inhibition by melatonin leads to suppression of lung adenocarcinoma cells via induction of oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic pathways. J Pineal Res. 59:321–333. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

117 

Wang J, Xiao X, Zhang Y, Shi D, Chen W, Fu L, Liu L, Xie F, Kang T, Huang W and Deng W: Simultaneous modulation of COX-2, p300, Akt, and Apaf-1 signaling by melatonin to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. J Pineal Res. 53:77–90. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

118 

Lu JJ, Fu L, Tang Z, Zhang C, Qin L, Wang J, Yu Z, Shi D, Xiao X, Xie F, et al: Melatonin inhibits AP-2β/hTERT, NF-κB/COX-2 and Akt/ERK and activates caspase/Cyto C signaling to enhance the antitumor activity of berberine in lung cancer cells. Oncotarget. 7:2985–3001. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

119 

Carrillo-Vico A, Calvo JR, Abreu P, Lardone PJ, García-Mauriño S, Reiter RJ and Guerrero JM: Evidence of melatonin synthesis by human lymphocytes and its physiological significance: possible role as intracrine, autocrine, and/or paracrine substance. FASEB J. 18:537–539. 2004.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

120 

Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Sainz RM, Mayo JC and Lopez-Burillo S: Melatonin: Reducing the toxicity and increasing the efficacy of drugs. J Pharm Pharmacol. 54:1299–1321. 2002.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

121 

Rockey DC, Bell PD and Hill JA: Fibrosis-a common pathway to organ injury and failure. N Engl J Med. 372:1138–1149. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

122 

Birbrair A, Zhang T, Wang ZM, Messi ML, Mintz A and Delbono O: Type-1 pericytes participate in fibrous tissue deposition in aged skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 305:C1098–C1113. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

123 

Drobnik J, Karbownik-Lewińska M, Szczepanowska A, Słotwińska D, Olczak S, Jakubowski L and Dabrowski R: Regulatory influence of melatonin on collagen accumulation in the infarcted heart scar. J Pineal Res. 45:285–290. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

124 

Di Lullo GA, Sweeney SM, Korkko J, Ala-Kokko L and San Antonio JD: Mapping the ligand-binding sites and disease-associated mutations on the most abundant protein in the human, type I collagen. J Biol Chem. 277:4223–4231. 2002.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

125 

Pugazhenthi K, Kapoor M, Clarkson AN, Hall I and Appleton I: Melatonin accelerates the process of wound repair in full-thickness incisional wounds. J Pineal Res. 44:387–396. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

126 

Ding Z, Wu X, Wang Y, Ji S, Zhang W, Kang J, Li J and Fei G: Melatonin prevents LPS-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human alveolar epithelial cells via the GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother. 132(110827)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

127 

Yildirim Z, Kotuk M, Erdogan H, Iraz M, Yagmurca M, Kuku I and Fadillioglu E: Preventive effect of melatonin on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats. J Pineal Res. 40:27–33. 2006.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

128 

Genovese T, Di Paola R, Mazzon E, Muià C, Caputi AP and Cuzzocrea S: Melatonin limits lung injury in bleomycin treated mice. J Pineal Res. 39:105–112. 2005.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

129 

Karimfar MH, Rostami S, Haghani K, Bakhtiyari S and Noori-Zadeh A: Melatonin alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 29:327–334. 2015.PubMed/NCBI

130 

Hosseinzadeh A, Javad-Moosavi SA, Reiter RJ, Hemati K, Ghaznavi H and Mehrzadi S: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) signaling pathways and protective roles of melatonin. Life Sci. 201:17–29. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

131 

Alvarez-García V, González A, Alonso-González C, Martínez-Campa C and Cos S: Antiangiogenic effects of melatonin in endothelial cell cultures. Microvasc Res. 87:25–33. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

132 

Alvarez-García V, González A, Alonso-González C, Martínez-Campa C and Cos S: Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor by melatonin in human breast cancer cells. J Pineal Res. 54:373–380. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

133 

Song J, Kang SM, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee KM and Lee JE: The beneficial effect of melatonin in brain endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion-induced injury. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014(639531)2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

134 

Crespo I, San-Miguel B, Fernández A, Ortiz de Urbina J, González-Gallego J and Tuñón MJ: Melatonin limits the expression of profibrogenic genes and ameliorates the progression of hepatic fibrosis in mice. Transl Res. 165:346–357. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

135 

Czechowska G, Celinski K, Korolczuk A, Wojcicka G, Dudka J, Bojarska A and Reiter RJ: Protective effects of melatonin against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats. J Physiol Pharmacol. 66:567–579. 2015.PubMed/NCBI

136 

Yip HK, Chang YC, Wallace CG, Chang LT, Tsai TH, Chen YL, Chang HW, Leu S, Zhen YY, Tsai CY, et al: Melatonin treatment improves adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for acute lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Pineal Res. 54:207–221. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

137 

Finsnes F, Skjønsberg OH, Lyberg T and Christensen G: Endothelin-1 production is associated with eosinophilic rather than neutrophilic airway inflammation. Eur Respir J. 15:743–750. 2000.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

138 

Ji ZZ and Xu YC: Melatonin protects podocytes from angiotensin II-induced injury in an in vitro diabetic nephropathy model. Mol Med Rep. 14:920–926. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

139 

Montero P, Milara J, Roger I and Cortijo J: Role of JAK/STAT in interstitial lung diseases; Molecular and cellular mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 22(6211)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

140 

Wang J, Chen L, Chen B, Meliton A, Liu SQ, Shi Y, Liu T, Deb DK, Solway J and Li YC: Chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin system induces lung fibrosis. Sci Rep. 5(15561)2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

141 

Li X, Molina-Molina M, Abdul-Hafez A, Ramirez J, Serrano-Mollar A, Xaubet A and Uhal BD: Extravascular sources of lung angiotensin peptide synthesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 291:L887–L895. 2006.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

142 

Uhal BD, Dang MT, Li X and Abdul-Hafez A: Angiotensinogen gene transcription in pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Pept. 2012(875910)2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

143 

Andersen LP, Gögenur I, Rosenberg J and Reiter RJ: The safety of melatonin in humans. Clin Drug Investig. 36:169–175. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

144 

Habtemariam S, Daglia M, Sureda A, Selamoglu Z, Gulhan MF and Nabavi SM: Melatonin and respiratory diseases: A review. Curr Top Med Chem. 17:467–488. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

Related Articles

Journal Cover

April-2022
Volume 23 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Li L, Gang X, Wang J and Gong X: Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med 23: 271, 2022
APA
Li, L., Gang, X., Wang, J., & Gong, X. (2022). Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 23, 271. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11197
MLA
Li, L., Gang, X., Wang, J., Gong, X."Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 23.4 (2022): 271.
Chicago
Li, L., Gang, X., Wang, J., Gong, X."Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 23, no. 4 (2022): 271. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11197