TY - JOUR AB - Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in accordance with the circadian rhythm when the light level decreases. Reduction of melatonin secretion with age may be associated with physiological aging in neurodegenerative diseases by affecting the suprachiasmatic nucleus or of the neuronal pathways of transmission to the pineal gland. A significant decrease in melatonin synthesis has been reported in various disorders and diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders (particularly diabetes type 2), cancer and endocrine diseases. In addition to the fact, that melatonin is a sleep inducer, it also exerts cytoprotective properties as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. The therapeutic role of melatonin has been demonstrated in sleep disorders, eye damage and cardiovascular disease. The association between melatonin and β‑blockers has had a positive impact on sleep disorders in clinical trials. Previous studies have reported the anti‑inflammatory effect of melatonin by adjusting levels of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑1β and tumor necrosis factor‑α. Melatonin treatment has been demonstrated to decrease IL‑6 and IL‑10 expression levels and efficiently attenuate T‑cell proliferation. Currently, there is an inconsistency of scientific data regarding the lowest optimal dose and safety of melatonin for long‑term use. The aim of the present review was to summarize the evidence on the role of melatonin in various clinical conditions and highlight the future research in this area. AD - Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunărea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galați, Romania Internal Medicine Department, St. Andrew The Apostle Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galați, Romania Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunărea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galați, Romania AU - Anghel,Lucreția AU - Baroiu,Liliana AU - Popazu,Corina,Rișcă AU - Pătraș,Diana AU - Fotea,Silvia AU - Nechifor,Alexandru AU - Ciubara,Anamaria AU - Nechita,Luiza AU - Mușat,Carmina,Liana AU - Stefanopol,Ioana,Anca AU - Tatu,Alin,Laurențiu AU - Ciubara,Alexandru,Bogdan DA - 2022/03/01 DO - 10.3892/etm.2022.11142 IS - 3 JO - Exp Ther Med KW - melatonin elderly benefits safety long‑term use PY - 2022 SN - 1792-0981 1792-1015 SP - 219 ST - Benefits and adverse events of melatonin use in the elderly (Review) T2 - Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine TI - Benefits and adverse events of melatonin use in the elderly (Review) UR - https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11142 VL - 23 ER -