| Autor: |
Chitimus DM; Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Popescu MR; Department of Cardiology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Elias University Hospital, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Voiculescu SE; Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Panaitescu AM; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Pavel B; Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Zagrean L; Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010164 Bucharest, Romania., Zagrean AM; Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Functional Sciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010164 Bucharest, Romania. |
| Abstrakt: |
There is a growing consensus that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin are of great importance in preserving the body functions and homeostasis, with great impact in the peripartum period and adult life. Melatonin promotes adaptation through allostasis and stands out as an endogenous, dietary, and therapeutic molecule with important health benefits. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of melatonin are intertwined and are exerted throughout pregnancy and later during development and aging. Melatonin supplementation during pregnancy can reduce ischemia-induced oxidative damage in the fetal brain, increase offspring survival in inflammatory states, and reduce blood pressure in the adult offspring. In adulthood, disturbances in melatonin production negatively impact the progression of cardiovascular risk factors and promote cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The most studied cardiovascular effects of melatonin are linked to hypertension and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, while the most promising ones are linked to regaining control of metabolic syndrome components. In addition, there might be an emerging role for melatonin as an adjuvant in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19). The present review summarizes and comments on important data regarding the roles exerted by melatonin in homeostasis and oxidative stress and inflammation related pathologies. |
