The multiple functions of melatonin in regenerative medicine

Ageing Res Rev. 2018 Aug:45:33-52. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.04.003. Epub 2018 Apr 6.

Abstract

Melatonin research has been experiencing hyper growth in the last two decades; this relates to its numerous physiological functions including anti-inflammation, oncostasis, circadian and endocrine rhythm regulation, and its potent antioxidant activity. Recently, a large number of studies have focused on the role of melatonin in the regeneration of cells or tissues after their partial loss. In this review, we discuss the recent findings on the molecular involvement of melatonin in the regeneration of various tissues including the nervous system, liver, bone, kidney, bladder, skin, and muscle, among others.

Keywords: Bone regeneration; Circadian rhythm; Kidney regeneration; Liver regeneration; Muscle regeneration; Neuroregeneration; Stem cell; Tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Melatonin / pharmacology
  • Melatonin / physiology*
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use
  • Regeneration / drug effects
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods*
  • Regenerative Medicine / trends
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Engineering / trends

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Melatonin