Melatonin and synthetic analogs as antioxidants

Curr Drug Deliv. 2013 Feb;10(1):71-5. doi: 10.2174/1567201811310010013.

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), lowered antioxidant defense of the body. Oxidative stress is damaging to DNA, lipids, proteins and many more vital macromolecules. Consequences of oxidative stress thought to contribute to the development of a wide range of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegeneration in motor neuron diseases and many cancer types. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful antioxidant with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. To find an improved antioxidant activity, developments of novel synthetic analogues are under investigation. These studies may offer a new progress and approach in antioxidant drug development as well as antioxidant chemistry. Therefore, we have been synthesizing novel MLT derivatives and investigating their antioxidant capacities. This review gives a brief knowledge about the MLT based analogue indole derivatives as potential antioxidants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Melatonin