Abstract
Brain aging is linked to certain types of neurodegenerative diseases and identifying new therapeutic targets has become critical. Melatonin, a pineal hormone, associates with molecules and signaling pathways that sense and influence energy metabolism, autophagy, and circadian rhythms, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Forkhead box O (FoxOs), sirtuins and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current understanding of how melatonin, together with molecular, cellular and systemic energy metabolisms, regulates epigenetic processes in the neurons. This information will lead to a greater understanding of molecular epigenetic aging of the brain and anti-aging mechanisms to increase lifespan under healthy conditions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Aging / physiology*
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Animals
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Autophagy / physiology*
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Brain / growth & development
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Brain / metabolism
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Caloric Restriction
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Circadian Rhythm / genetics
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Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
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Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
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Energy Metabolism / physiology*
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Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology*
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / physiology
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
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Humans
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Inflammation / physiopathology
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Insulin / physiology
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Insulin Resistance / physiology
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / physiology
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Longevity / physiology
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Melatonin / physiology*
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Memory / physiology
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Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology*
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Obesity / physiopathology
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Sirtuins / physiology
Substances
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Insulin
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
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Sirtuins
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Melatonin