Melatonin as mitochondria-targeted drug

Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol. 2023:136:249-276. doi: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.03.006. Epub 2023 Apr 22.

Abstract

Oxidative damage is associated to numerous diseases as well as aging development. Mitochondria found in most eukaryotic organisms to create the energy of the cell, generate free radicals during its action and they are chief targets of the oxidants. Mitochondrial activities outspread outside the borders of the cell and effect human physiology by modulating interactions among cells and tissues. Therefore, it has been implicated in several human disorders and conditions. Melatonin (MLT) is an endogenously created indole derivative that modifies several tasks, involving mitochondria-associated activities. These possessions make MLT a powerful defender against a selection of free radical-linked disorders. MLT lessens mitochondrial anomalies causing from extreme oxidative stress and may improve mitochondrial physiology. It is a potent and inducible antioxidant for mitochondria. MLT is produced in mitochondria of conceivably of all cells and it also appears to be a mitochondria directed antioxidant which has related defensive properties as the synthesized antioxidant molecules. This chapter summarizes the suggestion that MLT is produced in mitochondria as well as disorders of mitochondrial MLT production that may associate to a number of mitochondria-linked diseases. MLT as a mitochondria-targeted drug is also discussed.

Keywords: Melatonin; Mitochondria-targeted drug; Mitochondrial irregularities; Oxidative stress.

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Melatonin* / pharmacology
  • Mitochondria
  • Oxidative Stress

Substances

  • Melatonin
  • Antioxidants