1. Melatonin as a hormone of the pineal
Melatonin is a hormone that is the Pinealozyten in the pineal gland (epiphysis) - part of the midbrain - produced from serotonin, and controls the day-night rhythm of the human body. Chemically, it is an alkaloid tryptamine structure.
2. Melatonin Metabolism
With inspiration from natural light into the eye of the synthesis of melatonin is inhibited) in the night (melatonin at night becomes increasingly released into the blood and affects sleep. 90% of melatonin, after passage through the liver biotransformation by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases to 6-OH-melatonin metabolized and excreted as sulfated (60-70%) or glucuronide (20-30%) derivatives in the urine.
3. Melatonin Physiological correlations
Melatonin and seasonal affective disorder in the winter when daylight holds up just a few hours, is the mirror during the day increases melatonin. As a result, you may experience fatigue, sleep disorders and seasonal affective disorder. As a countermeasure, it is recommended to use the short period of daylight for walking. Alternatively, a light therapy may be considered.
Melatonin is a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism. It is produced in the pineal gland in the gut and in the retina of the eye and central pulsatile release under the influence of darkness. Melatonin concentrations are rising in the night by a factor of ten, the maximum is reached about three clock in the morning - with a seasonally changing rhythms. The secretion is held back by daylight. The importance of melatonin for jet lag and shift work is well recognized, an application of melatonin is controversial in this context. Coordination of circadian rhythmic processes in the body, it exerts its effect as a timer. The melatonin-induced deep sleep is a stimulant for the secretion of growth hormone somatotropin. Such chronic disorders cause premature Somatopause. Melatonin effects are more important in its effect as an antioxidant, which can not be used therapeutically. Also important is the antigonadotrope effect (reduction of the sex glands), and the turn down of many biological and oxidative processes, it is especially when taking eight of melatonin. Especially a reduction (as well as an increase) of melatonin levels in the blood causes sleep disorders or disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle.
4. A melatonin substitution should occur only after a clear indication
A too low melatonin levels may be associated with sleep disorders. With increasing age the body produces less melatonin, the average sleep duration and sleep problems produced decreases occur more frequently. ) Even when shift work and long-distance travel (jet lag melatonin may be disturbed by the change in time budget.
5. Control of melatonin synthesis in the brain
Restful sleep is important for working memory. One reason could be the influence of melatonin on the hippocampus. This region of the brain is important for learning and memory. Due to the effect of melatonin, the neurophysiological basis of learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, a significant day-night rhythm is subjected.
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is a hormone that is mainly at night by the pineal (= pineal gland, brain), but also in the retina (retina), the platelets and is produced in the digestive tract. Many organs have receptors for melatonin. Its formation is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light, it is formed from the amino acid tryptophan via serotonin.
Melatonin is found not only in the Human. but also in almost all animals and many plants.
6. Effect of melatonin
Melatonin may help normalize cholesterol levels and maintain our strong heart.
Melatonin may play an interesting application in the treatment of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's.
Melatonin is also often used in rheumatic disease, because it normalizes the immune status.
Melatonin increases the weight of the thymus gland.
Melatonin increases the activity of Thymusdrüsenzellen, there are more T-cell lymphocytes produced for the defense.
7. Melatonin helps to combat viruses
The damage to corticosteroids (chronic stress) can cause, can be compensated by the administration of melatonin. An overproduction of corticosteroids can shrink the thymus gland.
The intake of zinc can also have positive effects on the immune system and provide an improvement in the immune response.
Melatonin enhances the body's ability to detect cancer cells and destroy them.
Melatonin helps the body defend against cancer-promoting substances.
8. Melatonin prevents cell damage by free radicals
Psychiatric patients receiving the sedative Chlorpromacin have much less breast cancer than the general population - perhaps it is because the Chlorpromacin the melatonin begins.
Blind women, typically higher melatonin levels, much less suffer from breast cancer.
Melatonin can reduce the rate of growth of rat prostate tumors by 50%.
Melatonin can penetrate to the nucleus (DNA), some researchers believe that melatonin because the DNA can be protected against damage by free radicals.
Melatonin in combination with chemotherapy can significantly reduce the side effects.
Melatonin can pour in combination with natural opiates, endorphins, and even with pain killers and sedatives are used synergistically.
Chemotherapeutic agents attack the bone marrow in much less when melatonin is added to the mixture - if the chemotherapy is carried out in the evening, she is statistically more effective and less poisonous, which might be due to the natural melatonin levels are at a record high.
Melatonin normalizes blood cholesterol levels.
Melatonin lowers high blood pressure.
Melatonin protects the body against stress-related illnesses.
Melatonin helps to prevent heart attack and stroke.
There is evidence that melatonin not only normalize blood lipids, but also the sugar levels.
9. Melatonin for sleep
Melatonin is an excellent natural sleep aid. Since it re-sets your body clock, it treats the causes of the problem, the disturbance of the natural sleep-wake cycle. Consequently, melatonin should correct all types of sleep disorders, especially insomnia, and frequent and early awakening.
In all sleep disorders, we recommend that you take between 1 to 5 mg of melatonin at bedtime to stabilize the normal sleep pattern again. Some people will find that a small dose of them enough to be able to sleep well. Others will need a higher dose. To find out what dose is right for you, we recommend that they start with 3 mg only sleeping
Jet lag and sleep disorders
The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus (diencephalon = = Control of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system) have melatonin receptors, which is controlled by the day-night rhythm. (Weaver et al., 1993). Melatonin is metabolised in the liver and a 6-Sulphatoxy-melatonin in the urine. In many animals, it controls the variations in reproductive and nonreproductiven seasonale metabolism.
10. Melatonin and other hormones
Melatonin is involved in the regulation of many other hormones., Serotonin, testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone, etc. melatonin receptors are found in many cells and how different brain areas such as the SCN, pars tuberalis, hypothalamus, cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex in mammals (Mazzucchelli et al. 1996;
The research team Pierpaoli and Regelson have been shown in numerous animal studies that the decline of the pineal gland and is present all the resulting consequences for the organism, not an "inevitable", but on the contrary, not only stopped, but can even be reversed. If we push the "old" mice, in which the decline of the pineal gland was a fairly advanced stage, to the outside melatonin, could be seen after a few months, significant changes:
The Zirbeldrüsenfunktion was restored and the body's melatonin production rose again, was the "Altersfell" again glossy and dense, and the sexual function turned on again, the immune system to normal rapidly and incipient cancer cells were successfully destroyed, and normal food intake and digestion were re - .
Melatonin plays a key role in controlling circadian rhythms (= day / night cycle) and thus for the sleep and waking. Darkness stimulates the release into the blood and brightness stop its synthesis. Normal melatonin cycles are strong light at night and during daytime duch interrupted too little light. Jet lag, shift work and poor visibility to interrupt this cycle, too. Even by low-frequency electromagnetic fields and in old age is changing the production of melatonin. The resulting sleep disorders are treated by administration of about 0.3 to 8 mg of melatonin, which normally eliminates these.
11. Melatonin and the women's cycle
Melatonin affects the timing of Freisetung with the female hormones that control the menstrual cycle.
Melatonin and menopause
Melatonin supports the positive effects of sleep in women during menopause. Also used by postmenopausal women, melatonin to regulate sleep should do so only briefly, since long-term effects are not yet known.
12. Melatonin and specific eating disorders
The melatonin levels may in anorexia (anorexia nervosa) play a role. Abnormally low melatonin values in people with anorexia can cause depression.
13. Melatonin and cancer
Different studies have found that people there with certain cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer. Lung cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer species, a low melatonin mirror.
The administration of oral melatonin (10 to 50 mg daily) improves the effectiveness of other therapies.
14. Melatonin and cholesterol
Some studies report on the cholesterol and LDL-lowering effect of melatonin.
Melatonin is a sleep hormone that regulates the so-called "internal clock" of man. It is involved in the aging process of the body. So far there is no scientific evidence that shows that melatonin as a drug can stop the biological aging process
15. Melatonin and pineal gland
Today we know that the pineal gland is responsible for the production of a wide range of substances - Melatonin is just one of them.
Melatonin, chemically simple amino acid, is synthesized from the Zirbeldrüsenausscheidungen tryptophan, an amino acid, and serotonin, a "messenger" or neurotransmitters. Serotonin is not only one of the precursors for the production of melatonin, but also responsible for a variety of physical activities, such as sleep, smooth muscle contraction and blood platelet function. Overproduction of serotonin (and a lack of melatonin) is responsible for certain types of depression and mood disorders. Certain psychiatric medications, so-called "serotonin inhibitor to reduce" the level of serotonin and stimulate the production of melatonin.
Epithalamin the first time by scientists under the leadership of Vladimir Dilman on NN Petrov Research Institute of Oncology (study of the tumors and tumors) in St. Petersburg was isolated. Its function of melatonin seems to be very similar. It is believed that these two hormones work together synergistically, which means that they mutually reinforce their effects.
TRH (thyrotropin-stimulating hormone) controls the supply of energy to the body's cells. It supports the thyroid function, resulting in improved immune function. It is also used to treat depression.
Vasopressin is related to the control of the "margin and milk" to nursing mothers. Its distribution is, it seems, is triggered by the crying of the infant.
Prolactin stimulates milk production in the lactating mother. As a "bandeknüpfendes" hormone, it helps to calm the baby and to relax and encourage the mother to accept and defend the boys. Prolactin is administered to humans, it usually calls forth feelings of peace, tranquility, contentment and affection. While the mother distributes prolactin, it builds strong ties to their child and experiences the first feelings of maternal love.
The ZirbeldrüsenHormon melatonin serves a number of vital functions for our body. His natural production is significantly reduced between the fortieth and fiftieth year of age. This begins the aging process with all its arresting decay processes. The exact onset and course of this process differs from person to person and is of different situations, such as inheritance and investments, general constitution, habits, etc., dependent.
16. Is melatonin safe?
Melatonin can help to favorably influence this process. The scientist, Dr. Walter Pierpaoli and William Regelson, and many of their colleagues around the world are convinced, after long years of intensive research on the accuracy of their relevant findings and conclusions. If any of their attempts to have any negative side effects after administration of melatonin could be detected. A simple amino acid Melatonin is not toxic and even doses of 1000 milligrams per day are easily tolerated by subjects.
In the above, we have attempted to summarize the most important insights and experiences of the two scientists, Dr. Walter Pierpaoli and Dr. William Regelson, concise and understandable. We have here, as mentioned above, as closely as possible to the presentation by the authors in their book "Melatonin - the key to eternal youth, health and fitness" (the title of the American Originals "The Melatonin Miracle", Simon & Schuster, New York, 1995) held, but without claiming to want to have addressed all of its exhaustive detail and too easy for the layman to understand the aspects described on pineal gland and melatonin. This would not be our task and we would in any case your own reading of this book take the tension.
One was at this point, however, still clearly said: it is never too late Even if you have exceeded the 45 some time ago, can be obtained by the regular daily intake of melatonin to normalize Zirbeldrüsenfunktion again and the natural, endogenous melatonin production to a level bring corresponds to a much younger body. The logical explanation for the mechanism of this "rejuvenation" is apparent from the described aging processes:
With decreasing melatonin mirrors a growing shortage of energy produced at the cellular level;
This lack of energy also affects the pineal gland directly and promotes their calcification;
the shrinking and calcified pineal melatonin reduced their next production
.
A melatonin substitution should occur only after a clear indication.
The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus (diencephalon = = Control of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system) have melatonin receptors, which is controlled by the day-night rhythm. (Weaver et al., 1993). Melatonin is metabolised in the liver and a 6-Sulphatoxy-melatonin in the urine. In many animals, it controls the variations in reproductive and nonreproductiven seasonale metabolism.
17. Melatonin as an antioxidant
Melatonin modulates the interplay between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, such as effects of serotonin and the general reaction to stress.
Melatonin is a physiological antioxidant and reacts directly with hydroxyl radicals and peroxide. It is more effective than other antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin E.
Furthermore, the production of many important enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (all protected against cell damage by free radicals) are stimulated. Moreover, melatonin inhibits NO synthase (eg, NO regulates blood pressure, vasodilatation disabled) and activated Calmudolin (cellular calcium transport protein, the enzymes
18. Melatonin and the women's cycle
Melatonin affects the timing of Freisetung with the female hormones that control the menstrual cycle.
Melatonin supports the positive effects of sleep in women during menopause. Also used by postmenopausal women, melatonin to regulate sleep should do so only briefly, since long-term effects are not yet known.
Melatonin and specific eating disorders
19. Melatonin mirror
The melatonin levels may in anorexia (anorexia nervosa) play a role. Abnormally low melatonin values in people with anorexia can cause depression.
20. Melatonin and cancer
Different studies have found that people there with certain cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer. Lung cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer species, a low melatonin mirror. The administration of oral melatonin (10 to 50 mg daily) improves the effectiveness of other therapies.
21. Melatonin and cholesterol
Some studies report on the cholesterol and LDL-lowering effect of melatonin.
Melatonin is a sleep hormone that regulates the so-called "internal clock" of man. It is involved in the aging process of the body. So far there is no scientific evidence that shows that melatonin as a drug can stop the biological aging process.
22. Melatonin and hair loss
The results of a pilot study of the Friedrich-Schiller University in Jena, the first evidence that melatonin may favorably influence the external application, the hair growth in humans. On what is this hormonal effect remains unclear. It is believed that melatonin stimulates the beginning of the anagen phase in the hair growth cycle.
Compared with placebo, the dummy external use of melatonin resulted in a significant increase in detectable in anagen hairs Hinterhauptsbereich androgenetical of women with hair loss. In women with diffuse hair loss pattern, however, the increased number of anagen hairs in the frontal area significantly under the influence of melatonin.
The ZirbeldrüsenHormon melatonin serves a number of vital functions for our body. His natural production is significantly reduced between the fortieth and fiftieth year of age. This begins the aging process with all its arresting decay processes. The exact onset and course of this process differs from person to person and is of different situations, such as inheritance and investments, general constitution, habits, etc., dependent.
23. Melatonin is an immune modulator
Melatonin - is an immune modulator that increases the survival of most cancer patients
Some cancer patients now taking melatonin, a neurohormone immunomodulatory activities, as part of a comprehensive, non-toxic cancer treatment. The cone-shaped pineal gland, a small but important gland in the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that influences play sexual maturation, but also appears an important role in cancer therapy.
Melatonin supplement again seems circadian rhythms, which diminish or disappear with age. If melatonin's circadian rhythm is abolished, the aging process is accelerated, shortened lifespan, and an increase in spontaneous tumors occurs (Maestroni 1999). It has been shown that in the defense system is compromised due to disrupted rhythms, tumors grow two to three times faster (Filipski et al. 2002).
Melatonin protects and restore normal blood cell production due to the toxicity of conventional treatments, a profile shared with the FDA-approved drugs Neupogen, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and Leukine, a granulocyte-macrophage colony - stimulating factor (GM-CSF). A combination of melatonin and low dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) neutralizing therapy-induced lymphopenia, a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation of cancer patients (Lissoni et al. 1993).
The researchers found the best way to supplement the anticancer activity of low dose IL-2 is not co-management with other cytokines, but cosupplementing with immunomodulatory neurohormone melatonin (Lissoni et al. 1994a). This is optimistic news for a subset of cancer patients, because melatonin has been shown to cause tumor regression in neoplasms nonresponsive to IL-2 (Maestroni 1999).
The Department of Radiation Oncology of the San Gerardo Hospital (Milan) developed the following protocol for 80 patients with advanced metastatic tumors (Lissoni et al. 1994a). The patients were randomized to receive 3 million IU IL-2, 6 days a week for 4 weeks or IL-2 mg plus 40 per day for melatonin. A complete response was achieved in 3 of 41 patients treated with IL-2 plus melatonin and in none of the patients, only IL-2. A partial response in 8 of 41 patients treated with IL-2 plus melatonin and in 1 of 39 patients treated with IL-2. Tumor regression rate was significantly higher in patients with IL-2 and melatonin compared to persons who, under IL-2 (11/41 vs 1 / 39).
The survival at 1 years was higher in patients with IL-2 and melatonin than in the IL-2 group (19/41 versus 6 / 39). Lymphocytic populations were significantly higher when accompanied by melatonin treatment and thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of circulating platelets) occurred less frequently.
24. Melatonin for patients with cancer
For patients with cancer Bloodborne a IL-2/Melatonin combination is also promising. Twelve patients (nonresponsive to standard therapies) evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of low dose IL-2 plus melatonin in advanced malignancies of the blood, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, acute myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, chronic and myelomonocytic leukemia. IL-2 was 6 days per week for 4 weeks, mg) combined with oral melatonin (20 per day. Cancer has been stabilized and no progress in 8 of 12 (67%) participants for an average duration of 21 months. Another advantage of the accrued interest as Melatonin/IL-2 therapy was well tolerated (Lissoni et al. 2000).
Nonresectable brain metastases remain an untreatable disease. Due to the cytostatic action of melatonin's ability (to suppress the growth of cells) and its anticonvulsant activity, the pineal hormone might be effective in the treatment of brain metastases. In a study to test the theory, 50 patients with inoperable brain metastases received supportive care or supportive care plus 20 mg of melatonin nightly. Was freedom of brain tumor progression and survival rates at 1 year were higher in patients treated with melatonin compared to those who received only supportive care (Lissoni et al. 1994b, 1996). Even when melatonin was not in a position to the progression of advanced, metastatic disease, it improves the performance status of patients (see Table 2).
Low melatonin levels play an important role in the escalation of breast cancer. Because melatonin levels decrease, the secretion of estrogen increases. The night temperatures, production of melatonin inhibits the body's secretion of estrogen and reduces the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Conversely, exposure to light at night reduced melatonin production and increases cumulative lifetime estrogen levels, a sequence which may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Show, in fact, two recent studies show that women can work night shifts increased their risk of breast cancer up to 60%. Blind women have a significantly lower risk (36% less) of breast cancer than normal sighted women because of consistently higher melatonin (Kliukiene et al. 2001). Women are just as visually impaired people realize, no protective effects in relation to breast cancer.
25. Melatonin Research
The University of Arizona has found that melatonin reduced the growth of östrogensensiven human breast cancer cells up to 78%.
Melatonin can help to favorably influence this process. The scientist, Dr. Walter Pierpaoli and William Regelson, and many of their colleagues around the world are convinced, after long years of intensive research on the accuracy of their relevant findings and conclusions. If any of their attempts to have any negative side effects after administration of melatonin could be detected. A simple amino acid Melatonin is not toxic and even doses of 1000 milligrams per day are easily tolerated by subjects.
In the above, we have attempted to summarize the most important insights and experiences of the two scientists, Dr. Walter Pierpaoli and Dr. William Regelson, concise and understandable. We have here, as mentioned above, as closely as possible to the presentation by the authors in their book "Melatonin - the key to eternal youth, health and fitness" (the title of the American Originals "The Melatonin Miracle", Simon & Schuster, New York, 1995) held, but without claiming to want to have addressed all of its exhaustive detail and too easy for the layman to understand the aspects described on pineal gland and melatonin. This would not be our task and we would in any case your own reading of this book take the tension.
One was at this point, however, still clearly said it is never too late! Even if you have exceeded the 45 some time ago, can be obtained by the regular daily intake of melatonin to normalize Zirbeldrüsenfunktion and bring the natural, endogenous melatonin production to a level which corresponds to a much younger body. The logical explanation for the mechanism of this "rejuvenation" is apparent from the described aging processes:
With decreasing melatonin mirrors a growing shortage of energy produced at the cellular level;
This lack of energy also affects the pineal gland directly and promotes their calcification;
the shrinking and calcified pineal gland, further reduced its production of melatonin. . .
.
If the body is now supplied from the outside that melatonin amount which he would need to secure energy supplies at the cellular level again, he will do so. Melatonin is readily absorbed in the digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract is found in the young body to increased melatonin concentration) and enters the bloodstream into body cells, and in the endocrine glands and also in the pineal gland itself, where it again fulfilled its original mission: namely, securing energy supplies. The production of harmful pyrophosphate is eliminated and replaced by high-energy ATP. The resulting energy allows the mitochondria to renew itself again and resume their original function again. Also, the pineal gland itself will have sufficient energy to perform their normal work and can increase their own production of melatonin
Of course, this process takes some time. But after a few months of melatonin einnahme They are in themselves significant and surprising changes can determine.
Melatonin is readily absorbed in the digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract is found in the young body to increased melatonin concentration) and enters the bloodstream into body cells, and in the endocrine glands and also in the pineal gland itself, where it again fulfilled its original mission: namely, securing energy supplies.
The production of harmful pyrophosphate is eliminated and replaced by high-energy ATP. The resulting energy allows the mitochondria to renew itself again and resume their original function again. Also, the pineal gland itself will have sufficient energy to perform their normal work and can increase their own production of melatonin.
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26. Melatonin Literature
l. Domingo M, Role of melatonin in health and disease. Clin Endocrinol 1995, 42:221-234.
2. O'Brien IAD, Lewin IG, O'Hare JP, et al. Abnormal circadian rhythm of melatonin in diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Clin Endocrinol 1986, 24:359-364.
3. Tetsuo M, Polinsky RJ, Markey S, Kopin IJ. Urinary 6-hydroxyMelatonin excretion in patients with orthostatic hypotension. Clin Endocrinol Metab 1981, 53:607-610.
4. Li Y, Jiang DH, Wang ML, et al. Rhythms of serum melatonin in patients with spinal lesions at the cervical thoracic or lumbar region. Clin Endocrinol 1989, 30:47-56.
5. Kneisley LW, Moskowitz MA, Lynch HJ. Cervical spinal cords lesions disrupt the rhythm in human melatonin excretion. J Neural Transmission 1978:13 (Suppl) :311-323.
6. Sack RL, Lewy AJ, Blood ML, et al. Circadian rhythm abnormalities in totally blind people: incidence and clinical significance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992; 75:127-134.
7. Folkard S, Arendt J, Aldhouse M, Kennett H. Melatonin stabilizes sleep onset time in a blind man without entrainment of cortisol or temperature rhythms.
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Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland of the brain. Melatonin is used to ease insomnia, combat jet lag. Melatonin-Natural.net Shop Melatonin, Buy Melatonin, Order Melatonin Online now.
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What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. It also appears to influence other hormones in the body. Melatonin
supplements have become popular as natural sleep aids.
The amount of melatonin we produce is determined by how dark or light our surroundings are. Our eyes have specialized
light-sensitive receptors that relay this message to a cluster of nerves in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or
SCN. The SCN sets our internal biological clock, also called our circadian rhythm, which regulates a variety of body
functions including sleep.
Melatonin is made from an amino acid called tryptophan. When our surroundings are dark, the SCN tells the pineal gland to
produce melatonin, which is thought to trigger sleep. Some melatonin is also made in the stomach and intestines.
Melatonin levels were originally thought to decline with age. Early reports said that a person's melatonin levels peaked at
age 20 and gradually decreased to 20% at age 80. This theory was used to explain why many older people have sleep
difficulties. Melatonin supplements became marketed as a "youth hormone," contributing to its rise in popularity. Recent
evidence, however, suggests that melatonin levels don't actually decline with age.
Melatonin Listeni also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals,
plants and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the
entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.
Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors, while others are due to its
role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant, with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
In mammals, melatonin is secreted into the blood by the pineal gland in the brain. Known as the "hormone of darkness" it is
secreted in darkness in both day-active (diurnal) and night-active (nocturnal) animals.
It may also be produced by a variety of peripheral cells such as bone marrow cells, lymphocytes and epithelial cells.
Usually, the melatonin concentration in these cells is much higher than that found in the blood but it does not seem to be
regulated by the photoperiod.
Melatonin-rich plant feed, such as rice, ingested by chicks has been shown to reach and bind to melatonin receptors in their
brains. No food has been found to elevate plasma melatonin levels in humans.
Melatonin and Medical uses:
Melatonin has been studied for the treatment of cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression, seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythm sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction. It may ameliorate circadian misalignment
and SAD. Basic research indicates that melatonin may play a significant role in modulating the effects of drugs of abuse
such as cocaine. Melatonin is also a geroprotector.
Melatonin and Circadian rhythm disorders:
Exogenous melatonin taken in the evening is, together with light therapy upon awakening, the standard treatment for delayed
sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome. It appears to have some use against other circadian rhythm
sleep disorders as well, such as jet lag and the problems of people who work rotating or night shifts. Melatonin reduces
sleep onset latency to a greater extent in people with DSPS than in people with insomnia.
Taken 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime, melatonin supplementation acts as a mild hypnotic. It causes melatonin levels in the
blood to rise earlier than the brain's own production accomplishes. This usage is now common in sleep and relaxation drinks.
A very small dose taken several hours before bedtime in accordance with the phase response curve for melatonin in humans
(PRC) doesn't cause sleepiness but, acting as a chronobiotic (affecting aspects of biological time structure), advances the
phase slightly and is additive to the effect of using light therapy upon awakening. Light therapy may advance the phase
about one to two-and-a-half hours and a small oral dose of melatonin, timed correctly some hours before bedtime, can add
about 30 minutes to the advance achieved with light therapy.
The World Health Organization in 2007 named late night shift work as a probable cancer-causing agent. Melatonin is an
anti-oxidant and suppressant of tumor development that is produced at night; when someone works in artificial light, they
generally have lower melatonin and may be more likely to develop cancer. Melatonin supplements may simulate the melatonin
production at different times that does not occur during regular sleeping hours for people who work night shifts.
Melatonin Learning, memory and Alzheimer's:
Melatonin receptors appear to be important in mechanisms of learning and memory in mice, and melatonin can alter
electrophysiological processes associated with memory, such as long-term potentiation (LTP). The first published evidence
that melatonin may be useful in Alzheimer's disease was the demonstration that this neurohormone prevents neuronal death
caused by exposure to the amyloid beta protein, a neurotoxic substance that accumulates in the brains of patients with the
disorder. Melatonin also inhibits the aggregation of the amyloid beta protein into neurotoxic microaggregates that, it
seems, underlie the neurotoxicity of this protein, causing death of neurons and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the
other neuropathological landmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Melatonin has been shown to prevent the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein in rats. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein
can also result in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Studies in rats suggest that melatonin may be effective for
treating Alzheimer's disease. These same neurofibrillary tangles can be found in the hypothalamus in patients with
Alzheimer's, adversely affecting their bodies' production of melatonin. Those Alzheimer's patients with this specific
affliction often show heightened afternoon agitation, called sundowning, which has been shown in many studies to be
effectively treated with melatonin supplements in the evening
Melatonin: Mood disorders:
Melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating one form of depression and seasonal affective disorder, and is being
considered for bipolar and other disorders in which circadian disturbances are involved.[38] It has been observed that
bipolar disorder might have, as a "trait marker" (something that is characteristic of being bipolar, that does not change
with state), supersensitivity to light, i.e., a greater decrease in melatonin secretion in response to light exposure at
night. This could be contrasted with drug-free recovered bipolar patients not showing light hypersensitivity.
Melatonin and Cancer:
A systematic review of unblinded clinical trials involving a total of 643 cancer patients using melatonin found a reduced
incidence of death. Another clinical trial is due to be completed in 2012. Melatonin levels at night are reduced to 50% by
exposure to a low-level incandescent bulb for only 39 minutes, and it has been suspected that women with the brightest
bedrooms have an increased risk for breast cancer. Reduced melatonin production has been proposed as a likely factor in the
significantly higher cancer rates in night workers.
Melatonin and Gallbladder stones:
Melatonin presence in the gallbladder has many protective properties, such as converting cholesterol to bile, preventing
oxidative stress, and increasing the mobility of gallstones from the gallbladder.[45] It also decreases the amount of
cholesterol produced in the gallbladder by regulating the cholesterol that passes through the intestinal wall. In guinea
pigs, melatonin administration restored normal function by reducing inflammation after induced Cholecystitis, whether
administered before or after onset of inflammation.[45] Concentration of melatonin in the bile is 2–3 times higher than the
otherwise very low daytime melatonin levels in the blood across many diurnal mammals, including humans.
Melatonin Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
In animal models, melatonin has been shown to ameliorate glutamate-induced neuronal death, it is presumed due to its
antioxidant effects. In a clinical safety study involving 31 ALS patients, high-dose rectal melatonin (300 mg/day for 2
years) was shown to be tolerated well.
Melatonin and Obesity:
Melatonin is involved in energy metabolism and body weight control in small animals. Many studies show that chronic
melatonin supplementation in drinking water reduces body weight and abdominal fat in experimental animals, especially in the
middle-aged rats. It is interesting to note that the weight loss effect of melatonin does not require the animals to eat
less and to be physically more active. A potential mechanism is that melatonin promotes the recruitment of brown adipose
tissue (BAT) as well as enhances its activity.[49] This effect would raise the basal metabolic rate by stimulating
thermogenesis, heat generation through uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Whether the results of animal
studies can be extrapolated to human obesity is a matter of future clinical trials, since substantially active BAT has been
identified in adult humans.
Melatonin Other:
Melatonin increases proliferation of cultured neural stem cells obtained from mice nervous tissue.
Melatonin was used to treat Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, a common neurological condition, which, when severe, adversely
affects sleep and causes excessive daytime fatigue, in a small trial conducted by Kunz D and Bes F. In this condition, the
sufferer is affected by mini arousals during sleep and limb movements that occur in a frequent rhythmic fashion. This often
involves leg kicking, but sometimes also involves arm movement. Those affected are often not aware of the condition, and
partners are often the first to notice the condition. 7 out of the 9 participants in the trial showed significant
improvement.
Melatonin In mammals:
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, which is outside of the blood-brain barrier, acts as an endocrine hormone since
it is released into the blood.[74] By contrast, melatonin produced by the retina and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract acts as
a paracrine hormone.
Melatonin can suppress libido by inhibiting secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
from the anterior pituitary gland, especially in mammals that have a breeding season when daylight hours are long. The
reproduction of long-day breeders is repressed by melatonin and the reproduction of short-day breeders is stimulated by
melatonin. During the night, melatonin regulates leptin, lowering the levels; see leptin.
Light/dark information reaches the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) via retinal photosensitive ganglion cells, intrinsically
photosensitive photoreceptor cells, distinct from those involved in image forming (that is, these light-sensitive cells are
a third type in the retina, in addition to rods and cones). These cells represent approximately 2% of the retinal ganglion
cells in humans and express the photopigment melanopsin.[75] The sensitivity of melanopsin is consistent with that of a
vitamin A-based photopigment, with a peak sensitivity at 484 nm (blue light). This photoperiod cue entrains the circadian
rhythm, and the resultant production of specific "dark"- and "light"-induced neural and endocrine signals that regulate
behavioral and physiological circadian rhythms. Melatonin is secreted in darkness in both day-active (diurnal) and
night-active
Melatonin and Circadian rhythm:
In humans, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, located in the center of the brain but outside the blood-brain
barrier. The melatonin signal forms part of the system that regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness
and lowering the body temperature, but it is the central nervous system (to be more specific, the SCN) that controls the
daily cycle in most components of the paracrine and endocrine systems rather than the melatonin signal (as was once
postulated).
Infants' melatonin levels become regular in about the third month after birth, with the highest levels measured between
midnight and 08:00 (8 AM).
In humans, 90% of melatonin is cleared in a single passage through the liver, a small amount is excreted in urine, and a
small amount is found in saliva.
Human melatonin production decreases as a person ages. It is believed that as children become teenagers, the nightly
schedule of melatonin release is delayed, leading to later sleeping and waking times.
Melatonin Light dependence:
Production of melatonin by the pineal gland is inhibited by light and permitted by darkness. For this reason melatonin has
been called "the hormone of darkness." Its onset each evening is called the Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO). Secretion of
melatonin as well as its level in the blood, peaks in the middle of the night, and gradually falls during the second half of
the night, with normal variations in timing according to an individual's chronotype.
Terman et al. devised a formulation that mimics that gradual washout (vs. the spikes in blood concentration and rapid
washout associated with most over-the-counter melatonin tablets). When used several hours before sleep, the compound shifts
the circadian clock earlier, thus promoting earlier sleep onset and morning awakening.
It is principally blue light, around 460 to 480nm, that suppresses melatonin, increasingly with increased light intensity
and length of exposure. Until recent history, humans in temperate climates were exposed to few hours of (blue) daylight in
the winter; their fires gave predominantly yellow light. Wearing glasses that block blue light in the hours before bedtime
may avoid melatonin loss. Kayumov et al. showed that light containing only wavelengths greater than 530 nm does not suppress
melatonin in bright-light conditions. Use of blue-blocking goggles the last hours before bedtime has also been advised for
people who need to adjust to an earlier bedtime, as melatonin promotes sleepiness.
Melatonin and Antioxidant:
Besides its function as synchronizer of the biological clock, melatonin also exerts a powerful antioxidant activity. The
discovery of melatonin as an antioxidant was made in 1993.[85] In many less complex life forms, this is its only known
function. Melatonin is an antioxidant that can easily cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.[87] Melatonin is a
direct scavenger of OH, O2-, and NO. Unlike other antioxidants, melatonin does not undergo redox cycling, the ability of a
molecule to undergo reduction and oxidation repeatedly. Redox cycling may allow other antioxidants (such as vitamin C) to
act as pro-oxidants, counterintuitively promoting free radical formation. Melatonin, on the other hand, once oxidized,
cannot be reduced to its former state because it forms several stable end-products upon reacting with free radicals.
Therefore, it has been referred to as a terminal (or suicidal) antioxidant.
Recent research indicates that the first metabolite of melatonin in the melatonin antioxidant pathway may be
N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (or AFMK) rather than the common, excreted 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate. AFMK
alone is detectable in unicellular organisms and metazoans. A single AFMK molecule can neutralize up to 10 ROS/RNS (reactive
oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species) since many of the products of the reaction/derivatives (including melatonin) are
themselves antioxidants. This capacity to absorb free radicals extends at least to the quaternary metabolites of melatonin,
a process referred to as "the free radical scavenging cascade." This is not true of other, conventional antioxidants.
In animal models, melatonin has been demonstrated to prevent the damage to DNA by some carcinogens, stopping the mechanism
by which they cause cancer.
It also has been found to be effective in protecting against brain injury caused by ROS release in experimental hypoxic
brain damage in newborn rats. Melatonin's antioxidant activity may reduce damage caused by some types of Parkinson's
disease, may play a role in preventing cardiac arrhythmia and may increase longevity; it has been shown to increase the
average life span of mice by 20% in some studies.
Melatonin and Immune system:
While it is known that melatonin interacts with the immune system,[95][96] the details of those interactions are unclear.
There have been few trials designed to judge the effectiveness of melatonin in disease treatment. Most existing data are
based on small, incomplete clinical trials. Any positive immunological effect is thought to result from melatonin acting on
high affinity receptors (MT1 and MT2) expressed in immunocompetent cells. In preclinical studies, melatonin may enhance
cytokine production,[97] and by doing this counteract acquired immunodeficiences. Some studies also suggest that melatonin
might be useful fighting infectious disease[9] including viral, such as HIV, and bacterial infections, and potentially in
the treatment of cancer.
Endogenous melatonin in human lymphocytes has been related to interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and to the expression of IL-2
receptor.[99] This suggests that melatonin is involved in the clonal expansion of antigen-stimulated human T lymphocytes.
When taken in conjunction with calcium, it is an immunostimulator[citation needed] and is used as an adjuvant in some
clinical protocols[citation needed]; conversely, the increased immune system activity may aggravate autoimmune disorders. In
rheumatoid arthritis patients, melatonin production has been found increased when compared to age-matched healthy controls.
Although it has not yet been clearly demonstrated whether melatonin increases non-specific immunity with resulting
contraindication in autoimmune diseases, an increase in the production of IL-2 and IL-1 was noted in cultured splenocytes.
Melatonin and Dreaming:
Some supplemental melatonin users report an increase in vivid dreaming. Extremely high doses of melatonin (50 mg)
dramatically increased REM sleep time and dream activity in both people with and without narcolepsy. Many psychoactive
drugs, such as cannabis and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), increase melatonin synthesis. It has been suggested that
nonpolar (lipid-soluble) indolic hallucinogenic drugs emulate melatonin activity in the awakened state and that both act on
the same areas of the brain.
Melatonin and Autism:
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have lower than normal levels of melatonin. A 2008 study found that
unaffected parents of individuals with ASD also have lower melatonin levels, and that the deficits were associated with low
activity of the ASMT gene, which encodes the last enzyme of melatonin synthesis.
Multiple small studies have demonstrated that 2 to 10 mg of melatonin may benefit children with ASD who have trouble falling
asleep and/or maintaining sleep. A small 2011 randomized crossover trial found that the administration of melatonin, when
compared to placebo, decreased sleep latency and increased total sleep time, but had no effect on the number of night time
awakenings. At this time, no guidelines exist for the use of melatonin in children with ASD.
Melatonin and Aging:
Research has supported the anti-aging properties of melatonin. Younger children hit their peak melatonin production at
night, and some researchers believe that the level of melatonin peaks earlier as we get older. This may explain why older
adults go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, and have more sleep problems than children do.
Some studies have shown that melatonin plays a crucial part in the aging process and that it may act as an anti-aging agent
when taken by older adults. It has been reported in one study that while elderly people have different gene expression
levels in 100 of 10,000 genes, administration of melatonin may reverse this change in gene expression thus making the genes
of elderly people similar to those of younger people.
One study conducted by researchers of the University of Granada’s Institute of Biotechnology found that consuming melatonin
may neutralize oxidative damage and delay the neurodegenerative process of aging. When small amounts of melatonin were
administered to lab mice, it reduced the oxidative damage caused by aging and delayed the inflammatory process, which in
turn increased the longevity of the mice. The researchers hope these results can also be applied to humans.
Melatonin production:
Along with melanocyte-stimulating hormone, melatonin controls the dispersion of melanin throughout melanocyte cells.[108]
Melatonin controls pigmentation changes by aggregation of melanin into the melanocytes within the skin, causing the skin to
change color. This is responsible for the change in skin color due to amount of sleep or the appearance of those who are
sleep deprived, since melatonin also controls the circadian cycle. This interaction is also responsible for the skin color
of elderly people, since melatonin production reduces with age.
Melatonin and Insomnia:
Studies suggest that melatonin supplements may help people with disrupted circadian rhythms (such as people with jet lag or
those who work the night shift) and those with low melatonin levels (such as some seniors and people with schizophrenia) to
sleep better. A review of clinical studies suggests that melatonin supplements may help prevent jet lag, particularly in
people who cross five or more time zones.
A few clinical studies suggest that when taken for short periods of time (days to weeks) melatonin is more effective than a
placebo in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime
alertness. It' s not clear how well melatonin works, however – some studies suggest that it only reduces the amount of time
to fall asleep by a few minutes.
A number of human studies have measured the effects of melatonin supplements on sleep in healthy people. A wide range of
doses has been used, often taken by mouth 30 - 60 minutes prior to sleep time. Results have been mixed. Some evidence
suggests that melatonin may work best for people over 55 who have insomnia. One study of 334 people aged 55 and older found
that sustained-release melatonin seemed to help people fall asleep faster, sleep better, be more alert in the morning, and
improve quality of life in people with primary insomnia.
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