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[Melatonin: what for?]
1Service de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, 91 boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris.
Bulletin De L'Academie Nationale De Medecine
|January 26, 2006
Summary
Melatonin, a hormone primarily secreted at night, acts as a light signal transducer. Research explores its resynchronizing and antioxidant properties, with potential links to reduced breast cancer risk in night workers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Chronobiology
Context:
- Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxy-tryptamine) is a hormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland, with its production regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (the body's 'biologic clock').
- Melatonin synthesis is primarily controlled by N-acetyl-transferase (NAT) activity, which increases in darkness, leading to higher secretion at night.
- Light exposure influences melatonin secretion, either suppressing or shifting the circadian rhythm, with morning light advancing and evening light delaying the phase.
Purpose:
- To summarize the role of melatonin in regulating circadian rhythms and its potential therapeutic applications.
- To highlight melatonin's function as a light signal transducer, relaying information about day and night duration.
- To review current research on melatonin's properties as a resynchronizing agent for various circadian rhythm disruptions.
Summary:
- Melatonin secretion follows a circadian rhythm, influenced by light and regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
- Exogenous melatonin can synchronize circadian rhythms, and research is investigating its use in conditions like jet lag, shift work, and sleep disorders.
- Melatonin exhibits potent antioxidant and oncostatic (cancer-inhibiting) properties.
Impact:
- Melatonin's resynchronizing capabilities offer potential interventions for circadian rhythm disorders associated with aging, blindness, and shift work.
- Its antioxidant and oncostatic actions suggest broader health implications, including potential roles in cancer prevention.
- Epidemiological studies indicate a possible association between long-term night work and an elevated risk of breast cancer, warranting further investigation.