[Melatonin in the treatment of atherosclerosis]

Atherosclerosis is currently concerned as a chronic inflammatory process, which is response to an endothelial damage. Therapy of atherosclerosis should influence on various mechanisms. Substances which can prevent and treat this disorder are still being investigated. Melatonin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which implies that it can be useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Melatonin neutralizes ROS (reactive oxygen species), increases antioxidative enzymes activities and glutathione levels, prevents electron leakage from mitochondrial respiratory chain, acts synergistically with vitamins C, E, and glutathione. Melatonin reduces levels of proinflammatory cytokines: IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma. In vivo studies and experiments on animals melatonin exerts beneficial effect on serum lipids, prevents LDL oxidation, decreases TBARS levels, increases total antioxidant capacity. However, some studies suggest that melatonin can exert atherogenic effects in animals. Clinical studies on patients who are in risk of atherosclerosis development are required.