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Melatonin and the skeleton.

A K Amstrup1, T Sikjaer, L Mosekilde

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology (MEA), THG Tage-Hansens Gade 2, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, anne_kristine_am@hotmail.com.

Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
|May 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melatonin may support bone health by promoting bone formation and reducing resorption. While animal studies show benefits, human trials are needed to confirm if melatonin supplements can preserve bone mass and improve bone strength in aging individuals.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Biology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Melatonin levels decrease with age, potentially increasing bone resorption and loss.
  • Melatonin exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting bone cells from oxidative stress.
  • Melatonin influences bone cell differentiation and the regulation of bone turnover markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of melatonin in bone metabolism.
  • To explore melatonin's potential anabolic and antiresorptive effects on bone.
  • To assess the impact of melatonin on bone health in various models.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and bone cells.
  • In vivo studies using ovariectomized and pinealectomized rodents.
  • Analysis of bone turnover markers, DXA, and μCT scans.
  • Review of human studies, including those on idiopathic scoliosis and nighttime workers.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin promotes osteoblast differentiation and reduces oxidative stress in vitro.
  • Melatonin administration improves bone parameters in rodent models.
  • Reduced bone mineral density is observed in pinealectomized animals.
  • Human studies suggest potential links between melatonin pathway dysfunction and bone issues, though one RCT found no effect on bone turnover markers.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin demonstrates potential beneficial effects on bone metabolism through anabolic and antiresorptive mechanisms.
  • Further human clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of melatonin supplementation for preserving bone mass and enhancing biomechanical competence.