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The role of melatonin in diabetes: therapeutic implications

Shweta Sharma1, Hemant Singh1, Nabeel Ahmad2

  • 1School of Biotechnology, Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin, the hormone of darkness, influences insulin secretion via its receptors. Melatonin supplementation may help restore glucose balance and improve insulin resistance, impacting type 2 diabetes treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, exhibits circadian rhythmicity.
  • Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) mediate its effects on cellular pathways.
  • Disruptions in circadian rhythms are linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of melatonin in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.
  • To explore the potential of melatonin in managing diabetes and insulin resistance.
  • To assess the impact of melatonin receptors on human pancreatic islets for type 2 diabetes pharmacotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo and in vitro studies examining melatonin's effects on pancreatic islets.
  • Analysis of melatonin's influence on cAMP, cGMP, and phospholipaseC/IP3 pathways.
  • Investigation of melatonin's role in insulin growth factor production and insulin receptor phosphorylation.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin differentially affects insulin secretion by modulating intracellular signaling pathways.
  • Melatonin action on receptors induces circadian insulin secretion patterns in pancreatic islets.
  • Reduced melatonin levels and altered melatonin-insulin relationships are observed in diabetic patients.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin plays a significant role in regulating insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.
  • Melatonin supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits for glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
  • The presence of melatonin receptors on pancreatic islets suggests potential for novel type 2 diabetes pharmacotherapies.

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