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Melatonin: Implications for Ocular Disease and Therapeutic Potential
Luca Scuderi1, Sergio Davinelli2, Clemente Maria Iodice1
1Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|November 15, 2019
Summary
Melatonin, a neurohormone, shows therapeutic potential for eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. It protects ocular tissues by reducing inflammation and free radicals, appearing safe for potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melatonin is an indoleamine primarily secreted by the pineal gland, regulating circadian functions.
- This neurohormone is also synthesized in the eye, directly influencing ocular structures and physiological processes.
- Ocular diseases represent a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and therapeutic potential of melatonin in managing ocular diseases.
- To summarize evidence for melatonin's efficacy in conditions including uveitis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- To explore melatonin's protective mechanisms against age-related ocular disorders.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed.
- Studies published between January 1990 and September 2017 were included.
- The review incorporated experimental studies, clinical trials, and existing review articles.
Main Results:
- Melatonin demonstrates potential in counteracting various ocular dysfunctions.
- It may protect ocular tissues by reducing free radical production and pro-inflammatory mediators.
- Melatonin has shown a favorable safety profile, being well-tolerated even at high doses with no reported adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a promising candidate for treating age-related ocular diseases.
- It can be considered as a single agent or in combination with other pharmacological treatments.
- Further investigation is warranted, but melatonin presents an attractive therapeutic option for ophthalmology.
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