Ischemic stroke, obesity, and the anti-inflammatory role of melatonin

Obesity is a predominant risk factor in ischemic stroke and is commonly comorbid with it. Pathologies following these conditions are associated with systemic and local inflammation. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that the susceptibility for ischemic brain damage increases substantially in experimental models of ischemic stroke with concomitant obesity. Herein, we explore the proinflammatory events that occur during ischemic stroke and obesity, and we discuss the influence of obesity on the inflammatory response and cerebral damage outcomes in experimental models of brain ischemia. In addition, because melatonin is a neurohormone widely reported to exhibit protective effects in various diseases, this study also demonstrates the anti-inflammatory role and possible mechanistic actions of melatonin in both epidemic diseases. A summary of research findings suggests that melatonin administration has great potential to exert an anti-inflammatory role and provide protection against obesity and ischemic stroke conditions. However, the efficacy of this hormonal treatment on ischemic stroke with concomitant obesity, when more serious inflammation is generated, is still lacking.