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Melatonin may decrease risk for and aid treatment of COVID-19 and other RNA viral infections
James J DiNicolantonio1, Mark McCarty2, Jorge Barroso-Aranda3
1Department of Preventive Cardiology, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA jjdinicol@gmail.com.
Open Heart
|March 20, 2021
Summary
Supplemental melatonin may reduce COVID-19 infection risk by enhancing the body's antiviral defenses. This suggests melatonin, vitamin D, and zinc could help prevent RNA virus infections like influenza.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- A retrospective study suggests melatonin use is associated with lower COVID-19 incidence.
- Melatonin's potential antiviral mechanism involves Sirt1 induction and enhanced type 1 interferon responses.
Discussion:
- Melatonin, via Sirt1, may boost antiviral immunity by upregulating mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein ubiquitination.
- Sirt1's role in preventing HMGB1 hyperacetylation could enhance interferon-inducible gene transcription.
- Melatonin may exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways.
Key Insights:
- Melatonin supplementation shows a potential link to reduced COVID-19 susceptibility.
- The proposed mechanism involves enhancing innate antiviral immunity through Sirt1 activation.
- Nuclear retention of HMGB1 is highlighted as a key factor in melatonin's antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to confirm melatonin's efficacy in preventing and treating RNA virus infections.
- A nutraceutical regimen including vitamin D, zinc, and melatonin warrants investigation for broad antiviral applications.
- Understanding these molecular pathways could lead to novel therapeutic strategies against viral pathogens.
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