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Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
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Night shift hormone: How does melatonin affect depression?
Gita Kholghi1, Maliheh Eskandari2, Mohammad-Saleh Shokouhi Qare Saadlou3
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
Physiology & Behavior
|May 3, 2022
Summary
Melatonin, a hormone regulating circadian rhythms, shows therapeutic potential for depression by influencing mood, neurogenesis, and inflammation. Its analogue, agomelatine, synergistically interacts with serotonin receptors for antidepressant effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, regulates circadian rhythm and mood.
- Previous research indicates therapeutic benefits of melatonin and agomelatine for depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential mechanisms of melatonin in treating depression.
- To explore the role of circadian rhythm, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on melatonin and agomelatine in depression.
- Analysis of molecular and signaling pathways involved in melatonin's effects.
Main Results:
- Melatonin regulates circadian rhythm, offering therapeutic effects for depression.
- Antidepressant effects are mediated by promoting antioxidant systems, neurogenesis, and suppressing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis.
- Agomelatine's effects involve synergistic interactions with 5-HT2C and glutamatergic signaling.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin's modulation of circadian rhythm and its antioxidant/neurogenic properties contribute to antidepressant effects.
- Agomelatine's efficacy is linked to its interaction with serotonergic and glutamatergic systems.
- Melatonin exhibits a dual role in inflammation, suggesting potential for other psychiatric disorders.
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