Melatonin, an Antitumor Necrosis Factor Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key inflammation biomarker elevated in immune-related diseases.
• Current anti-TNF therapies face limitations including immunosuppression, infection risk, cancer development, and poor blood-brain barrier penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review human-based studies on melatonin's effect on TNF production.
• To evaluate melatonin as a potential alternative anti-TNF therapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed-indexed articles up to April 15, 2024.
• Inclusion of 45 studies: 23 in vitro (human cells) and 22 in vivo (humans).

Main Results:

• Most studies indicate melatonin exerts an immunosuppressive effect on TNF levels.
• Melatonin demonstrates antioxidant and immunomodulatory capacities.
• Melatonin possesses a favorable safety profile, low cost, and can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin's ability to reduce TNF, coupled with its safety and pharmacokinetic advantages, positions it as a promising anti-TNF therapeutic candidate.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to fully elucidate melatonin's potential in regulating TNF and its therapeutic applications.