Melatonin as a treatment for atherosclerosis: focus on programmed cell death, inflammation and oxidative stress

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury are significant clinical challenges.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation are key contributors to AS development and progression.
• Established risk factors exacerbate AS, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies for plaque inhibition and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting melatonin's (MLT) protective effects against AS and related cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying MLT's atheroprotective actions.
• To identify potential epigenetic and biogenetic targets for AS prevention and therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating melatonin's role in cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of MLT's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging activities.
• Examination of MLT's impact on pathogenic signaling pathways in AS.

Main Results:

• Melatonin (MLT) demonstrates significant protective effects against atherosclerosis.
• MLT exhibits direct free radical scavenging and indirect antioxidant properties.
• MLT possesses anti-inflammatory capabilities, influencing multiple pathogenic pathways in AS.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin (MLT) offers a promising therapeutic avenue for preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
• MLT's multifaceted actions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, contribute to its atheroprotective profile.
• Further research into MLT's epigenetic and biogenetic targets could yield novel strategies for managing atherosclerotic diseases.