Therapeutic insights and molecular mechanism linking melatonin signaling and membranous nephropathy (Review)

Endogenous melatonin is synthesized at night by specific enzymes and exerts various physiological effects through both melatonin receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. Moreover, exogenous melatonin has been demonstrated to have pleiotropic therapeutic effects on a range of pathological conditions, including renal diseases. The melatonin signaling pathway involves specific enzymes responsible for melatonin synthesis and cellular responses mediated by melatonin, which are evolutionarily conserved in both brain and peripheral tissues. Although the physiological functions of the melatonin-mediated signaling pathway are well-documented across multiple organ systems, its effects on the kidney are less recognized. The present review summarizes the expression levels of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes and melatonin receptors, as well as their roles in renal tissue under pathological conditions such as membranous nephropathy (MN). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of aryl-alkyl-amine N-acetyl-transferase, nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 and melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) in renal tubular epithelial cells. Overall, the present review provides new insights into the role of MTNR1A in the pathology, treatment and prevention of MN.