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Melatonin biosynthesis and regulation in reproduction
Jingjing Zhong1, Zhiyong Lu1, Zhi Zhou1
1Reproductive Medical Center, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Melatonin, a hormone regulating circadian rhythms, influences animal reproduction by affecting estrus and acting on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. Its antioxidant properties also enhance reproductive performance and may benefit assisted reproduction in humans.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Melatonin, a tryptophan derivative from the pineal gland, regulates circadian rhythms and impacts animal reproduction.
- Reproductive seasonality in animals is influenced by melatonin levels responding to photoperiod changes.
- Melatonin affects estrus in juvenile and mature animals, primarily via the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and MT1/MT2 receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biosynthesis, regulation, and secretion of melatonin.
- To elucidate the physiological functions of melatonin in reproduction.
- To examine the effects of melatonin on animal reproductive performance and assisted reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on melatonin's role in animal and human reproduction.
- Analysis of melatonin's interaction with the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and its receptors (MT1 and MT2).
- Evaluation of melatonin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on reproductive tissues and embryos.
Main Results:
- Melatonin influences reproductive performance by modulating estrus and acting through neuroendocrine pathways.
- Melatonin exhibits significant antioxidant properties, protecting reproductive cells and improving tissue function.
- Melatonin's role in improving mitochondrial function and oocyte maturation suggests potential benefits for human assisted reproduction.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a key regulator of animal reproductive cycles and performance.
- Melatonin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions contribute to its positive effects on reproduction.
- Further research into melatonin's role in human reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies is warranted.
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