Melatonin stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques: an association that should be clinically exploited.

Atherosclerosis is the underlying factor in the premature death of millions of humans annually. The cause of death is often a result of the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque followed by the discharge of the associated molecular debris into the vessel lumen which occludes the artery leading to ischemia of downstream tissue and to morbidity or mortality of the individual. This is most serious when it occurs in the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke).

Melatonin as a Chronobiotic and Cytoprotector in Non-communicable Diseases: More than an Antioxidant.

A circadian disruption, manifested by disturbed sleep and low-grade inflammation, is commonly seen in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Cardiovascular, respiratory and renal disorders, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases are among the most common NCDs prevalent in today's 24-h/7 days Society. The decline in plasma melatonin, which is a conserved phylogenetic molecule across all known aerobic creatures, is a constant feature in NCDs.

Psycho-Neuro-EndocrinE-Immunology Therapy of Cancer, Autoimmunity, Geriatric Disorders, Covid-19, and Hypertension.

Despite the great number of experimental investigations in the area of psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology showing that endocrine, nervous, and immune systems cannot be in vivo physiologically separated, the diagnosis and therapies of the pathologies of these three functional biological systems continue to be separately performed from a clinical practice point of view. The separation between experimental and clinical medicine became dramatic after the discovery of more than 10 human molecules provided by anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, completely devoid of any toxicity, which may be subdivided into three fundamental classes, consisting of the pineal indole, beta-carboline, and methoxy-kynuramine hormones. Moreover, human systemic diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular pathologies, despite their different pathogenesis and symptomatology, are commonly characterized by a progressive decline in the endogenous production of pineal hormones, endocannabinoids, and Ang 1-7, with a consequent inflammatory status and diminished natural resistance against cancer.

Melatonin as a chronobiotic/cytoprotective agent in bone. Doses involved.

Because the chronobiotic and cytoprotective molecule melatonin diminishes with age, its involvement in postmenopausal and senescence pathology has been considered since long. One relevant melatonin target site in aging individuals is bone where melatonin chronobiotic effects mediated by MT1 and MT2 receptors are demonstrable. Precursors of bone cells located in bone marrow are exposed to high quantities of melatonin and the possibility arises that melatonin acts a cytoprotective compound via an autacoid effect.

"Multivariate analysis of the impact of sleep and working hours on medical errors: a MICE approach".

Background: The main objective of this study was to describe the relationship between working conditions, sleep and psycho-affective variables and medical errors.

Methods: This was an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study in which 661 medical residents answered questionnaires about working conditions, sleep and psycho-affective variables. Actigraphic sleep parameters and peripheral temperature circadian rhythm were measured in a subgroup of 38 subjects.

Melatonin as a Chronobiotic/Cytoprotective Agent in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.

Dream-enactment behavior that emerges during episodes of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without muscle atonia is a parasomnia known as REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). RBD constitutes a prodromal marker of α-synucleinopathies and serves as one of the best biomarkers available to predict diseases such as Parkinson disease, multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. Most patients showing RBD will convert to an α-synucleinopathy about 10 years after diagnosis.

An Exploratory Study of Sleep-Wake Differences of Autonomic Activity in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Melatonin as a Modulating Factor.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to assess sleep-wake differences of autonomic activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to control subjects. As a post-hoc objective, we sought to evaluate the mediating effect of melatonin on this association.

Patients And Methods: A total of 22 MCI patients (13 under melatonin treatment) and 12 control subjects were included in this study.

Optimizing Molecular Minimal Residual Disease Analysis in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) evaluation has resulted in a fundamental instrument to guide patient management in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). From a methodological standpoint, MRD is defined as any approach aimed at detecting and possibly quantifying residual neoplastic cells beyond the sensitivity level of cytomorphology. The molecular methods to study MRD in ALL are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification-based approaches and are the most standardized techniques.

Glioblastoma stem cells express non-canonical proteins and exclusive mesenchymal-like or non-mesenchymal-like protein signatures.

Glioblastoma (GBM) cancer stem cells (GSCs) contribute to GBM's origin, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. However, the understanding of how mRNA expression patterns of GBM subtypes are reflected at global proteome level in GSCs is limited. To characterize protein expression in GSCs, we performed in-depth proteogenomic analysis of patient-derived GSCs by RNA-sequencing and mass-spectrometry.

Possible Application of Melatonin in Long COVID.

Clinical sequelae and symptoms for a considerable number of COVID-19 patients can linger for months beyond the acute stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection, "long COVID". Among the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, cognitive issues (especially memory loss or "brain fog"), chronic fatigue, myalgia, and muscular weakness resembling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are of importance. Melatonin may be particularly effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory agent.

Melatonin's Benefits and Risks as a Therapy for Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly: Current Insights.

Aging is accompanied by circadian changes, including disruptive alterations in the sleep/wake cycle, as well as the beginning of low-degree inflammation ("inflammaging"), a scenario that leads to several chronic illnesses, including cancer, and metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological dysfunctions. As a result, any effective approach to healthy aging must consider both the correction of circadian disturbance and the control of low-grade inflammation. One of the most important prerequisites for healthy aging is the preservation of robust circadian rhythmicity (particularly of the sleep/wake cycle).

Dysregulated light/dark cycle impairs sleep and delays the recovery of patients in intensive care units: A call for action for COVID-19 treatment.

Exposure to an adequate light-dark cycle is important for the speedy recovery of hospitalized and institutionalized patients. Light exposure, including natural light, offers several health benefits to both patients and nursing staff. This includes physical (e.

[Pre-pandemic melatonin treatment for sleep disorders and COVID-19 infection. A retrospective cross-sectional study].

Introduction: Melatonin is a safe medication with multiple uses in sleep medicine for the treatment of circadian rhythm disorders, insomnia, and REM sleep behavior disorder. In view that melatonin has been recommended as an adjuvant treatment in COVID-19 pandemic mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the history of COVID-19 infection and the requirement of hospitalization in a group of adult patients previously treated with melatonin for various sleep disorders.

Material And Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from a closed population of 110 adult patients at a University Hospital treated with melatonin for various sleep disorders, analyzed until the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.

Melatonin: highlighting its use as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Numerous pharmaceutical drugs have been repurposed for use as treatments for COVID-19 disease. These drugs have not consistently demonstrated high efficacy in preventing or treating this serious condition and all have side effects to differing degrees. We encourage the continued consideration of the use of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, melatonin, as a countermeasure to a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Timing is everything: Circadian rhythms and their role in the control of sleep.

Sleep and the circadian clock are intertwined and have persisted throughout history. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) orchestrates sleep by controlling circadian (Process C) and homeostatic (Process S) activities. As a "hand" on the endogenous circadian clock, melatonin is critical for sleep regulation.

Differential expression and interaction of melatonin and thyroid hormone receptors with estrogen receptor α improve ovarian functions in letrozole-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome.

Aims: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin and L-thyroxine (T4) on the expression of various receptors, and some metabolic, reproductive, and gonadotropic hormones in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats.

Material And Methods: Assessment of gravimetric, hormonal profile and thyroid histology and relative expression of melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2) and estrogen receptor α (Erα) in thyroid and ovary, and type II iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2) and thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα) in the ovary were performed using standard protocols.

Key Findings: A significant increase in thyroid follicles numbers was noted in the hyperthyroid rat.

Coadministration of Melatonin and Insulin Improves Diabetes-Induced Impairment of Rat Kidney Function.

Introduction: The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin and insulin coadministration in diabetes-induced renal injury in rats.

Research Design And Methods: Diabetes was achieved by giving streptozotocin (15 mg/kg) for 6 consecutive days. The diabetic condition was confirmed by assessing the blood glucose level; animals having blood glucose levels above 250 mg were considered as diabetic.

Melatonin as an Add-On Treatment of COVID-19 Infection: Current Status.

This brief review was written to provide a perspective on the flurry of reports suggesting that melatonin can be an important add-on therapy for COVID-19. Despite the passage of more than 60 years since its discovery and much evidence representing the contrary, there has been great reluctance to conceive melatonin as anything other than a hormone. Many other body chemicals are known to have multiple roles.