Title:Melatonin and Regulation of Immune Function: Impact on Numerous Diseases
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Author(s): Stephen C. Bondy *Arezoo Campbell
Affiliation:
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA,United States
Keywords:
Melatonin, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, aging, neurodegeneration, immune regulation, clinical studies.
Abstract: Melatonin is well known as a neuroendocrine hormone that promotes sleep. However,
the many other attributes of melatonin are less apparent and not as widely appreciated. The purpose
of this review is to summarize the qualities of melatonin relating to immune function. The relevance
of melatonin in partially or wholly restoring optimal function, in a series of disorders related
to immune dysfunction, is addressed in this report. This includes the potential relief of both autoimmune
diseases and many other ailments involving abnormal immune responses, including the
overall diminished effectiveness of body defenses occurring with aging. Disease states affecting a
wide range of organ systems have been reported as benefitting from melatonin administration and
are discussed here. A separate section addresses the potential role of melatonin in the mitigation of
age-related neurological diseases, in view of the increasing importance of this area. The likely
mechanistic basis of the properties by which melatonin may confer protection by its acting on immune
function is also described.
