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Mubashshir M, Ahmad N, Negi T, Rawal R, Singhvi N, Khatoon H, Laxmi V, Dubey O, Sharma RB, Negi G, Ovais M. Therapeutic Benefits of Melatonin against COVID-19. Neuroimmunomodulation 2023; 30:196-205. [PMID: 37336193 PMCID: PMC10614475 DOI: 10.1159/000531550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The assumption of the pineal hormone melatonin as a therapeutic use for COVID-19-affected people seems promising. Its intake has shown significant improvement in the patients' conditions. Higher melatonin titers in children may provide a protective shield against this disease. The hormone melatonin works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulator, and strategically slows down the cytokine release which is observed in the COVID-19 disease, thereby improving the overall health of afflicted patients. The medical community is expected shortly to use remedial attributes like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antivirals, etc., of melatonin in the successful prevention and cure of COVID-19 morbidity. Thus, the administration of melatonin seems auspicious in the cure and prevention of this COVID-19 fatality. Moreover, melatonin does not seem to reduce the efficiency of approved vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Melatonin increases the production of inflammatory cytokines and Th1 and enhances both humoral and cell-mediated responses. Through the enhanced humoral immunity, melatonin exhibits antiviral activities by suppressing multiple inflammatory products such as IL-6, IL1β, and tumor necrosis factor α, which are immediately released during lung injury of severe COVID-19. Hence, the novel use of melatonin along with other antivirals as an early treatment option against COVID-19 infection is suggested. Here, we have chalked out the invasion mechanisms and appropriate implications of the latest findings concerned with melatonin against the virus SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, within the setting of a clinical intervention, the promising compounds must go through a series of studies before their recommendation. In the clinical field, this is done in a time-ordered sequence, in line with the phase label affixed to proper protocol of trials: phase I-phase II and the final phase III. Nevertheless, while medical recommendations can only be made on the basis of reassuring evidence, there are still three issues worth considering before implementation: representativeness, validity, and lastly generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mubashshir
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Nabeel Ahmad
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Tripti Negi
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Renu Rawal
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Nirjara Singhvi
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Hina Khatoon
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Vijya Laxmi
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Om Dubey
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Renu Bala Sharma
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Ganga Negi
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India
| | - Mohd Ovais
- Department of Bio-Science, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
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Okeke ES, Ogugofor MO, Nkwoemeka NE, Nweze EJ, Okoye CO. Phytomelatonin: a potential phytotherapeutic intervention on COVID-19-exposed individuals. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:104886. [PMID: 34534695 PMCID: PMC8440003 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2021.104886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Phytomelatonin is a pleiotropic molecule that originated in higher plants with many diverse actions and is primarily an antioxidant. The recent identification and advancement of phytomelatonin unraveled the potential of this modulatory molecule being considered a new plant hormone, suggesting its relevance in treating respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Besides, this molecule is also involved in multiple hormonal, physiological, and biological processes at different levels of cell organization and has been marked for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and prominent antioxidant effects, reducing mitochondrial electron leakage, up-regulating antioxidant enzymes, acting as a free radical scavenger, and interfering with pro-inflammatory signaling pathways as seen in mood swings, body temperature, sleep, cancer, cardiac rhythms, and immunological regulation modulators. However, due to its diversity, availability, affordability, convenience, and high safety profile, phytomelatonin has also been suggested as a natural adjuvant. This review discussed the origin, content in various plant species, processes of extraction, and detection and therapeutic potentials of phytomelatonin in treating COVID-19-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 212013, PR China; Organization of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martins Obinna Ogugofor
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Sciences, Coal City University, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ndidi Ethel Nkwoemeka
- Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ekene John Nweze
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Charles Obinwanne Okoye
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 212013, PR China; Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria; Biofuels Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China; Organization of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Castillo RL, Gonzaléz-Candia A, Candia AA. Pathophysiology of Acute Respiratory Failure by CoV-2 Infection: Role of Oxidative Stress, Endothelial Dysfunction and Obesity. Open Respir Med J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874306402115010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to CoV-2 (coronavirus type 2) virus possess a particular risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)-CoV2 in people with pre-existing conditions related to endothelial dysfunction and increased pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant state. In between these conditions, chronic systemic inflammation related to obese patients is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, comorbidities that adversely affect the clinical outcome in critical patients with COVID-19. Obesity affects up to 40% of the general population in the USA and more than 30% of the adult population in Chile. Until April 2021, 1,019,478 people have been infected, with 23,524 deaths. Given the coexistence of this worldwide obesity epidemic, COVID-19 negative outcomes are seriously enhanced in the current scenario. On the other hand, obesity is characterized by endothelial dysfunction observed in different vascular beds, an alteration which can be associated with impaired vasodilation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory events. Emerging evidence shows that obesity-related conditions such as endothelial dysfunction are associated with detrimental outcomes for COVID-19 evolution, especially if the patient derives to Intensive Care Units (ICU). This implies the need to understand the pathophysiology of the infection in the obese population, in order to propose therapeutic alternatives and public health policies, especially if the virus remains in the population. In this review, we summarize evidence about the pathogeny of Cov-2 infection in obese individuals and discuss how obesity-associated inflammatory and prooxidant status increase the severity of COVID-19.
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Gonzaléz-Candia A, Arias PV, Aguilar SA, Figueroa EG, Reyes RV, Ebensperger G, Llanos AJ, Herrera EA. Melatonin Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Right Ventricle of Newborn Sheep Gestated under Chronic Hypoxia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111658. [PMID: 34829529 PMCID: PMC8614843 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension of newborns (PAHN) constitutes a critical condition involving both severe cardiac remodeling and right ventricle dysfunction. One main cause of this condition is perinatal hypoxia and oxidative stress. Thus, it is a public health concern for populations living above 2500 m and in cases of intrauterine chronic hypoxia in lowlands. Still, pulmonary and cardiac impairments in PAHN lack effective treatments. Previously we have shown the beneficial effects of neonatal melatonin treatment on pulmonary circulation. However, the cardiac effects of this treatment are unknown. In this study, we assessed whether melatonin improves cardiac function and modulates right ventricle (RV) oxidative stress. Ten lambs were gestated, born, and raised at 3600 m. Lambs were divided in two groups. One received daily vehicle as control, and another received daily melatonin (1 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 21 days. Daily cardiovascular measurements were recorded and, at 29 days old, cardiac tissue was collected. Melatonin decreased pulmonary arterial pressure at the end of the experimental period. In addition, melatonin enhanced manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) expression, while increasing CAT activity in RV. This was associated with a decrease in superoxide anion generation at the mitochondria and NADPH oxidases in RV. Finally, these effects were associated with a marked decrease of oxidative stress markers in RV. These findings support the cardioprotective effects of an oral administration of melatonin in newborns that suffer from developmental chronic hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gonzaléz-Candia
- Laboratory of Vascular Function and Reactivity, Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (A.G.-C.); (P.V.A.); (S.A.A.); (E.G.F.)
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of O’Higgins, Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 611, Rancagua 2820000, Chile
| | - Pamela V. Arias
- Laboratory of Vascular Function and Reactivity, Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (A.G.-C.); (P.V.A.); (S.A.A.); (E.G.F.)
| | - Simón A. Aguilar
- Laboratory of Vascular Function and Reactivity, Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (A.G.-C.); (P.V.A.); (S.A.A.); (E.G.F.)
| | - Esteban G. Figueroa
- Laboratory of Vascular Function and Reactivity, Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (A.G.-C.); (P.V.A.); (S.A.A.); (E.G.F.)
| | - Roberto V. Reyes
- Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (R.V.R.); (G.E.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Germán Ebensperger
- Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (R.V.R.); (G.E.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Aníbal J. Llanos
- Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (R.V.R.); (G.E.); (A.J.L.)
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Baquedano s/n, Putre 1070000, Chile
| | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Laboratory of Vascular Function and Reactivity, Pathophysiology Program, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Av. Salvador 486, Santiago 7500922, Chile; (A.G.-C.); (P.V.A.); (S.A.A.); (E.G.F.)
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Baquedano s/n, Putre 1070000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-2977-0543
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Ramos E, López-Muñoz F, Gil-Martín E, Egea J, Álvarez-Merz I, Painuli S, Semwal P, Martins N, Hernández-Guijo JM, Romero A. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Key Emphasis on Melatonin Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1152. [PMID: 34356384 PMCID: PMC8301107 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections constitute a tectonic convulsion in the normophysiology of the hosts. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is not an exception, and therefore the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, like any other invading microbe, enacts a generalized immune response once the virus contacts the body. Melatonin is a systemic dealer that does not overlook any homeostasis disturbance, which consequently brings into play its cooperative triad, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulant backbone, to stop the infective cycle of SARS-CoV-2 or any other endogenous or exogenous threat. In COVID-19, the corporal propagation of SARS-CoV-2 involves an exacerbated oxidative activity and therefore the overproduction of great amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The endorsement of melatonin as a possible protective agent against the current pandemic is indirectly supported by its widely demonstrated beneficial role in preclinical and clinical studies of other respiratory diseases. In addition, focusing the therapeutic action on strengthening the host protection responses in critical phases of the infective cycle makes it likely that multi-tasking melatonin will provide multi-protection, maintaining its efficacy against the virus variants that are already emerging and will emerge as long as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate among us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Francisco López-Muñoz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Camilo José Cela, C/Castillo de Alarcón 49, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain;
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i + 12), Avda. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Portucalense Institute of Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Neurosciences (INPP), Portucalense University, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 541, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Thematic Network for Cooperative Health Research (RETICS), Addictive Disorders Network, Health Institute Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Gil-Martín
- Nutrition, Food & Plant Science Group NF1, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Javier Egea
- Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Molecular Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Plasticity Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.Á.-M.); (J.M.H.-G.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9100, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002, India; (S.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002, India; (S.P.); (P.S.)
- Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Natália Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute for Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.Á.-M.); (J.M.H.-G.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9100, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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Martorina WJ, Tavares A. Possible role of exogenous melatonin in preventing more serious COVID-19 infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2021; 67Suppl 1:18-21. [PMID: 34259775 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.67.suppl1.20200968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is more severe in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The severity of this viral infection is associated with an intense inflammatory activity. DM2 is a disease that also determines a greater degree of systemic inflammation. This is due to hyperglycemia, the higher prevalence of sleep disorders and also the low levels of melatonin, a substance with anti-inflammatory actions, in these patients. In this article, we suggest that exogenous melatonin may have an important anti-inflammatory role in preventing severe forms of COVID -19 in patients with DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner José Martorina
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Almir Tavares
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Cross KM, Landis DM, Sehgal L, Payne JD. Melatonin for the Early Treatment of COVID-19: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Possible Efficacy. Endocr Pract 2021; 27:850-855. [PMID: 34119679 PMCID: PMC8190272 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss the use of melatonin as an early treatment option on the first day of diagnosis for COVID-19. METHODS Medical Subject Headings terms "COVID-19" and "viral diseases" were manually searched on PubMed, and relevant articles were included. RESULTS The results showed that melatonin acts to reduce reactive oxygen species-mediated damage, cytokine-induced inflammation, and lymphopenia in viral diseases similar to COVID-19. CONCLUSION These conclusions provide evidence for potential benefits in melatonin use for COVID-19 treatment as early as the day of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Cross
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas.
| | - Dylan M Landis
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Laveena Sehgal
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - J Drew Payne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas
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Vlachou M, Siamidi A, Dedeloudi A, Konstantinidou SK, Papanastasiou IP. Pineal hormone melatonin as an adjuvant treatment for COVID‑19 (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:47. [PMID: 33576451 PMCID: PMC7891824 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial properties of the pineal hormone, melatonin, as a neuroprotective and cardioprotective agent, have been previously identified. Furthermore, melatonin plays essential roles in biological rhythms resynchronization, sleep initiation/maintenance and metabolic, ocular, rheumatological diseases. In addition to these functions, melatonin is known to exert immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Due to these properties, coupled with its non-toxic nature, melatonin has been suggested to limit viral infections; however, melatonin cannot be classified as a viricidal drug. In addition, the recent increase in the number of clinical trials on melatonin's role, as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19, has resurged the interest of the scientific community in this hormone. The present short review aimed to improve the understanding of the antiviral/anti-COVID-19 profile of melatonin and the clinical trials that have recently been conducted, with respect to its co-administration in treating individuals with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Vlachou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Siamidi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Dedeloudi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia K Konstantinidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Diabetes Center, Medical School, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Papanastasiou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
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Ortega-Peña M, González-Cuevas R. Familiar Dermatologic Drugs as Therapies for COVID-19. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2021; 112:118-126. [PMID: 33045209 PMCID: PMC7546972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers the world over are working to find the treatments needed to reduce the negative effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and improve the current prognosis of patients. Several drugs that are often used in dermatology are among the potentially useful treatments: ivermectin, antiandrogenic agents, melatonin, and the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. These and other agents, some of which have proven controversial, are being scrutinized by the scientific community. We briefly review the aforementioned dermatologic drugs and describe the most recent findings relevant to their use against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ortega-Peña
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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10
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Abstract
Researchers the world over are working to find the treatments needed to reduce the negative effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and improve the current prognosis of patients. Several drugs that are often used in dermatology are among the potentially useful treatments: ivermectin, antiandrogenic agents, melatonin, and the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. These and other agents, some of which have proven controversial, are being scrutinized by the scientific community. We briefly review the aforementioned dermatologic drugs and describe the most recent findings relevant to their use against COVID-19.
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ÖZTÜRK G, AKBULUT KG, GÜNEY Ş. Melatonin, aging, and COVID-19: Could melatonin be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment in the elderly? Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:1504-1512. [PMID: 32777902 PMCID: PMC7605095 DOI: 10.3906/sag-2005-356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize current studies on the relationship between melatonin and aging. Nowadays, age-related diseases come into prominence, and identifying age-related changes and developing proper therapeutic approaches are counted as some of the major issues regarding community health. Melatonin is the main hormone of the pineal gland. Melatonin is known to influence many biological processes in the body, including circadian rhythms, the immune system, and neuroendocrine and cardiovascular functions.Melatoninrhythms also reflect the biological process of aging. Aging is an extremely complex and multifactorial process. Melatonin levels decline considerably with aging and its decline is associated with several age-related diseases. Aging is closely associated with oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Free radical reactions initiated by the mitochondria constitute the inherent aging process. Melatonin plays a pivotal role in preventing age-related oxidative stress. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fatality rates increase with chronic diseases and age, where melatonin levels decrease. For this reason, melatonin supplementation in elderly could be beneficial in COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, studies on the usage of melatonin in COVID-19 treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güler ÖZTÜRK
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul Medeniyet University, İstanbulTurkey
| | | | - Şevin GÜNEY
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, AnkaraTurkey
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13
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Mitochondria at the Crossroads of Physiology and Pathology. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061971. [PMID: 32599695 PMCID: PMC7355906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in cell life and death by regulating bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. They are able to adapt rapidly to different microenvironmental stressors by accommodating the metabolic and biosynthetic needs of the cell. Mounting evidence places mitochondrial dysfunction at the core of several diseases, notably in the context of pathologies of the cardiovascular and central nervous system. In addition, mutations in some mitochondrial proteins are bona fide cancer drivers. Better understanding of the functions of these multifaceted organelles and their components may finetune our knowledge on the molecular bases of certain diseases and suggest new therapeutic avenues.
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