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Zhao T, Fang R, Ding J, Liu Y, Cheng M, Zhou F, Liu F, Li W, Li S, Jiang K, Shi X, Liu M, Xu B, Zou X, Zhu H, Zhou L. Melatonin ameliorates multiorgan injuries induced by severe acute pancreatitis in mice by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176646. [PMID: 38762157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a complicated inflammatory reaction that impacts the pancreas, often resulting in damage to numerous organs. This disorder encompasses a range of processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and pancreatitis. The hormone melatonin (MT) is primarily secreted by the pineal gland and plays a crucial role in mitigating inflammation, countering the harmful effects of free radicals, and regulating oxidative stress. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential protective impact and the underlying mechanism of melatonin in mice afflicted with SAP. The biochemical and histological assessments unequivocally demonstrated that melatonin effectively inhibited necrosis, infiltration, edema and cell death in pancreatic tissues, thereby suppressing acute pancreatitis. Notably, melatonin also alleviated the consequent harm to distant organs, notably the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, both preventive and therapeutic administration of melatonin prompted nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation followed by Nrf2 target gene expression. Nrf2 initiates the activation of antioxidant genes, thereby providing defense against oxidative stress. Conversely, Nrf2 reduction may contribute to impaired antioxidant protection in SAP. The beneficial impact of Nrf2 on antioxidants was absent in Nrf2-knockout mice, leading to the accumulation of LDH and exacerbation of cell death. This deterioration in both pancreatitis and injuries in distant organs intensified significantly. The results indicate that melatonin has an enhanced ability to protect against multiorgan damage caused by SAP, which is accomplished through the increase in Nrf2 expression. Additionally, Nrf2 initiates the activation of antioxidant genes that offer defense against cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Rui Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ming Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shupei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Kang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Mingdong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Hao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Ning C, Xiao W, Liang Z, Wu Y, Fan H, Wang S, Kong X, Wang Y, Wu A, Li Y, Yuan Z, Wu J, Yang C. Melatonin alleviates T-2 toxin-induced oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis in piglet spleen and thymus. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111653. [PMID: 38354511 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
T-2 toxin, an unavoidable contaminant in animal feeds, can induce oxidative stress and damage immune organs. Melatonin (MT), a natural and potent antioxidant, has shown promise as a detoxifier for various mycotoxins. However, the detoxifying effect of MT on T-2 toxin has not been previously reported. In order to investigate the protective effect of MT added to diets on the immune system of T-2 toxin-exposed piglets, twenty piglets weaned at 28d of age were randomly divided into control, T-2 toxin (1 mg/kg), MT (5 mg/kg), and T-2 toxin (1 mg/kg) + MT (5 mg/kg) groups(n = 5 per group). Our results demonstrated that MT mitigated T-2 toxin-induced histoarchitectural alterations in the spleen and thymus, such as hemorrhage, decreased white pulp size in the spleen, and medullary cell sparing in the thymus. Further research revealed that MT promoted the expression of Nrf2 and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD, while reducing the production of the lipid peroxidation product MDA. Moreover, MT inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, regulated the expression of downstream cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1. MT also suppressed the activation of caspase-3 while down-regulating the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 to reduce apoptosis. Additionally, MT ameliorated the T-2 toxin-induced disorders of immune cells and immune molecules in the blood. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MT may effectively protect the immune system of piglets against T-2 toxin-induced damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis in the spleen and thymus. Therefore, MT holds the potential as an antidote for T-2 toxin poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ning
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Wenguang Xiao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zengenni Liang
- Hunan Agricultural Product Processing Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Longping Branch Graduate School, Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China
| | - You Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yongkang Wang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Aoao Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Chenglin Yang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
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Zhang D, Li L, Li J, Wei Y, Tang J, Man X, Liu F. Colchicine improves severe acute pancreatitis-induced acute lung injury by suppressing inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Nitric Oxide Stimulates Acute Pancreatitis Pain via Activating the NF- κB Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the Kappa Opioid Receptor. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:9230958. [PMID: 32454946 PMCID: PMC7231422 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9230958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Pain is the most important clinical feature of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, its specific mechanism is currently unclear. In this study, we showed that AP caused an increase in nitric oxide (NO) secretion, activated the NF-κB pathway in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and caused pain. We established an AP model in vivo and tested the expression of NO, the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), and pain factors. We showed that NO in AP was significantly elevated and increased the expression of pain factors. Next, by treating DRGs in vitro, it was found that NO activated the NF-κB pathway; conversely, NF-κB had no effect on NO. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB promoted the KOR, whereas NF-κB did not change after KOR activation. Finally, behavioral experiments showed that a NO donor increased the pain behavior of mice, while a NO scavenger, NF-κB inhibitor, or KOR agonist attenuated the pain response in mice. These results suggest that iNOS/NO/NF-κB/KOR may be a key mechanism of pain in AP, providing a theoretical basis for the use of peripheral-restricted KOR agonists for pain treatment in AP.
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Melatonin Attenuates Acute Pancreatitis-Induced Liver Damage Through Akt-Dependent PPAR-γ Pathway. J Surg Res 2018; 236:311-318. [PMID: 30694771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite melatonin treatment diminishes inflammatory mediator production and improves organ injury after acute pancreatitis (AP), the mechanisms remain unknown. This study explores whether melatonin improves liver damage after AP through protein kinase B (Akt)-dependent peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-γ pathway. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to cerulein-induced AP. Animals were treated with vehicle, melatonin, and melatonin plus phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt inhibitor wortmannin 1 h following the onset of AP. Various indicators and targeted proteins were checked at 8 h in the sham and AP groups. RESULTS At 8 h after AP, serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels, histopathology score of hepatic injury, liver myeloperoxidase activity, and proinflammatory cytokine production were significantly increased and liver tissue adenosine triphosphate concentration was lower compared with shams. AP resulted in a marked decrease in liver Akt phosphorylation and PPAR-γ expression in comparison with the shams (relative density, 0.442 ± 0.037 versus. 1.098 ± 0.069 and 0.390 ± 0.041 versus ± 1.080 0.063, respectively). Melatonin normalized AP-induced reduction in liver tissue Akt activation (1.098 ± 0.054) and PPAR-γ expression (1.145 ± 0.083) as well as attenuated the increase in liver injury markers and proinflammatory mediator levels, which was abolished by coadministration of wortmannin. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings suggest that melatonin improves AP-induced liver damage in rats, at least in part, via Akt-dependent PPAR-γ pathway.
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Jaworek J, Leja-Szpak A, Nawrot-Porąbka K, Szklarczyk J, Kot M, Pierzchalski P, Góralska M, Ceranowicz P, Warzecha Z, Dembinski A, Bonior J. Effects of Melatonin and Its Analogues on Pancreatic Inflammation, Enzyme Secretion, and Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18051014. [PMID: 28481310 PMCID: PMC5454927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18051014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is an indoleamine produced from the amino acid l-tryptophan, whereas metabolites of melatonin are known as kynuramines. One of the best-known kynuramines is N1-acetyl-N1-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK). Melatonin has attracted scientific attention as a potent antioxidant and protector of tissue against oxidative stress. l-Tryptophan and kynuramines share common beneficial features with melatonin. Melatonin was originally discovered as a pineal product, has been detected in the gastrointestinal tract, and its receptors have been identified in the pancreas. The role of melatonin in the pancreatic gland is not explained, however several arguments support the opinion that melatonin is probably implicated in the physiology and pathophysiology of the pancreas. (1) Melatonin stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion through the activation of entero-pancreatic reflex and cholecystokinin (CCK) release. l-Tryptophan and AFMK are less effective than melatonin in the stimulation of pancreatic exocrine function; (2) Melatonin is a successful pancreatic protector, which prevents the pancreas from developing of acute pancreatitis and reduces pancreatic damage. This effect is related to its direct and indirect antioxidant action, to the strengthening of immune defense, and to the modulation of apoptosis. Like melatonin, its precursor and AFMK are able to mimic its protective effect, and it is commonly accepted that all these substances create an antioxidant cascade to intensify the pancreatic protection and acinar cells viability; (3) In pancreatic cancer cells, melatonin and AFMK activated a signal transduction pathway for apoptosis and stimulated heat shock proteins. The role of melatonin and AFMK in pancreatic tumorigenesis remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Jaworek
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Anna Leja-Szpak
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Nawrot-Porąbka
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Szklarczyk
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Michalina Kot
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Piotr Pierzchalski
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Marta Góralska
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Piotr Ceranowicz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Zygmunt Warzecha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Artur Dembinski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Bonior
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-126 Kraków, Poland.
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Kleszczyński K, Zillikens D, Fischer TW. Melatonin enhances mitochondrial ATP synthesis, reduces reactive oxygen species formation, and mediates translocation of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 resulting in activation of phase-2 antioxidant enzymes (γ-GCS, HO-1, NQO1) in ultraviolet radiation-treated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). J Pineal Res 2016; 61:187-97. [PMID: 27117941 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is an ubiquitous molecule with a variety of functions including potent antioxidative properties. Due to its lipophilic character, it easily crosses cellular and intracellular membranes and reaches all subcellular organelles. Because of its ability to scavenge free radicals, melatonin protects against oxidative stress, for example, induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here, we investigated, in a dose-dependent (0, 10, 25, and 50 mJ/cm(2) ) and time-dependent (0, 4, 24, 48 hr post-UVR) manner, whether melatonin prevents the UVR-mediated alterations in ATP synthesis and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Additionally, we evaluated the molecular mechanism of action of melatonin with regard to activation of phase-2 antioxidative enzymes via nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). We found that (i) melatonin counteracted UVR-induced alterations in the ATP synthesis and reduced free radical formation; (ii) melatonin induced the translocation of Nrf2 transcription factor from the cytosol into the nucleus resulting in, (iii) melatonin enhanced gene expression of phase-2 antioxidative enzymes including γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADPH: quinone dehydrogenase-1 (NQO1) representing an elevated antioxidative response of keratinocytes. These results suggest that melatonin not only directly scavenges ROS, but also significantly induces the activation of phase-2 antioxidative enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway uncovering a new action mechanism that supports the ability of keratinocytes to protect themselves from UVR-mediated oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tobias W Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Chen J, Qian C, Duan H, Cao S, Yu X, Li J, Gu C, Yan F, Wang L, Chen G. Melatonin attenuates neurogenic pulmonary edema via the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. J Pineal Res 2015; 59:469-77. [PMID: 26383078 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a serious non-neurological complication that can occur after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is associated with decreased survival and a poor neurological outcome. Melatonin is a strong antioxidant that has beneficial effects against SAH in rats, including reduced mortality and reduced neurological deficits. The molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical effects in the SAH model, however, have not been clearly identified. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of melatonin on SAH-induced NPE and the potential mechanism of these effects using the filament perforation model of SAH in male Sprague Dawley rats. Either melatonin (150 mg/kg) or a vehicle was given via an intraperitoneal injection 2 hr after an SAH induction. Lung samples were extracted 24 hr after SAH. The results show that the melatonin treatment attenuated SAH-induced NPE by preventing alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunctions via inhibiting the disruption of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin). Moreover, the treatment downregulated the levels of mature interleukin (IL) -1β, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 9 expression/activation, which were increased in the lung; also, melatonin treatment improved neurological deficits. Furthermore, the melatonin treatment markedly reduced caspase-3 activity and the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the lung. Taken together, these findings show that administration of melatonin attenuates NPE by preventing alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunctions via repressing the inflammatory response and by anti-apoptosis effects after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Shenglong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianru Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chi Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Tan DX, Zheng X, Kong J, Manchester LC, Hardeland R, Kim SJ, Xu X, Reiter RJ. Fundamental issues related to the origin of melatonin and melatonin isomers during evolution: relation to their biological functions. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15858-90. [PMID: 25207599 PMCID: PMC4200856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin and melatonin isomers exist and/or coexist in living organisms including yeasts, bacteria and plants. The levels of melatonin isomers are significantly higher than that of melatonin in some plants and in several fermented products such as in wine and bread. Currently, there are no reports documenting the presence of melatonin isomers in vertebrates. From an evolutionary point of view, it is unlikely that melatonin isomers do not exist in vertebrates. On the other hand, large quantities of the microbial flora exist in the gut of the vertebrates. These microorganisms frequently exchange materials with the host. Melatonin isomers, which are produced by these organisms inevitably enter the host's system. The origins of melatonin and its isomers can be traced back to photosynthetic bacteria and other primitive unicellular organisms. Since some of these bacteria are believed to be the precursors of mitochondria and chloroplasts these cellular organelles may be the primary sites of melatonin production in animals or in plants, respectively. Phylogenic analysis based on its rate-limiting synthetic enzyme, serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), indicates its multiple origins during evolution. Therefore, it is likely that melatonin and its isomer are also present in the domain of archaea, which perhaps require these molecules to protect them against hostile environments including extremely high or low temperature. Evidence indicates that the initial and primary function of melatonin and its isomers was to serve as the first-line of defence against oxidative stress and all other functions were acquired during evolution either by the process of adoption or by the extension of its antioxidative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Institute for Horticultural Plants, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jin Kong
- Institute for Horticultural Plants, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Lucien C Manchester
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Ruediger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany.
| | - Seok Joong Kim
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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