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Deng L, Jiang H, Lin J, Xu D, Qi A, Guo Q, Li PP, Wang X, Liu JS, Fu X, Li P. Clock knockout in inhibitory neurons reduces predisposition to epilepsy and influences anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106457. [PMID: 38423191 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106457] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a brain disorder affecting up to 1 in 26 individuals. Despite its clinical importance, the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis are still far from clarified. Our previous study showed that disruption of Clock in excitatory neurons alters cortical circuits and leads to generation of focal epilepsy. In this study, a GAD-Cre;Clockflox/flox mouse line with conditional Clock gene knockout in inhibitory neurons was established. We observed that seizure latency was prolonged, the severity and mortality of pilocarpine-induced seizure were significantly reduced, and memory was improved in GAD-Cre;Clockflox/flox mice. We hypothesize that mice with CLOCK knockout in inhibitory neurons have increased threshold for seizure, opposite from mice with CLOCK knockout in excitatory neurons. Further investigation showed Clock knockout in inhibitory neurons upregulated the basal protein level of ARC, a synaptic plasticity-associated immediate-early gene product, likely through the BDNF-ERK pathway. Altered basal levels of ARC may play an important role in epileptogenesis after Clock deletion in inhibitory neurons. Although sEPSCs and intrinsic properties of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the somatosensory cortex exhibit no changes, the spine density increased in apical dendrite of pyramidal neurons in CLOCK knockout group. Our results suggest an underlying mechanism by which the circadian protein CLOCK in inhibitory neurons participates in neuronal activity and regulates the predisposition to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Deng
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Di Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ailin Qi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xinshi Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Shangcai Village, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Judy S Liu
- Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Xiaoqin Fu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Peijun Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Research, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Sun Y, Chen J, Shi X, Li Z, Wan L, Yan H, Chen Y, Wang J, Wang J, Zou L, Reiter R, Zhang B, Yang G. Safety and efficacy of melatonin supplementation as an add-on treatment for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12922. [PMID: 37909654 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of melatonin as an add-on treatment for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS). Participants aged 3 months to 2 years with a primary diagnosis of IESS were recruited and assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both treatment groups received a combination of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ) for 2 weeks, and the treatment group also received melatonin (3 mg) between 20:00 and 21:00 daily, 0.5-1 h before bedtime. The study's primary endpoint was the average reduction rate in spasm frequency assessed by seizure diaries. Secondary endpoints included assessment of the response rate, EEG hypsarrhythmia (Kramer score), and psychomotor development (Denver Developmental Screening Test, DDST). Sleep quality was assessed by using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ), the Infant Sleep Assessment Scale (ISAS), and actigraphy. Safety parameters were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted on intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2000036208). Out of 119 screened patients, 70 were randomized and 66 completed treatments. In the intention-to-treat population, there were no significant differences in the average percentage reduction of spasm frequency (median [interquartile range, IQR: Q3-Q1], 100% [46.7%] vs. 66.7% [55.3%], p = .288), the 3-day response rate (51.4% vs. 37.1%, p = .229), the 28-day response rate (42.9% vs. 28.6%, p = .212), EEG Kramer scores (2 [3.5] vs. 2 [3], p = .853), or DDST comprehensive months (5 [2.5] vs. 6 [6], p = .239) between the melatonin (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35) groups. However, caregivers reported improved sleep quality after melatonin treatment, with 85.7% reporting regular sleep compared to 42.9% with placebo (42.9%, p < .001). The melatonin group had lower ISAS scores in 4-11-month-old patients compared to the placebo (mean ± SD, 29.3 ± 4.4 vs. 35.2 ± 5.9, p < .001). Moreover, the median (IQR) value of sleep-onset latency was shortened by 6.0 (24.5) min after melatonin treatment, while that in the placebo group was extended by 3.0 (22.0) min (p = .030). The serum melatonin (6:00 h) level (pg/mL) of the children in the melatonin group after treatment was significantly higher than in the placebo group (median [IQR], 84.8 [142] vs. 17.5 [37.6], p < .001). No adverse effects related to melatonin were observed in the study, and there were no significant differences in adverse effects between the melatonin and placebo groups. Although not statistically significant, the results of this randomized clinical trial proved that melatonin supplementation, as an add-on treatment, can improve spasm control rate in the treatment of IESS. For IESS children treated with ACTH, the addition of melatonin was found to improve sleep quality, shorten sleep onset latency, and increase blood melatonin levels. Moreover, it was observed to be a safe treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Sun
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuyu Shi
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehao Chen
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zou
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Russel Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical & Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guang Yang
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang Y, Zhuo Z, Wang H. Epilepsy, gut microbiota, and circadian rhythm. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1157358. [PMID: 37273718 PMCID: PMC10232836 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1157358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, relevant studies have found changes in gut microbiota (GM) in patients with epilepsy. In addition, impaired sleep and circadian patterns are common symptoms of epilepsy. Moreover, the types of seizures have a circadian rhythm. Numerous reports have indicated that the GM and its metabolites have circadian rhythms. This review will describe changes in the GM in clinical and animal studies under epilepsy and circadian rhythm disorder, respectively. The aim is to determine the commonalities and specificities of alterations in GM and their impact on disease occurrence in the context of epilepsy and circadian disruption. Although clinical studies are influenced by many factors, the results suggest that there are some commonalities in the changes of GM. Finally, we discuss the links among epilepsy, gut microbiome, and circadian rhythms, as well as future research that needs to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Zhuo
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Childhood Epilepsy and Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Children's Neurological Disease Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huaili Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Childhood Epilepsy and Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Children's Neurological Disease Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Zhengzhou, China
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Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Non-Photic Zeitgebers and Circadian Clock Synchronizers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012162. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are well-known for their actions on immune/inflammatory and neurological pathways, functions that are also under circadian clock regulation. The daily photoperiod represents the primary circadian synchronizer (‘zeitgeber’), although diverse studies have pointed towards an influence of dietary FAs on the biological clock. A comprehensive literature review was conducted following predefined selection criteria with the aim of updating the evidence on the molecular mechanisms behind circadian rhythm regulation by ω-3 FAs. We collected preclinical and clinical studies, systematic reviews, and metanalyses focused on the effect of ω-3 FAs on circadian rhythms. Twenty animal (conducted on rodents and piglets) and human trials and one observational study providing evidence on the regulation of neurological, inflammatory/immune, metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular, and biochemical processes by ω-3 FAs via clock genes were discussed. The evidence suggests that ω-3 FAs may serve as non-photic zeitgebers and prove therapeutically beneficial for circadian disruption-related pathologies. Future work should focus on the role of clock genes as a target for the therapeutic use of ω-3 FAs in inflammatory and neurological disorders, as well as on the bidirectional association between the molecular clock and ω-3 FAs.
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Yang K, Qiu X, Cao L, Qiu S. The role of melatonin in the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:975181. [PMID: 36278157 PMCID: PMC9585202 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.975181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is an important endogenous hormone that modulates homeostasis in the microenvironment. Recent studies have indicated that serum melatonin levels are closely associated with the occurrence and development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Exogenous melatonin could also improve bone mass and increase skeletal strength. To determine the underlying mechanisms of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, we performed this review to analyze the role of melatonin in bone metabolism according to its physiological functions. Serum melatonin is related to bone mass, the measurement of which is a potential method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Melatonin has a direct effect on bone remodeling by promoting osteogenesis and suppressing osteoclastogenesis. Melatonin also regulates the biological rhythm of bone tissue, which benefits its osteogenic effect. Additionally, melatonin participates in the modulation of the bone microenvironment. Melatonin attenuates the damage induced by oxidative stress and inflammation on osteoblasts and prevents osteolysis from reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factors. As an alternative drug for osteoporosis, melatonin can improve the gut ecology, remodel microbiota composition, regulate substance absorption and maintain metabolic balance, all of which are beneficial to the health of bone structure. In conclusion, our review systematically demonstrates the effects of melatonin on bone metabolism. Based on the evidence in this review, melatonin will play a more important role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keda Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueshan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University and College of Basic Medical Sciences Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Cao, ; Shui Qiu,
| | - Shui Qiu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Cao, ; Shui Qiu,
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Hu S, Liu X, Wang Y, Zhang R, Wei S. Melatonin protects against body weight gain induced by sleep deprivation in mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:113975. [PMID: 36183851 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation is an epidemic phenomenon in modern society. Lack of sleep has been shown to result in metabolic and endocrine disorders that predispose to obesity and other chronic metabolic diseases. Melatonin is a sleep-related neurohormone and affected by the circadian rhythm and light/dark cycles. Melatonin has recently been used to ameliorate diet-induced or night light-induced energy metabolic imbalance. However, the effect of melatonin on sleep deprivation-induced obesity has been poorly characterized. This study focuses on the protective effects of melatonin on lipid metabolism and body weight homeostasis in sleep-deprived mice. Mice subjected to sleep deprivation had significantly decreased plasma melatonin content and increased food intake and body weight gain compared to that of control. Meanwhile, the transcription factor PPARγ protein in liver increased, but there were no significant changes in hepatic circadian proteins BMAL1 and REV-ERBα after 10 consecutive days of sleep deprivation. Moreover, melatonin supplementation increased liver AMPKα/PPARα signaling pathway activity, which leads to lipid catabolism and reduced fat accumulation. These findings suggested that melatonin may be a potential agent for protecting against sleep deprivation-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hu
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuefan Wang
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shougang Wei
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Sun Y, Feng W, Chen J, Liu M, Shi X, Wang J, Zou L, Xu T, Yang G. Melatonin supplementation for the treatment of infantile spasms: protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled triple-blind trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057970. [PMID: 35788069 PMCID: PMC9255389 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infantile spasms (IS) is a type of severe epileptic encephalopathy that occurs in infancy and early childhood. IS is characterised clinically by epileptic spasms, often accompanied by sleep disorder and abnormal circadian rhythm. The endogenous circadian rhythm disorder, in turn, can make spasms worse. Melatonin has also been found to have anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties by adjusting the circadian rhythm. However, there are lack of relevant studies on controlling IS by using melatonin. This study aims to analyse the therapeutic effect of melatonin supplementation for the treatment of IS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a triple-blinded (trial participant, outcome assessor and the data analyst), prospective, randomised controlled trial to be conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China from November 2020. Patients (n=70) aged 3 months to 2 years with IS will be recruited in this study after receiving written consent from their parents or guardians. Patients will be randomly divided into two equal groups and treated with a combination of adrenocorticotropic hormone, magnesium sulfate and either melatonin or placebo. Clinical data from the patients in the two groups before and after the treatment will be collected and compared. The primary outcome will be assessed 2 weeks later by seizure diaries and reported as the average reduced rate of spasms frequency. Secondary outcomes include the response rate (the rate of spasms-free), electroencephalogram hypsarrhythmia assessment and the psychomotor development assessment (Denver Developmental Screening Test). Sleep quality and safety will also be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol for this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital (reference number S2020-337-01) and was reported according to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement. Findings of this research will be disseminated through national and international meetings, conferences and peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000036208.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuyu Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Boutin JA. [Melatonin: A short clarification for the over-enthusiasts]. Med Sci (Paris) 2022; 38:89-95. [PMID: 35060893 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2021115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a naturally occurring molecule derived from tryptophan. Melatonin is a key player in relaying the circadian rhythm between our environment and our body. It has also a key role in rhythming the seasons (more production during long nights and less during short ones) as well as in the reproduction cycles of the mammals. Melatonin is often and surprisingly presented as a molecule with multiple therapeutic properties that can fix (or help to fix) many health issues, such as diseases (cancer, ageing, virus-induced affections including COVID-19, etc…) or toxicological situations (metals, venoms, chemical such as adriamycin [doxorubicin], methotrexate or paclitaxel). The mechanistics behind those wonders is still missing and this is puzzling. In the present commentary, the main well-established biological properties are presented and briefly discussed with the aim of delineating the borders between facts and wishful thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean A Boutin
- PHARMADEV, Pharmacochimie et biologie pour le développement, UUM 152, Faculté de pharmacie, Rue des Maraîchers, 31000 Toulouse, France
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Guo YM, Sun TC, Wang HP, Chen X. Research progress of melatonin (MT) in improving ovarian function: a review of the current status. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:17930-17947. [PMID: 34228638 PMCID: PMC8312436 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous hormone mainly synthesized by pineal cells, which has strong endogenous effects of eliminating free radicals and resisting oxidative damages. Melatonin (MT) can not only regulate the body’s seasonal and circadian rhythms; but also delay ovarian senescence, regulate ovarian biological rhythm, promote follicles formation, and improve oocyte quality and fertilization rate. This review aimd to provide evidence concerning the synthesis and distribution, ovarian function, and role of MT in development of follicles and oocytes. Moreover, the role of MT as antioxidative, participating in biological rhythm regulation, was also reviewed. Furthermore, the effects of MT on various ovarian related diseases were analyzed, particularly for the ovarian aging and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ming Guo
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tie Cheng Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hui Ping Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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