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Ghorbandaiepour T, Sadroddiny E, Zahmatkesh M, Hassanzadeh G. Inhibition of hippocampal melatonin synthesis by siRNA induced learning and memory deficits in male rats. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105599. [PMID: 38964019 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105599] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, the multi-functional neurohormone, is synthesized in the extra-pineal tissues such as the hippocampus. The key enzyme in hippocampal melatonin synthesis is arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). The importance of melatonin synthesis in the hippocampus has not yet been determined. We investigated hippocampal AANAT role in cognitive function using gene silencing small interference RNA (siRNA) technology. The hippocampal local melatonin synthesis was inhibited by AANAT-siRNA injection. The time-gene silencing profile of AANAT-siRNA was obtained by RT-PCR technique. The cytotoxicity of siRNA dose was determined by MTT assay on the B65 neural cells. Animals received the selected dosage of AANAT-siRNA. Then, the spatial working memory (Y maze), object recognition memory and spatial reference memory (Morris's water maze, MWM) were evaluated. The anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated by the elevated plus maze. After one week, following the probe test of MWM, the rats were sacrificed for histological analysis. The hippocampal melatonin levels were measured using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The hippocampal melatonin levels in the AANAT-siRNA group decreased. Animals receiving the AANAT-siRNA showed deficits in spatial learning and working memory which were verified by increased escape latency and reduced spontaneous alternations, respectively. There was an increase in anxiety-like behaviors as well as a deficit in recognition memory in the AANAT-siRNA group. The Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry of activated caspase-3 showed the neuronal loss and cell apoptosis in hippocampal tissue of the AANAT-siRNA group. The 18F-FDG-PET imaging displayed lower glucose metabolism following the reduction in AANAT mRNA. Data suggest that the AANAT mRNA and hippocampal melatonin synthesis might be an essential factor for learning, memory and some aspects of cognition, as well as homeostasis of hippocampal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Ghorbandaiepour
- Department of Neurosciences and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Sadroddiny
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahmatkesh
- Department of Neurosciences and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Hassanzadeh
- Department of Neurosciences and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bocheva G, Bakalov D, Iliev P, Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova R. The Vital Role of Melatonin and Its Metabolites in the Neuroprotection and Retardation of Brain Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5122. [PMID: 38791160 PMCID: PMC11121732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105122] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
While primarily produced in the pineal gland, melatonin's influence goes beyond its well-known role in regulating sleep, nighttime metabolism, and circadian rhythms, in the field of chronobiology. A plethora of new data demonstrates melatonin to be a very powerful molecule, being a potent ROS/RNS scavenger with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and oncostatic properties. Melatonin and its metabolites exert multiple beneficial effects in cutaneous and systemic aging. This review is focused on the neuroprotective role of melatonin during aging. Melatonin has an anti-aging capacity, retarding the rate of healthy brain aging and the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. Melatonin, as well as its metabolites, N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AMK), can reduce oxidative brain damage by shielding mitochondria from dysfunction during the aging process. Melatonin could also be implicated in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, by modifying their characteristic low-grade neuroinflammation. It can either prevent the initiation of inflammatory responses or attenuate the ongoing inflammation. Drawing on the current knowledge, this review discusses the potential benefits of melatonin supplementation in preventing and managing cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeta Bocheva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Bakalov
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Iliev
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Zheng J, Zhou Y, Zhang D, Ma K, Gong Y, Luo X, Liu J, Cui S. Intestinal melatonin levels and gut microbiota homeostasis are independent of the pineal gland in pigs. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1352586. [PMID: 38596375 PMCID: PMC11003461 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1352586] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Melatonin (MEL) is a crucial neuroendocrine hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland. Pinealectomy (PINX) has been performed on an endogenous MEL deficiency model to investigate the functions of pineal MEL and its relationship with various diseases. However, the effect of PINX on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) MEL levels and gut microbiome in pigs has not been previously reported. Methods By using a newly established pig PINX model, we detected the levels of MEL in the GIT by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, we examined the effects of PINX on the expression of MEL synthesis enzymes, intestinal histomorphology, and the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the colonic microbiome. Results PINX reduced serum MEL levels but did not affect GIT MEL levels. Conversely, MEL supplementation increased MEL levels in the GIT and intestinal contents. Neither PINX nor MEL supplementation had any effect on weight gain, organ coefficient, serum biochemical indexes, or MEL synthetase arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) expression in the duodenum, ileum, and colon. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the intestinal morphology or intestinal mucosal barrier function due to the treatments. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PINX had no significant impact on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Nevertheless, MEL supplementation decreased the abundance of Fibrobacterota and increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, and Chloroflexi. Conclusion We demonstrated that synthesis of MEL in the GIT is independent of the pineal gland. PINX had no influence on intestinal MEL level and microbiota composition in pigs, while exogenous MEL alters the structure of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yewen Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kezhe Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuneng Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Tchekalarova J, Ivanova P, Krushovlieva D, Kortenska L, Angelova VT. Protective Effect of the Novel Melatonin Analogue Containing Donepezil Fragment on Memory Impairment via MT/ERK/CREB Signaling in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Pinealectomy and Subsequent Aβ 1-42 Infusion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1867. [PMID: 38339146 PMCID: PMC10855364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A reduction in melatonin function contributes to the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and understanding the molecular processes of melatonin-related signaling is critical for intervention in AD progression. Recently, we synthesized a series of melatonin analogues with donepezil fragments and tested them in silico and in vitro. In this study, one of the most potent compounds, 3c, was evaluated in a rat model of pinealectomy (pin) followed by icvAβ1-42 infusion. Melatonin was used as the reference drug. Treatment with melatonin and 3c (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) had a beneficial effect on memory decline and the concomitant increase in hippocampal Aβ1-42 and pTAU in the pin+icvAβ1-42 rats. Melatonin supplementation facilitated non-amyloidogenic signaling via non-receptor (histone deacetylase sirtuin 1, SIRT1) and receptor-related signaling (MT/ERK/CREB). The hybrid 3c analogue up-regulated the MT1A and MT2B receptors, pERK and pCREB. Our results strongly support the hypothesis that melatonin-related analogues may become a promising drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Tchekalarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.I.); (D.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Petya Ivanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.I.); (D.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Desislava Krushovlieva
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.I.); (D.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Lidia Kortenska
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.I.); (D.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Violina T. Angelova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Georgieva I, Tchekalarova J, Iliev D, Tzoneva R. Endothelial Senescence and Its Impact on Angiogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11344. [PMID: 37511104 PMCID: PMC10379128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells are constantly exposed to environmental stress factors that, above a certain threshold, trigger cellular senescence and apoptosis. The altered vascular function affects new vessel formation and endothelial fitness, contributing to the progression of age-related diseases. This narrative review highlights the complex interplay between senescence, oxidative stress, extracellular vesicles, and the extracellular matrix and emphasizes the crucial role of angiogenesis in aging and Alzheimer's disease. The interaction between the vascular and nervous systems is essential for the development of a healthy brain, especially since neurons are exceptionally dependent on nutrients carried by the blood. Therefore, anomalies in the delicate balance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors and the consequences of disrupted angiogenesis, such as misalignment, vascular leakage and disturbed blood flow, are responsible for neurodegeneration. The implications of altered non-productive angiogenesis in Alzheimer's disease due to dysregulated Delta-Notch and VEGF signaling are further explored. Additionally, potential therapeutic strategies such as exercise and caloric restriction to modulate angiogenesis and vascular aging and to mitigate the associated debilitating symptoms are discussed. Moreover, both the roles of extracellular vesicles in stress-induced senescence and as an early detection marker for Alzheimer's disease are considered. The intricate relationship between endothelial senescence and angiogenesis provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis-related disorders and opens avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Georgieva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. George Bonchev, Str. Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jana Tchekalarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. George Bonchev, Str. Bl. 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Iliev
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. George Bonchev, Str. Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumiana Tzoneva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. George Bonchev, Str. Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Anastassova N, Stefanova D, Hristova-Avakumova N, Georgieva I, Kondeva-Burdina M, Rangelov M, Todorova N, Tzoneva R, Yancheva D. New Indole-3-Propionic Acid and 5-Methoxy-Indole Carboxylic Acid Derived Hydrazone Hybrids as Multifunctional Neuroprotectors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040977. [PMID: 37107353 PMCID: PMC10135567 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of the known neuroprotective properties of indole compounds and the promising potential of hydrazone derivatives, two series of aldehyde-heterocyclic hybrids combining those pharmacophores were synthesized as new multifunctional neuroprotectors. The obtained derivatives of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and 5-methoxy-indole carboxylic acid (5MICA) had good safety profiles: Hemolytic effects < 5% (200 μM) and IC50 > 150 µM were found in the majority of the SH-SY5Y and bEnd3 cell lines. The 2,3-dihydroxy, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy, and syringaldehyde derivatives of 5MICA exhibited the strongest neuroprotection against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in rat-brain synaptosomes. All the compounds suppressed the iron-induced lipid peroxidation. The hydroxyl derivatives were also the most active in terms of deoxyribose-degradation inhibition, whereas the 3,4-dihydroxy derivatives were able to decrease the superoxide-anion generation. Both series of compounds showed an increased inhibition of hMAO-B, with greater expression detected in the 5MICA hybrids. The in vitro BBB model with the bEnd3 cell line showed that some compounds increased the permeability of the endothelial monolayer while maintaining the tight junctions. The combined results demonstrated that the derivatives of IPA and 5MICA showed strong neuroprotective, antioxidant, MAO-B inhibitory activity and could be considered as prospective multifunctional compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Anastassova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Building 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Stefanova
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Drug Toxicity, Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, 2 Dunav Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nadya Hristova-Avakumova
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, 2 Zdrave Str.,1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Irina Georgieva
- Laboratory of Transmembrane Signaling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Kondeva-Burdina
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Drug Toxicity, Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, 2 Dunav Str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miroslav Rangelov
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Building 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nadezhda Todorova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumiana Tzoneva
- Laboratory of Transmembrane Signaling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Yancheva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Building 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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A surgical modification in the technique of rat pinealectomy. Anat Sci Int 2023; 98:164-175. [PMID: 36029435 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several experimental intents require pineal gland removal. The main challenge of the pinealectomy surgical procedure is the hemorrhage due to the transverse sinus torn. The study aimed to modify the rat pinealectomy surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding and the mortality rate. METHODS Adult male rats experienced pinealectomy surgery. A mini-drill was used to remove a small skull area in the junction of the lambda and sagittal sutures. The pineal gland was removed using a curved-head hook. Animals experienced intensive post-surgical care. Locomotion, cerebellar motor function, working memory, and anxiety were evaluated 2 weeks after pinealectomy by the open field, rotarod, Y maze, and the elevated plus maze, respectively. RESULTS Surgical modification reduced the bleeding risk and animal mortality rate. No significant alteration was found in locomotion and working memory. However, the pinealectomy was anxiogenic and decreased entry to the open arm. The cerebellar motor performance did not change in the rotarod test. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining of removed tissue confirmed the histology of the pineal gland. CONCLUSION Advantages of this technique were removing a small skull area, modifying the hook insertion point to prevent damaging the brain veins, reducing the bleeding risk and the mortality rate. Surgery modification was associated with a decreased final number of animals used. Regardless of the melatonin shortage, pinealectomy affects different organs, which should be considered in the research study design.
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Oxidative Stress and Aging as Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease: The Role of the Antioxidant Melatonin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24033022. [PMID: 36769340 PMCID: PMC9917989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging and neurodegenerative diseases share common hallmarks, including mitochondrial dysfunction and protein aggregation. Moreover, one of the major issues of the demographic crisis today is related to the progressive rise in costs for care and maintenance of the standard living condition of aged patients with neurodegenerative diseases. There is a divergence in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Still, a disturbed endogenous pro-oxidants/antioxidants balance is considered the crucial detrimental factor that makes the brain vulnerable to aging and progressive neurodegeneration. The present review focuses on the complex relationships between oxidative stress, autophagy, and the two of the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Most of the available data support the hypothesis that a disturbed antioxidant defense system is a prerequisite for developing pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of ADs and PD. Furthermore, the release of the endogenous hormone melatonin from the pineal gland progressively diminishes with aging, and people's susceptibility to these diseases increases with age. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms involved in deleterious conditions predisposing to neurodegeneration in aging, including the diminished role of melatonin, is important for elaborating precise treatment strategies for the pathogenesis of AD and PD.
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