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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

New insights into the function of melatonin and its role in metabolic disturbances

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Author(s):
Do Amaral, Fernanda Gaspar [1] ; Andrade-Silva, Jessica [2] ; Kuwabara, Wilson M. T. [2] ; Cipolla-Neto, Jose [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol & Biophys, Inst Biomed Sci, Ave Lineu Prestes, 1524, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: EXPERT REVIEW OF ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM; v. 14, n. 4, p. 293-300, 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Introduction: Melatonin is a pineal hormone that has acquired several unique modes of regulating the physiological effects in mammals due to its characteristic phylogenetic history. While melatonin exhibits immediate nocturnal effects, it also has next-day prospective effects that take place in the absence of this hormone. Besides that, the daily repetition and the annual variation in the duration of its synthesis determine its circadian and seasonal effects that characterize melatonin as a chronobiotic, a molecule that encodes time to the internal environment. Additionally, it presents transgenerational effects that are important for fetal programming, leading to a balanced energy metabolism in the adult life. Areas covered: Physiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic value of melatonin in metabolism and metabolic disorders. Expert opinion: The typical mechanisms of action of melatonin (immediate, prospective, chronobiotic and transgenerational) should be considered to adequately understand its physiological effects on the regulation of metabolism in humans and, as a result, to understand the metabolic pathophysiological consequences caused by its synthesis and/or signaling disturbances. That points to the importance of a broader understanding of melatonin actions, besides the classical endocrinological point of view, that would allow the clinician/research to proper interpret its role in health maintenance. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/50457-0 - Melatonin and the control of energy metabolism: basic, clinical and epidemiological research
Grantee:José Cipolla Neto
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants