Melatonin: a potential intervention for hepatic steatosis
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MLT) is a neuroendocrine hormone, which is primarily synthesized by the pineal gland in vertebrates.
Melatonin is a remarkable molecule with diverse biological and physiological actions and is involved in the regulation of various important functions such as circadian rhythm, energy metabolism, the reproductive system, the cardiovascular system, and the neuropsychiatric system.
It also plays a role in disease by having anti-neoplastic(*) and anti-osteoarthritic effects among others.
Recently, research has focused on the roles of melatonin in oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and hepatic steatosis and its potential therapeutic roles.
NOTE: This publication cites (Ref. N.8): Di Bella G., Mascia F., Gualano L., Di Bella L. - Melatonin anticancer effect: review. Int J Mol Sci. 2013;14:2410–2430
(*): Quote: "Melatonin can exert both direct and indirect anti-neoplastic effects in factorial synergy with other differentiating, anti-proliferative, immunemodulating and trophic molecules that form part of the anticancer treatment formulated by Prof. Luigi Di Bella. The interaction between melatonin and the DBM (Di Bella Method, DBM: Somatostatin, Retinoids, ascorbic acid, Vitamin D3, prolactin inhibitors, chondroitin-sulfate) molecules counters the multiple processes that characterize the neoplastic process (induction, promotion, progression and/or dissemination, tumoral genetic mutation)".
See also About Melatonin.