Research effects
Melatonin is an endogenous amine hormone primarily secreted by the pineal gland, exhibiting potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Its core mechanisms involve direct free radical scavenging, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and regulation of gene expression via MT1/MT2 membrane receptors and nuclear receptors. Recent findings demonstrate that melatonin is taken up by cells through PEPT1/2 peptide transporters and translocated into mitochondria, where it stabilizes membrane potential and inhibits permeability transition pore opening to optimize energy metabolism. In myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury models, melatonin self-assembling peptides (Mel-NMs) significantly improve cardiac function by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis, with superior efficacy over free melatonin. Melatonin also modulates the neuroendocrine axis by inhibiting pituitary POMC-derived peptide release and enhancing lymphocyte proliferation following trauma, while exerting protective effects against Aβ-induced cognitive impairment. Through these multifaceted mechanisms, melatonin demonstrates research value in cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation.
