Melatonin in Endometriosis: Mechanistic Understanding and Clinical Insight

• Published in: Nutrients Vol. 14; no. 19; p. 4087
• Main Authors: Li, Yiran, Hung, Sze-Wan, Zhang, Ruizhe, Man, Gene Chi-Wai, Zhang, Tao, Chung, Jacqueline Pui-Wah, Fang, Lanlan, Wang, Chi-Chiu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.10.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; anti-inflammatory; Apoptosis; Biological effects; Care and treatment; Cell growth; Cell receptors; Circadian rhythm; Clinical trials; Development and progression; Endocrine system; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Fertility; Health aspects; Immune response; Immune system; Immunology; In vitro fertilization; in vitro studies; Inflammation; inflammatory disease; Melatonin; Melatonin receptors; Menstruation; Metabolism; Ovaries; Oxidative stress; Pathogenesis; Pathological effects; Pathophysiology; Physiological aspects; Physiological effects; Pineal gland; Placenta; Reproductive disorders; Reproductive system; Review; Stroma; Uterus; China
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu14194087

Endometriosis is defined as the development of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Pathophysiology of this disease includes abnormal hormone profiles, cell survival, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, immunology, and inflammation. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone that is synthesized and released primarily at night from the mammalian pineal gland. Increasing evidence has revealed that melatonin can be synthesized and secreted from multiple extra-pineal tissues where it regulates immune response, inflammation, and angiogenesis locally. Melatonin receptors are expressed in the uterus, and the therapeutic effects of melatonin on endometriosis and other reproductive disorders have been reported. In this review, key information related to the metabolism of melatonin and its biological effects is summarized. Furthermore, the latest in vitro and in vivo findings are highlighted to evaluate the pleiotropic functions of melatonin, as well as to summarize its physiological and pathological effects and treatment potential in endometriosis. Moreover, the pharmacological and therapeutic benefits derived from the administration of exogenous melatonin on reproductive system-related disease are discussed to support the potential of melatonin supplements toward the development of endometriosis. More clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic effects and safety.