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Contrasting Findings on Melatonin Concerning Inflammation and Glucose Tolerance - Consequences to the Development of Melatonergic Drugs

Rüdiger Hardeland*

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000103

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University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

*Corresponding author: RüdigerHardeland, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, Buergerstr. 50, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany

Received: April 28, 2017 Published: May 23, 2017

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Abstract

The pleiotropy of melatonin is a reason for using this hormone or synthetic melatonergic agonists for testing their suitability in various diseases and disorders. However, it is important to remain aware that many preclinical findings cannot be translated to humans, because of the different relationship between melatonin and sleep or activity in diurnally compared to nocturnally active mammals. Other uncertainties concern the dual role of melatonin as an either anti- or proinflammatory agent, depending on conditions. A particular problem has emerged by findings on prodiabetic actions of melatonin in humans, which strongly contrast with antidiabetic results obtained in rats. As these undesired actions are gradually receptor subtype-dependent, it may be worthwhile to test in the future agonists that are more strongly subtype-selective.

Keywords: Inflammaging; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Melatonin; Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction | Antiinflammatory Actions | Contrasting findings | Conclusion | References