Melatonin — known problems and perspectives of clinical usage

Zakharov A.V.; Khivintseva E.V.; Pytin V.F.; Sergeeva M.S.; Antipov O.I.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20171174274-78

Zakharov A.V.

Kafedra nevrologii i neĭrokhirurgii Samarskogo gosudarstvennogo meditsinskogo universiteta;
Samarskaia oblastnaia klinicheskaia bol'nitsa im. Kalinina

Khivintseva E.V.

Kafedra nevrologii i neĭrokhirurgii Samarskogo gosudarstvennogo meditsinskogo universiteta;
Samarskaia oblastnaia klinicheskaia bol'nitsa im. Kalinina

Pytin V.F.

Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia

Sergeeva M.S.

Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia

Antipov O.I.

Povolzhskiĭ gosudarstvennyĭ universitet telekommunikatsiĭ i informatiki, Samara

Melatonin — known problems and perspectives of clinical usage

Authors:

Zakharov A.V., Khivintseva E.V., Pytin V.F., Sergeeva M.S., Antipov O.I.

More about the authors

Journal: S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry. 2017;117(4‑2): 74‑78

DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20171174274-78

Read: 14982 times

Download PDF (RU)

Contact the author

Table of contents

To cite this article:

Zakharov AV, Khivintseva EV, Pytin VF, Sergeeva MS, Antipov OI. Melatonin — known problems and perspectives of clinical usage. S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry. 2017;117(4‑2):74‑78. (In Russ.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20171174274-78

Подписка 2026 Журнал неврологии и психиатрии им. С.С. Корсакова. Спецвыпуски (S.S. Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry (special issues))

Использование инфографики авторами научных работ

Close metadata

Recommended articles:

Oral cavity cancer epidemiology in men and women in the Siberian Federal District. Russian Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2024;(11):46-53

Cost of supportive cancer care in the Russian Federation. Part 2. Medical Technologies. Assessment and Choice. 2024;(4):63-73

History creates man, and man creates history. On the 125th anniversary of the P.A. Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute. P.A. Herzen Journal of Oncology. 2024;(6):5-11

Use of a new tetrapeptide analgesic at the stages of antitumor therapy. P.A. Herzen Journal of Oncology. 2024;(6):23-32

Modern methods of correction of age-related changes in the female body. Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. 2025;(1):90-96

Primary outcomes after major anatomical liver resections in infants at the National Children’s Medical Center. Pirogov Russian Journal of Surgery. 2025;(4):86-94

Angiotensin model as a new approach to study of mesenchymal stem cell senescence. Russian Cardiology Bulletin. 2025;(2):20-26

Approaches to the digitization of clinical guidelines. Medical Technologies. Assessment and Choice. 2025;(2):39-47

Dynamics of the main indicators of medical care to the population of the Russian Federation for the period 1993—2023 in the “Oncology” profile. P.A. Herzen Journal of Oncology. 2025;(3):71-77

Associations between salivary melatonin and periodontal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Stomatology. 2025;(3):87-96

Abstract:

The article discusses well-known and ongoing studies of mechanisms of action of melatonin. The main clinical effects of melatonin are discussed. The emphasis on the chronobiological effect of melatonin, its adaptogenic and anti-carcinogenic properties has been done in the article. The most frequent manifestations of epiphyseal melatonin deficiency are various functional disorders in the form of insomnia, anxiety or depressive disorders. Recommendations on the effective use of melatonin in its deficiency due to pathology are given.

Keywords:

melaxen

melatonin

chronobiology

oncology

Authors:

Zakharov A.V.

Kafedra nevrologii i neĭrokhirurgii Samarskogo gosudarstvennogo meditsinskogo universiteta;
Samarskaia oblastnaia klinicheskaia bol'nitsa im. Kalinina

Khivintseva E.V.

Kafedra nevrologii i neĭrokhirurgii Samarskogo gosudarstvennogo meditsinskogo universiteta;
Samarskaia oblastnaia klinicheskaia bol'nitsa im. Kalinina

Pytin V.F.

Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia

Sergeeva M.S.

Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia

Antipov O.I.

Povolzhskiĭ gosudarstvennyĭ universitet telekommunikatsiĭ i informatiki, Samara

Close metadata

References:

Pandi-Perumal SR, Srinivasan V, Maestroni GJ, Cardinali P, Poeggeler B, Hardeland R. Melatonin—nature’s most versatile biological signal? FEBS Journal. 2006;273(13):2813-2838. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05322.x
Hardeland R. Melatonin, hormone of darkness and more—occurrence, control mechanisms, actions and bioactive metabolites. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 2008;65(13):2001-2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-008-8001-x
Hardeland R, Cardinali DP, Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Brown GM, Pandi-Perumal SR. Melatonin — apleiotropic, orchestrating regulator molecule. Progress in Neurobiology. 2011;93(3):350-384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.12.004
Carrillo-Vico A, Calvo JR, Abreu P, Lardone PJ, García-Maurino S, Reiter RJ, Guerrero JM. Evidence of melatonin synthesis by human lymphocytes and its physiological significance: possible role as intracrine, autocrine, and/or paracrine substance. The FASEB Journal. 2004;18(3):537-539. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.03-0694fje
Carrillo-Vico A, Guerrero JM, Lardone P J, Reiter RJ. A review of the multiple actions of melatonin on the immune system. Endocrine. 2005;27(2):189-200. https://doi.org/10.1385/endo:27:2:189
Huether G. The contribution of extrapineal sites of melatonin synthesis to circulating melatonin levels in higher vertebrates. Experientia. 1993;49(8):665-670. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01923948
Tan DX, Manchester LC, Hardeland R, Lopez-Burillo S, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Reiter RJ. Melatonin — a hormone, a tissue factor, an autocoid, a paracoid, and an antioxidant vitamin. Journal of Pineal Research. 2003;34(1):75-78. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-079x.2003.02111.x
Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Leon J, Czarnocki Z. Melatonin as an antioxidant: biochemical mechanisms and pathophysiological implications in humans. Acta Biochimica Polonica. 2003;50(4):1129-1146.
L´opez A, Garc´ıa JA, Escames G, Venegas C, Ortiz F, López LC, Acuna-Castroviejo D. Melatonin protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage reducing oxygen consumption, membrane potential, and superoxide anion production. Journal of Pineal Research. 2009;46(2):188-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079x.2008.00647.x
Marks IE. Cure and care of neurosis. NY.: J.V. Scott Med. Found. 2001;429.
Campos CI, Nogueira CH, Fernandes L. Aging, circadian rhythms and depressive disorders: A review. Am J Neurodegener Dis. 2013;2:228-246.
Katagiri E. Studies on the pineal gland; tumor proliferation and the pineal gland. Osaka Igakkai Zasshi. 1944;43:315-320.
Nakatani M, Ohara Y, Katagiri E, Nakano K. Studien uber die zirbellosen weiblichen weissen ratten. Nippon Byori Gakkai Kaishi. 1940;30:232-236.
Drexler J, Meaney TF, McCormack LJ. The calcified pineal body and carcinoma. Clevel Clin Q. 1957;24:242-247. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.24.4.242
Starr KW. Hormonal imbalance and the sarcomata. Aust NZJ Surg. 1969;39:142-150. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-2197.1969.tb05577
Smythe GA, Lazarus L. Growth hormone regulation by melatonin and serotonin. Nature. 1973;244:230-231. https://doi.org/10.1038/244230a0
Burns JK. Administration of melatonin to non-human primates and to women with breast carcinoma. J Physiol. 1973;229:38-39.
Tapp E, Blumfield M. The weight of the pineal gland in malignancy. Br J Cancer. 1970;24:67-70. https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1970.9
Di Bella L, Rossi MT, Scalera G. Perspectives in pineal functions. Prog Brain Res. 1979;52:475-478. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0079-6123(08)62954-4
Srinivasan V, Pandi-Perumal SR, Brzezinski A, Bhatnagar KP, Cardinali DP. Melatonin, immune function and cancer. Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2011;5:109-123. https://doi.org/10.2174/187221411799015408
Sanchez-Hidalgo M, Lee M, de la Lastra CA, Guerrero JM, Packham G. Melatonin inhibits cell proliferation and induces caspase activation and apoptosis in human malignant lymphoid cell lines. J Pineal Res. 2012;53:366-373. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079x.2012.01006.x
Zhou Q, Gui S, Wang Y. Melatonin Inhibits the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell lines involving JNK/MAPK pathway. PLoS One. 2014;9:101-132. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101132
Park SY, Jang WJ, Yi EY, Jang JY, Jung Y, Jeong JW, Kim YJ. Melatonin suppresses tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting HIF-1alpha stabilization under hypoxia. J Pineal Res. 2010;48:178-184. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079x.2009.00742.x
Mills E, Wu P, Seely D, Guyatt G. Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis. J Pineal Res. 2005;39:360-366. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079x.2005.00258.x
Seely D, Wu P, Fritz H, Kennedy DA, Tsui T, Seely AJ, Mills E. Melatonin as adjuvant cancer care with and without chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Integr. Cancer Ther. 2011;(21):21. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735411425484
Wang YM, Jin BZ, Ai F, Duan CH, Lu YZ, Dong TF, Fu Q. The efficacy and safety of melatonin in concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy for solid tumors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2012;(69):1213-1220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-012-1828-8
Sookprasert A, Johns NP, Phunmanee A, Pongthai P, Cheawchanwattana A, Johns J, Konsil J, Plaimee P, Porasuphatana S, Jitpimolmard S. Melatonin in Patients with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial. Anticancer Res. 2014;34(12):7327-7337.
Ben-David MA, Elkayam R, Gelernter I, Pfeffer RM. Melatonin for Prevention of Breast Radiation Dermatitis: A Phase II, Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Trial. Isr Med Assoc J. 2016;18(3-4):188-192.
Rodriguez C, Martín V, Herrera F, García-Santos G, Rodriguez-Blanco J, Casado-Zapico S, Sánchez-Sánchez AM, Suárez S, Puente-Moncada N, Anítua MJ, Antolín I. Mechanisms involved in the pro-apoptotic effect of melatonin in cancer cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2013;14:6597-6613. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms14046597
Arushanyan EB, Beyer EV. Hormone of the epiphysis medulla gland melatonin is a universal natural adaptogen. Successes of physiological sciences. 2012;43(3):82-100. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.14300/mnnc.2014.09054
Poluektov MG, Aristakesyan EA, Buzunov RV, Vataev SI, Golenkov AV, Golbin AC, Zavalko IM, Kovalzon VM, Kolesnikova LI, Korabelnikova EA, Levin OS, Litvin AYu, Lyashenko EA, Madaeva IM, Mikhailov VA, Mustafayev DM, Oganesyan GA, Palman AD, Pigarev IN, Pigareva ML, Protopopova NV, Putilov AA, Pchelina PV, Romanova IV, Safonova NYu, Sakhyanova NL, Svistushkin VM, Semenova NV, Strueva NV, Strygin KN, Tarasov BA, Fishkin DV, Chazova IE, Sholokhov LF. Somnology and sleep medicine. National memory management. M.: Medforum»; 2016. (In Russ.).
Arushanyan EB. Universal therapeutic possibilities of melatonin. Clinical medicine. 2013;91(2):4-8. (In Russ.).
Arushanyan EB. Melatonin and diabetes mellitus (review of current experimental data). Problems of endocrinology. 2012;58(3):35-40. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.14341/probl201258335-40
Konenkov VI, Klimontov VV, Michurina SV, Prudnikova MA, Ishchenko IYu. Melatonin in diabetes mellitus: from pathophysiology to treatment perspectives. Diabetes. 2013;59:11-16. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.14341/2072-0351-3751
Danilenko KV. Melatonin, lipid profile of blood and atherosclerosis: review of clinical studies. Atherosclerosis. 2012:8(1):36-42. (In Russ.).
Poluektov MG, Levin YaI, Boyko AN, Skoromets AA, Belskaya GN, Gustov AV, Doronin BM, Poverennova IE, Spirin NN, Yakupov EZ. Results of the Russian multicentre study of the efficacy and safety of melaxen (melatonin) for the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with chronic cerebral vascular insufficiency. Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry S.S. Korsakov. 2012;112(9):26-31. (In Russ.).
Fedorova NV, Nikitina AV, Gubanova EV. Rol’ melatonina v terapii pervichnykh narushenii sna u patsientov s bolezn’yu Parkinsona. Consilium Medicum. Nevrologiya/Revmatologiya. 2012;2:84-90.