The antioxidative property of melatonin against brain ischemia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This review briefly summarizes some of the large amount of data documenting the ability of melatonin to limit molecular and organ tissue damage in neural ischemia-reperfusion injury (stroke), where free radicals are generally considered as being responsible for much of the resulting tissue destruction.

Area Covered: Melatonin actions that have been identified include its ability to directly neutralize a number of toxic reactants and stimulate antioxidative enzymes. Furthermore, several of its metabolites such as N¹-acetyl-N²-formyl-5- methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N¹-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AMF), are themselves scavengers suggesting that there is a cascade of reactions that greatly increase the efficacy of melatonin.

Expert Commentary: However, the mechanisms by which melatonin is protective in such widely diverse areas of the cell and different organs are likely not yet all identified.

KEYWORDS:

• Melatonin
• oxidative stress
• ischemia-reperfusion injury
• free radicals
• antioxidant

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.