Microbial Source of Melatonin and Its Clinical Aspects

Abstract

Melatonin chemically known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine is a small physiological compound of diversified functions. Melatonin has been found in phylogenetically different taxa of bacteria, unicellular eukaryote, microalgae, plants, fungi, and animals. Identification of melatonin in many of these microorganisms is missing, and its function is rarely known. Although, melatonin in microorganisms is not essentially involved in circadian process, rather, it exhibits antioxidant property also and may protect chlorophyll pigment to damage from stress and free radicals. Mostly, the pathway for melatonin synthesis in microorganisms shows similarity with vertebrates. Investigation on melatonin in some organisms allows more concrete discussion about their possible role. The various functions of melatonin in human including sleep and regulation of circadian rhythm has been well characterized. Here, we have focused on the mechanism of immune regulatory, antioxidant, and scavenging property of melatonin during pathogenesis caused by fungi, bacteria, and virus. This article will provide a view on microbial sources and possible therapeutic aspects of melatonin in future.

Microbial production of beneficial indoleamines (serotonin and melatonin) with potential application to biotechnological products for human health

“…Moreover, several clinical studies demonstrated that the ingestion of melatonin produces a reduction in the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients (Palmer et al 2020). On the other hand, experimental models on rats showed that melatonin delays tumorigenesis initiation since interactions with DNA-bound carcinogens prevent the accumulation of mutations inside cells and the initiation of cancer (Kumar et al 2017). Melatonin has also the ability to repair cellular damage and protect healthy cells (Kumar et al 2017).…”

“…On the other hand, experimental models on rats showed that melatonin delays tumorigenesis initiation since interactions with DNA-bound carcinogens prevent the accumulation of mutations inside cells and the initiation of cancer (Kumar et al 2017). Melatonin has also the ability to repair cellular damage and protect healthy cells (Kumar et al 2017). Tamtaji et al (2019) reviewed the results of several in vivo and in vitro studies claiming that supplementation with melatonin showed a therapeutic alternative for pancreatic cancer.…”

“…On the other hand, experimental models on rats showed that melatonin delays tumorigenesis initiation since interactions with DNA‐bound carcinogens prevent the accumulation of mutations inside cells and the initiation of cancer (Kumar et al . 2017). Melatonin has also the ability to repair cellular damage and protect healthy cells (Kumar et al .…”

“…Melatonin has also the ability to repair cellular damage and protect healthy cells (Kumar et al . 2017). Tamtaji et al .…”

“…Serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis pathways in humans (modified fromKumar et al (2017) andYılmaz and Gökmen (2020)). …”