Potential and Possible Therapeutic Effects of Melatonin on SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

The absence of effective drugs for COVID-19 prevention and treatment requires the search for new candidates among approved medicines. Fundamental studies and clinical observations allow us to approach an understanding of the mechanisms of damage and protection from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, to identify possible points of application for pharmacological interventions. In this review we presented studies on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunotropic properties of melatonin. We have attempted to present scientifically proven mechanisms of action for the potential therapeutic use of melatonin during SARS-CoV-2 infection. A wide range of pharmacological properties allows its inclusion as an effective addition to the methods of prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review

“…Another possible strategy could rely on the activation of the nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2/antioxidant-related elements (ARE) with the treatment strategies that are based on resveratrol, sulforaphane, melatonin, and vitamin D [ 181 , 192 ]. Natural compounds like propolis were suggested for blocking the proinflammatory PAK1 enzyme [ 186 ], and thymoquinone is suggested for modulating the production of nitric oxide (NO) and ROS and protection against multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) [ 185 ].…”

The melatonin contained in beer can provide health benefits, due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties

“…Melatonin is therefore recommended in situations of high oxidative stress, such as infections, cancer, or neurodegenerative diseases. 1,115 Melatonin plays an important role as prophylactic and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections, 116,117 and in the treatment of other viral infections, such as those of the Herpesviridae family, which are associated with COVID-19. 118 In these cases, pharmacological doses of melatonin in the range of 100-400 mg/d would be needed.…”

Melatonin and vitamin D3 are induce the expression of endogenous beta-defensin-1 in rats

“…Несмотря на то что влияние мелатонина на АМП ранее не исследовалось, ряд публикаций демонстрируют широкий спектр иммуномодулирующих эффектов данного соединения [3], что, вероятно, обуславливает его активирующее влияние на уровень эндогенных АМП. С другой стороны, известно, что мелатонин подавляет экспрессию интерлейкинов 1, 6 и 10, фактора некроза опухоли-α и гамма-интерферона [3]. В этой связи необходимы дальнейшие исследования для изучения механизма, с помощью которого мелатонин усиливает экспрессию BD-1.…”