Articles tagged with Melatonin
Researchers found that combining daily melatonin intake with voluntary physical exercise had a significant regressing effect on Alzheimer's disease in rodents. The study showed improved behavior, learning, and memory, as well as reduced oxidative stress and amyloid beta peptide levels.
Researchers discovered that dopamine inhibits melatonin production by forming 'heteromers' with norepinephrine receptors, regulating the body's circadian rhythm. This discovery could lead to new treatments for circadian rhythm disturbances and sleep disorders affecting 40% of the world's population.
University of Granada researchers develop melatonin analogues to inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme, which is involved in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The new substances show promising pharmacological properties, including enhanced efficiency over melatonin.
Researchers found 40 rare melatonin receptor mutations that increase diabetes risk nearly sevenfold. The study highlights the importance of genome sequencing in personalizing treatment for diabetic patients.
A new genetic study has found a strong link between the body clock hormone melatonin and type 2 diabetes. Carrying rare genetic mutations in the MT2 gene increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes six times, suggesting a direct link between melatonin regulation and insulin release.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have developed a novel melatonin drug, UCM765, that selectively activates the MT2 receptor in the brain, leading to increased phases of deep sleep. This discovery may pave the way for effective treatments for insomnia, a common public health problem affecting millions worldwide.
A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that drinking two glasses of tart cherry juice per day significantly improved sleep behaviors in healthy adults. The researchers attribute the benefits to the melatonin content of tart cherries, a powerful antioxidant critical for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers found that melatonin delayed the onset of symptoms by 19% and reduced mortality by 18% in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The hormone was shown to target mitochondria, reducing programmed cell death, and increasing neuroprotection when administered.
Recent studies found that rotating shift patterns do not significantly disrupt circadian rhythm or melatonin production, reducing potential cancer risk. The study's lead author notes that an intervention to combat shift work's health risks may already have occurred.
A new international study reveals that 'white' light bulbs emit shorter wavelengths that suppress melatonin production, causing behavior disruptions and health problems. The researchers recommend limiting the use of 'white' light, adjusting lampposts to reduce light pollution, and using energy-efficient lighting.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that agomelatine, a melatonin analogue, may have a role in treating major depression. The research found that agomelatine has similar antidepressant efficacy to other common medications while improving sleep quality and reducing relapse rates.
Researchers found that melatonin improves blood lipid profiles, increases HDL cholesterol, and reduces LDL cholesterol. The study suggests that melatonin intake or administration might be a useful tool in preventing heart diseases associated with obesity.
Human amniotic epithelial cells, derived from discarded human placenta, demonstrate therapeutic response when transplanted into lab test tubes and animal models of stroke. The interaction with melatonin receptor MT1 promotes functional recovery.
A recent study found that exposure to room light in the late evening can significantly suppress melatonin levels, leading to reduced sleep quality and increased risks of diabetes. The study's findings have important health implications for shift workers exposed to indoor lighting at night.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help maintain kidney function in patients with reduced kidney function due to high blood pressure. Conversely, melatonin has been shown to improve short-term sleep quality in dialysis patients but does not provide long-term benefits.
Researchers found that dim light exposure caused physical changes in the brains of female Siberian hamsters, including a reduced density of dendritic spines in the hippocampus. This is associated with increased depressive-like behaviors and may be linked to melatonin production.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center finds that extended daylight hours in spring delay melatonin onset, leading to teen sleep deprivation. Teenagers should increase morning daylight exposure year-round and decrease evening daylight exposure to ensure sufficient sleep before school.
A new study suggests that drinking tart cherry juice daily can reduce insomnia severity and improve sleep efficiency in older adults. The researchers found significant reductions in reported insomnia severity and an average of 17 minutes saved on wake time after going to sleep.
A study published in Neurology found that brain injuries disrupt sleep regulation, resulting in lower melatonin levels and decreased sleep efficiency. The study suggests that taking supplemental melatonin may improve sleep in people with brain injuries.
A new study reveals that Arctic reindeer have evolved to bypass their internal biological rhythms, relying instead on light and dark cycles to regulate hormone levels. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments with no reliable light-dark cycle.
Researchers discovered that N-acetylserotonin, a melatonin precursor, activates the same brain growth factor circuits as BDNF, potentially explaining its antidepressant activity. This finding suggests new targets for depression treatment and may also shed light on neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers Darío Acuña-Castroviejo and Germaine Escames found that melatonin is an effective sleep regulator, regulating the biological clock and synchronizing the body's circadian rhythms. Taking melatonin at specific hours can correct chronobiological alterations of the cycle sleep/wakefulness.
Researchers found that oral treatment with melatonin before surgery can significantly reduce the occurrence of emergence delirium in children. Melatonin showed a direct dose-dependent effect on emergence delirium, with lower incidence rates at higher doses.
A study found that over-the-counter melatonin supplements significantly improve sleep quality in children with autism and Fragile X Syndrome. Children who took melatonin experienced longer total night sleep durations and earlier sleep-onset times, reducing stress on families.
Research suggests melatonin can decrease hepatic fibrosis scores, reduce serum markers of fibrogenesis, and alleviate oxidative stress. The study provides a basis for further investigation into the protective effects of melatonin on liver function in cirrhotic patients.
A new gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels influences insulin secretion via melatonin metabolism, implicating a previously unknown relationship between the sleep-wake rhythm and diabetes. Further studies will explore the role of melatonin in regulating insulin secretion and potentially lead to new treatment options.
Researchers identified a gene involved in the body's response to the day-night cycle strongly linked to high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The melatonin receptor is implicated in conditions like jetlag and sleep disorders, suggesting that disrupted sleep patterns are connected to metabolic health.
A study published in The Lancet finds that low medicine availability and high prices in developing nations impede access to essential treatments. Tasimelteon, a melatonin analogue, has been shown to improve sleep efficiency and reduce latency for those affected by jet-lag or night shift work.
Research suggests melatonin therapy may prevent ocular inflammation in uveitis, reducing symptoms and protecting the blood-ocular barrier. Melatonin treatment has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting patients with chronic uveitis.
Researchers found that melatonin rhythm abnormalities worsen as cirrhosis progresses, and abnormal pituitary hormone patterns can predict hepatic encephalopathy development. These findings suggest that melatonin circadian rhythm abnormalities may be an early indicator of liver disease severity.
Research has identified several genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including neuroligins and SHANK3. These genetic findings provide new understanding of the underlying causes of ASD, which affect approximately 60 in 10,000 children worldwide.
Circadin, a new drug developed at Tel Aviv University, replenishes the hormone melatonin, which declines with age, to improve sleep quality and morning alertness in people over 55. This therapy has also been shown to normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels at night.
A study found that bright lighting reduced cognitive deterioration by 5% and improved functional limitations by 53%. Melatonin also improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The combination of light and melatonin had a positive effect on mood, while individual use of melatonin was associated with adverse effects.
A novel small molecule inhibitor reduced both endogenous and drug-induced resistance to chemotherapy in a mouse model of melanoma. Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a prospective case-control study.
Researchers found that melatonin administration reverses marked increases in bacterial translocation in postcolitis rats due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for melatonin in managing colitis.
A University of Houston team found that melatonin inhibits memory formation in zebrafish during nighttime. Removing the melatonin-producing gland allowed fish to form memories at high levels even at night.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that individual brain chemistry and genes play a key role in determining nicotine addiction. The researchers found that the effects of nicotine diminish at night due to genetic differences and melatonin recognition. Higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone during the day enhance nicotine sensitivity.
Researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure in zebrafish altered neuronal development and acutely dysregulated the expression of circadian genes, including melatonin. Circadian factors may provide new therapeutic strategies to counteract developmental effects of prenatal cocaine exposure.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 5.9% of respondents used valerian and 5.2% used melatonin to treat insomnia. However, a clinical practice review committee did not find beneficial effects for these supplements in treating insomnia symptoms.
A study by the Spanish Ageing Research Network found that melatonin, naturally present in food sources like corn, oats, and cherries, delays oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age. Daily melatonin intake could prevent or delay illnesses related to aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.
Scientists have discovered a key enzyme controlling melatonin synthesis in response to light and darkness. The study sheds new light on the intricate mechanisms regulating our sleep-wake cycles.
Researchers found that high salivary melatonin levels may be associated with lower periodontal disease severity, as measured by the community periodontal index score. This suggests that melatonin's antioxidant properties may help protect against inflammation and oxidative damage in the oral cavity.
Researchers discovered high levels of melatonin in Nebbolo, Merlot, Cabernet Savignon, Sangiovesse, and Croatina grapes. The study suggests that melatonin content can be enhanced by treating vines with a plant vaccine Benzothiadiazole.
Researchers found that melatonin improved sleep efficiency during non-natural sleep periods, but not during natural sleep cycles. The study used 36 healthy young adults who took melatonin supplements to aid sleep at irregular times.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that low-dose melatonin taken in the afternoon can help most people with winter depression whose bodily rhythms are out of sync. The treatment was found to be effective for those who were naturally 'night owls', while morning larks responded better to taking melatonin in the morning.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis found that melatonin reduced the risk of death at one year by 34%. Melatonin was also shown to have a beneficial effect on sleep patterns in patients. The researchers urge caution in interpreting the clinical usefulness of large doses of melatonin.
A new study found that combining bright light and melatonin can help advance the circadian clock and reduce jet lag. The combination produces a larger phase advance than bright light alone, making it a practical solution for travelers.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that mice brains shrink during winter, impairing spatial memory, while nonspatial learning and memory remain unaffected. The study suggests a possible link between melatonin levels and seasonal changes in brain size and function.
A recent MIT study analyzed 17 peer-reviewed papers on melatonin and found it to be a significant sleep aid in small doses. The study challenges the common assumption that high doses of melatonin are ineffective, highlighting the need for more accurate dosing information.
A new study found that melatonin increases production of GnIH hormone in birds, which has opposite effects to GnRH and can trigger gonad shrinkage. This discovery suggests potential effects on human reproductive axis and raises concerns about the hormone's interactions with other systems.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that melatonin supplements have little to no benefit for individuals suffering from sleep disorders or experiencing jet lag. While some people may fall asleep sooner with melatonin supplementation, its effects on overall sleep quality are minimal.
A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) may contribute to the rising incidence of childhood leukaemia. Researchers will discuss the potential mechanisms behind this association, including the role of melatonin suppression and its link to cancer initiation.
Research suggests a link between seasonal variations and the timing of menopause, with spring and autumn equinoxes showing a significant peak in menstrual cycle cessation. The study's findings support the idea that environmental factors play a role in regulating female reproductive functions during declining fertility.
A new study found that infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral epithelial cells may be an independent risk factor for head and neck cancer. High-risk HPV types detected in oral exfoliated cells were predictive of high-risk HPV types in tumor tissue.
Melatonin levels are high at night and low during the day, but a newly discovered regulatory mechanism reveals how exposure to light accelerates melatonin disappearance. The study identified a critical phosphate group in enzyme AANAT that determines its stability, shedding new light on cellular processes.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
A Mayo Clinic study found that melatonin treatment was successful for 57% of patients with violent sleep disorder, reducing nightmare quality and tendency to act out dreams. The researchers, led by Dr. Brad Boeve, suggest that melatonin may be an effective option for treating this condition.
Researchers found that higher melatonin levels in asthma patients at night lead to impaired lung function, suggesting all patients with asthma should avoid melatonin supplements until more is known about their safety. This study's findings support previous research linking melatonin to inflammation in asthma.
A study examined the effects of bright display screens on melatonin levels, core temperature, heart rate, and sleepiness during VDT tasks at night. The results showed that salivary melatonin concentration increased in all conditions, with lower levels during exciting-BD tasks compared to exciting-DD tasks.
Researchers have discovered a novel photoreceptor system in the human eye that controls melatonin production, which plays a key role in circadian rhythms. The study suggests that exposure to blue light at night may disrupt melatonin production and increase the risk of breast cancer.