Title:Melatonin: Implications for Ocular Disease and Therapeutic Potential
Volume: 25
Issue: 39
Author(s): Luca Scuderi, Sergio Davinelli*, Clemente Maria Iodice, Silvia Bartollino, Giovanni Scapagnini, Ciro Costagliola and Gianluca Scuderi
Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso,Italy
Keywords:
Melatonin, aging, aged-related ocular diseases, uveitis, cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic
retinopathy.
Abstract: Melatonin, an indoleamine secreted mainly by the pineal gland, is known to modulate a wide range of
circadian functions. However, this neurohormone is also synthesized within the eye and acts directly on ocular
structures to mediate a variety of physiological processes. This review is focused on the role and therapeutic
potential of melatonin in ocular diseases. We summarize data indicating that melatonin may represent a powerful
tool to counteract ocular dysfunctions such as uveitis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic
retinopathy. A search strategy was conducted to identify studies in PubMed (January 1990 to September 2017). In
particular, we included experimental studies, clinical trials, and reviews to provide suitable insights and elucidations
regarding the action of melatonin on age-related ocular disorders. Literature data suggest that melatonin
could potentially protect ocular tissues by decreasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators.
Additionally, melatonin appears to be safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, and no adverse/side effects
were reported. Although this topic remains under intense investigation, we can conclude that melatonin, as a
single agent or in combination with other drugs, is an attractive pharmacological candidate for age-related ocular
diseases.