Melatonin and the ovary: physiological and pathophysiological implications
Received 1 February 2008; received in revised form 2 May 2008; accepted 5 May 2008. published online 18 September 2008.
Objective
To summarize the role of melatonin in the physiology and pathophysiology of the ovary.
Design
Review of literature.
Setting
University Health Science Center.
Result(s)
Melatonin plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of many reproductive processes. Human preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) contains higher concentrations of melatonin than does plasma, and melatonin receptors are present in ovarian granulosa cells (GC). Melatonin has been shown to have direct effects on ovarian function. Reactive oxygen species and apoptosis are involved in a number of reproductive events including folliculogenesis, follicular atresia, ovulation, oocyte maturation, and corpus luteum (CL) formation. Melatonin and its metabolites are powerful antioxidants; the primitive and primary function of melatonin may be its actions as a receptor-independent free radical scavenger and a broad-spectrum antioxidant. A large amount of scientific evidence supports a local role of melatonin in the human reproductive processes. The indole also has potential roles in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premature ovarian failure (POF).
Conclusion(s)
We summarize the current understanding of melatonin's essential functions in the human ovary. Melatonin could become an important medication for improving ovarian function and oocyte quality, and open new opportunities for the management of several ovarian diseases.
aDepartment of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
bDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi Grand Medical Center, Hofu, Japan
Reprint requests: Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900 (FAX: 210-567-6948).
H.T. has nothing to disclose. Y.N. has nothing to disclose. A.K. has nothing to disclose. L.C.M. has nothing to disclose. D.-X.T. has nothing to disclose. N.S. has nothing to disclose. R.J.R. has nothing to disclose.
ABSTRACT