Protective Effects of Melatonin on the Skin: Future Perspectives

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Darío Acuña-Castroviejo¹  Germaine Escames¹  Ana Guerra-Librero¹  Javier Florido¹  César Rodríguez-Santana¹  Laura Martínez-Ruiz¹  Iryna Rusanova¹ 

[1] Biomedical Research Center, Health Sciences Technology Park, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;

关键词: skin;    melatonin;    mitochondria;    oxidative stress;    aging;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms20194948

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and pathways. Melatonin, a highly conserved ancient molecule, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of skin. As human skin has functional melatonin receptors and also acts as a complete system that is capable of producing and regulating melatonin synthesis, melatonin is a promising candidate for its maintenance and protection. Below, we review the studies of new metabolic pathways involved in the protective functions of melatonin in dermal cells. We also discuss the advantages of the topical use of melatonin for therapeutic purposes and skin protection. In our view, endogenous intracutaneous melatonin production, together with topically-applied exogenous melatonin and its metabolites, represent two of the most potent defense systems against external damage to the skin.

【 授权许可】

Unknown