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/lp/karger/actions-of-melatonin-in-the-reduction-of-oxidative-stress-Bv0yHtrW6o
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- Publisher
- Karger
- Copyright
- © 2000 National Science Council, ROC and S. Karger AG, Basel
- ISSN
- 1021-7770
- eISSN
- 1423-0127
- DOI
- 10.1159/000025480
- Publisher site
- See Article on Publisher Site
Abstract
Melatonin was discovered to be a direct free radical scavenger less than 10 years ago. Besides its ability to directly neutralize a number of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it stimulates several antioxidative enzymes which increase its efficiency as an antioxidant. In terms of direct free radical scavenging, melatonin interacts with the highly toxic hydroxyl radical with a rate constant equivalent to that of other highly efficient hydroxyl radical scavengers. Additionally, melatonin reportedly neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite anion, nitric oxide and hypochlorous acid. The following antioxidative enzymes are also stimulated by melatonin: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Melatonin has been widely used as a protective agent against a wide variety of processes and agents that damage tissues via free radical mechanisms.
Journal
Journal of Biomedical Science – Karger
Published: Dec 1, 2000
Keywords: Antioxidant; Free radical scavenger; Hydroxyl radical; Melatonin; Oxidative damage; Peroxynitrite anion; Reactive oxygen species