Melatonin and its protective role against male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals,environmental pollutants,and chemotherapy:A review

Melatonin,as a ubiquitous indoleamine hormone,is synthesized primarily by the pineal gland.It has diverse biological effects through quite complex mechanisms.More recently,studies have focused on the mechanism of melatonin in anti-reproductive toxicity/damage.Since melatonin possesses strong antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties,researchers have examined its potential role in protecting against male reproductive toxicity/damage,which may be induced by chemotherapy or environmental toxicants and can lead to male infertility.In this article,recent progress regarding the protective effects of melatonin on male reproductive toxicity/damage is reviewed.