褪黑素在感染性疾病中作用的研究进展

Advances in the role of melatonin in infectious diseases: A review

褪黑素(MLT)是一种主要由松果体分泌的胺类激素,主要生理功能为调节昼夜节律。MLT可通过多种途径与机体免疫系统相互作用,从而调节机体免疫系统功能。在感染性疾病中,MLT可通过调节免疫细胞数量、调控细胞因子表达,还可通过减少炎性因子分泌、降低白细胞黏附功能及抗氧化作用来增强免疫系统功能,并减少炎症所致的病理损伤。同时,MLT可通过直接抑制病原体的复制及增殖过程,从而抵抗病原体的感染。因此,MLT可能成为感染性疾病临床治疗的新的靶点和辅助方法。我们对MLT调节机体免疫系统的功能机制及其在感染性疾病中发挥的重要作用的研究进展进行总结。

Melatonin(MLT)is an amine hormone secreted mainly by the pineal gland.The main physiological function of MLT is to regulate the circadian rhythm.Recent studies have shown that MLT could affect the immune system through several ways to regulate the function of immune system.In infectious diseases,MLT can regulate the number of immune cells and the expression of cytokines.Moreover,MLT may enhance the function of the immune system by reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors,down-regulating the adhesion of leukocytes and anti-oxidation,which may reduce the pathology caused by inflammation damage.Meanwhile,MLT could play a role against pathogens infection by directly inhibiting the replication and proliferation of pathogens.Therefore,MLT may be considered as a novel target and a new method for the clinical treatment of infectious diseases.This article reviews the progress of the effects and mechanisms of MLT in regulating the immune system and the important role in infectious diseases.