Melatonin Signaling a Key Regulator of Glucose Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism

• Authors: Sharon Owino, Morehouse School of Medicine; Daniella D. C. Buonfiglio, Morehouse School of Medicine; Cynthia Tchio, Morehouse School of Medicine; Gianluca Tosini, Emory University
• Journal Title: Frontiers in Endocrinology
• Volume: Volume 10, Number JULY
• Publisher: Frontiers Media | 2019-07-17, Pages 488-488
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00488
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Pharmacology; Biology, Neuroscience; Biology, Physiology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Endocrinology & Metabolism; melatonin; MT1; MT2; diabetes; leptin; FASTING PLASMA-GLUCOSE; BROWN ADIPOSE-TISSUE; FOOD-INTAKE; INSULIN SENSITIVITY; GENE POLYMORPHISMS; LEPTIN RESISTANCE; BODY-WEIGHT; MTNR1B; EXPRESSION; VARIANTS

Abstract

Melatonin, a hormone synthesized by both the pineal gland and retina, functions as an important modulator of a number of physiological functions. In addition to its rather well-established roles in the regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep, and reproduction, melatonin has also been identified as an important regulator of glucose metabolism. Recent genomic studies have also shown that disruption of melatonin receptors signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, although the exact mechanisms underlying its action remain unclear. Additionally, a large number of animal studies have highlighted a role for melatonin in the regulation of both glucose metabolism and energy balance. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role that melatonin and its associated receptors play in the regulation of metabolism.