Radio Protective Effect of Melatonin: MINIREVIEW
Abstract
Ionizing radiation is classified as a potent carcinogen, and its injury to living cells to a large extent due to oxidative stress. Direct and indirect interaction of ionizing radiation responsible to cell injury.
The direct action produces disruption of sensitive molecules in the cells.
Where as the indirect effects results from its interaction with water molecules.
Which result in the production of highly reactive free radicals such as oOH, oH and e−o and their subsequent action on subcellular structures.
Melatonin the chief secretory product of pineal gland in the brain is a ubiquitously acting molecule with several functions in hundred of investigations, melatonin has been documented as a direct free radical scavenger and an indirect antioxidant the hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of melatonin was used as a rationale to determine its radio protective efficiency indeed the result from many in vitro and in vivo investigation have confirmed that melatonin protects mammalian cells from the toxic effects of ionizing radiation.
The radioprotective effects of melatonin against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and its low toxicity make this molecule a potential supplement in the treatment or co-treatment in situations where the effects of ionizing radiation are to be minimized.
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