Melatonin and Periodontal tissues: molecular and clinical perspectives.

Publication date: Available online 14 September 2017 Source:Pharmacological Research Author(s): Agata Rita Carpentieri, María Elena Peralta Lopez, Javier Aguilar, Verónica Mariana Solá Periodontal disease is a frequent chronic inflammatory pathology that implies the destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, which represents a high sanitary cost. It usually appears associated with other systemic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, depression and Alzheimer disease among others. The presence of melatonin and its receptors in the oral cavity supports the hypothesis that this hormone could play a role in homeostasis of periodontal tissues. In the present review we will discuss the potential role of melatonin, a circadian synchronizing hormone, with proved antiinflammatory and antioxidant profile, in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontitis. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of the indolamine in the treatment of periodontal disease when this oral condition is comorbid with other pathologies that would also benefit from the therapeutic potential of melatonin and its analogs through diverse mechanisms. Graphical abstract
Source: Pharmacological Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research