Daily and seasonal mitochondrial protection: unraveling common possible mechanisms involving vitamin d and melatonin

Publication date: Available online 16 January 2020Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAuthor(s): Feres José Mocayar Marón, León Ferder, Russel J. Reiter, Walter ManuchaAbstractFrom an evolutionary point of view, vitamin D and melatonin appeared very early and share functions related to defense mechanisms. In the current clinical setting, vitamin D is exclusively associated with phosphocalcic metabolism. Meanwhile, melatonin has chronobiological effects and influences the sleep-wake cycle. Scientific evidence, however, has identified new actions of both molecules in different physiological and pathological settings. The biosynthetic pathways of vitamin D and melatonin are inversely related relative to sun exposure. A deficiency of these molecules has been associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disorders, kidney diseases, cancer, psychiatric disorders, bone diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, among others. During aging, the intake and cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, as well as the endogenous synthesis of melatonin are remarkably depleted, therefore, producing a state characterized by an increase of oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both molecules are involved in the homeostatic functioning of the mitochondria. Given the presence of specific receptors in the organelle, the antagonism of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone s...
Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research