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. 2021 Mar;70(2):e12702.
doi: 10.1111/jpi.12702. Epub 2020 Nov 24.

Melatonin controversies, an update

Jean A Boutin  1 , Ralf Jockers  2
Affiliations

Melatonin controversies, an update

Jean A Boutin et al. J Pineal Res. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Melatonin was discovered more than 60 years ago. Since then, several seminal discoveries have allowed us to define its function as a neuroendocrine hormone and its molecular targets in mammals and many other species. However, many fundamental issues have not yet been solved such as the subcellular localization of melatonin synthesis and the full spectrum of its molecular targets. In addition, a considerable number of controversies persist in the field, mainly concerning how many functions melatonin has. Altogether, this illustrates how "immature" the field still is. The intention of this opinion article is to note the controversies and limitations in the field, to initiate a discussion and to make proposals/guidelines to overcome them and move the field forward.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; COVID-19; GPCR; antioxidant; melatonin.

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