Authors: Karasek M
Abstract: Increasing number of people in advanced age is one of the most distinctive demographic events of the 21(st) century which raise many social and medical issues. Therefore, there is a search for any therapeutic agent improving the quality of life of the elderly. Melatonin, the hormone of the pineal gland, received recently a great deal of attention because of its suggested role in aging processes and availability as over-the-counter drug or food supplement in some countries, including Poland. In this survey the basic data on the possible role of melatonin in human aging as well as its possible therapeutic significance are reviewed and discussed.
Keywords: Aged; Aging/drug effects/*physiology; Antioxidants/metabolism/pharmacology/*physiology; Circadian Rhythm/physiology; Free Radicals; Humans; Immune System/drug effects/physiology; Melatonin/biosynthesis/pharmacology/*physiology; Pineal Gland/physiology; Quality of Life; Sleep Disorders/metabolism|
Journal: Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society Volume: 58 Suppl 6 Pages: 105-13 Date: March 28, 2008 PMID: 18212404 |
Karasek M (2007) Does melatonin play a role in aging processes? Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society 58 Suppl 6: 105-13.
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