- Melatonin increases the impact of anti-oxidative enzymes when preventing inflammation
- Oxidized lipoproteins produce a lot of IL-6 alveolar macrophages
- The production of IL-6 is a result of the TLR4 pathway (results in ALI/ARDS)
- Melatonin uses TLR4 signaling to prevent inflammation


Melatonin's impact on anti-oxidation

- SIRT1 allows for melatonin to function in anti-inflammation by preventing the function of macrophages
- Melatonin prevents NF-kB from being activated during Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (especially in T-cells and lung tissue)
- Melatonin increases the work of Nrf2 in protecting the liver and heart

How melatonin prevents inflammation

- Randomized trial → 8-week consumption of melatonin for patients with diabetes mellitus -and gum inflammation → decreased IL-6 levels (and other serum levels)
- Patients suffering multiple sclerosis were provided with a higher does of melatonin for 6 months → reduced IL-6 levels (as wells as some other serum levels)
- With little inflammation, 5-10 mg/d of melatonin for less than a weeks results in a reduction of cytokines that cause inflammation
- As a result, melatonin may be able to lower inflammation from cytokines in COVID-19 patients

Melatonin in relation to cytokine levels

- The COVID-19 virus and apoptosis by T-cells result in changes in immune response
- Too much cytokine production and formation of several immune could result in an infection due to ARDS
- COVID-19 reduces levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and CD8+ T cells
- Melatonin regulates the actions of immune cells by increasing the function of natural killer cells, and the levels of the cells mentioned in the bullet point directly above, in the bone marrow and other body tissues
- Melatonin increases the presence of antigens
- NLRP3 antibodies suppressed when an infection (due to ARDS) reaches its peak point results in protection against inflammation (suggests that melatonin plays a role)


Melatonin and how it can alter the immune system

Analyze the following scenario and identify the hormone primarily responsible for the traveler's symptoms. Explain the physiological reason for their experience.

Hormonal Basis of Jet Lag

Based on the case study below, provide a physiological explanation that connects the individual's sleep disturbances and their increased susceptibility to illness to the function of the primary hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Analyzing the Effects of Circadian Rhythm Disruption

Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland during sleep, and it is thought to help regulate biological rhythms and the immune system.

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Figure 1
- People who develop ALI/ARDS along with COVID-19 end up with an infected lung
- Eventually, inflammation in organ tissues will develop due to elevated IL-6 levels and decreased white blood cells; oxidation stress occurs
- Administering melatonin into the system could lead to recovery, as it can lower IL-6 levels and the effect of oxidative enzymes is decreased
- If melatonin does not work, the body’s immune system will go out of control (cytokine storm)
- Administering melatonin once again can help prevent problems associated with ALI/ARDS


Using Melatonin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19

Sleep is closely linked with the secretion and regulation of several key hormones from various endocrine glands. This includes melatonin from the pineal gland, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

Hormone Regulation During Sleep

Zhang, R., Wang, X., Ni, L., Di, X., Ma, B., Niu, S., ... & Reiter, R. J. (2020). COVID-19: Melatonin as a potential adjuvant treatment. Life sciences, 117583. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117583 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32217117/

COVID-19: Melatonin as a potential adjuvant treatment

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Melatonin

The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland that secretes several crucial hormones during sleep. These include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are vital for the reproductive system, and growth hormone, which is important for physical growth, maturation, and metabolism.

Pituitary Gland's Hormonal Secretion During Sleep

Analyze the following scenario and identify the hormone and its associated gland that are most likely involved in the described issue. Provide a brief explanation for your reasoning.

Analyzing Sleep-Related Hormonal Disruption

Analyze the following case study to explain the probable connections between the individual's sleep habits, their reported symptoms, and the regulation of specific hormones.

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