The antioxidative property of melatonin against brain ischemia

Introduction: This review briefly summarizes some of the large amount of data documenting the ability of melatonin to limit molecular and organ tissue damage in neural ischemia-reperfusion injury (stroke), where free radicals are generally considered as being responsible for much of the resulting tissue destruction. Area Covered: Melatonin actions that have been identified include its ability to directly neutralize a number of toxic reactants and stimulate antioxidative enzymes. Furthermore, several of its metabolites such as N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5- methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AMF), are themselves scavengers suggesting that there is a cascade of reactions that greatly increase the efficacy of melatonin. Expert Commentary: However, the mechanisms by which melatonin is protective in such widely diverse areas of the cell and different organs are likely not yet all identified.