It is now almost 60 years since the discovery of melatonin and new physiological functions of the indole continuously appear in the most recent studies worldwide. | Turkish Journal of Biology Review Article Turk J Biol (2015) 39: 822-831 © TÜBİTAK doi: Melatonin as a stabilizer of mitochondrial function: role in diseases and aging Cristina CARRASCO*, Ana Beatriz RODRÍGUEZ, José Antonio PARIENTE Department of Physiology, Neuroimmunophysiology, and Chrononutrition Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain Received: Accepted/Published Online: Printed: Abstract: It is now almost 60 years since the discovery of melatonin and new physiological functions of the indole continuously appear in the most recent studies worldwide. Experimental evidence emphasizes its importance as a stabilizer of the mitochondrial bioenergetics, which could be related to the prevention of development of aging and several diseases. In the next years, conscientious investigation about this topic should be undertaken by scientists of different research areas to achieve a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms implied. This will ultimately allow the development and clinical application of efficacious treatments. Key words: Melatonin, mitochondria, diseases, aging, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases 1. Introduction It is now almost 60 years since the discovery of melatonin and new physiological functions of the indole continuously appear in the most recent studies worldwide. Besides the pineal gland, the existence and value of other sources of synthesis force us to rethink the established premises about the biological role of this molecule, such as the well-known regulation of circadian and reproductive cycles (Hardeland et al., 2008). In the last few years, other properties of melatonin such as antioxidant power, immunoregulatory capacity, and oncostatic action have enriched our knowledge about the pleiotropic nature of the hormone. The role of melatonin in mitochondrial homeostasis has gained strength in the scientific
