From Chronodisruption to Sarcopenia: The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin

José Fernández-Martínez, Yolanda Ramírez-Casas, Yang Yang, Paula Aranda-Martínez, Laura Martínez-Ruiz, Germaine Escames, Darío Acuña-Castroviejo*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition that involves a progressive decline in muscle mass and function, leading to increased risk of falls, frailty, and mortality. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, aging-related processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial capacity, and cell apoptosis contribute to this decline. Disruption of the circadian system with age may initiate these pathways in skeletal muscle, preceding the onset of sarcopenia. At present, there is no pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia, only resistance exercise and proper nutrition may delay its onset. Melatonin, derived from tryptophan, emerges as an exceptional candidate for treating sarcopenia due to its chronobiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its impact on mitochondria and organelle, where it is synthesized and crucial in aging skeletal muscle, further highlights its potential. In this review, we discuss the influence of clock genes in muscular aging, with special reference to peripheral clock genes in the skeletal muscle, as well as their relationship with melatonin, which is proposed as a potential therapy against sarcopenia.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1779
JournalBiomolecules
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • aging
  • Bmal1
  • chronodisruption
  • clock genes
  • inflammaging
  • melatonin
  • mitochondria
  • oxidative stress
  • sarcopenia
  • skeletal muscle

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