Abstract
Acute pancreatitis is a disease, which could be manifested as either a mild edematous form or a more severe necrotizing pancreatitis which has a poor prognosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of this ailment is not completely clear. Melatonin is an indoleamine which is produced from L-tryptophan in the pineal gland and in the other tissue including gastrointestinal tract. Both melatonin and its precursor have been demonstrated to protect the pancreas against acute pancreatitis and to attenuate pancreatic tissue damage. In the pancreas melatonin and L-tryptophan activate complex mechanisms which involve direct scavenging of the radical oxygen and nitrogen species, activation of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dysmutase, glutation peroxidase), reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, activation of heat shock protein, and a decrease of necrosis and increase of regeneration in the pancreas. There are several arguments for the idea that endogenous melatonin produced in the pineal gland and in the gastrointestinal system could be the part of a native mechanisms for protecting the pancreas against acute damage: 1/ the melatonin precursor L-tryptophan exerts similar protective effect as melatonin, 2/ application of the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole aggravates acute pancreatitis, 3/ pinealectomy results in the exacerbation of acute pancreatitis, 4/ low melatonin plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of severe acute pancreatitis.
These observations leads to the idea that perhaps melatonin could be used in clinical trials as supportive therapy in acute pancreatitis.
Keywords: Melatonin, L-tryptophan, acute pancreatitis, antioxidant enzymes, pancreatic protection.
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Multidisciplinary Pharmaceutical Drug Design Strategies in the Progress of Drug Discovery"
The process of developing a drug is time and money-consuming, but also fascinating. The development of numerous computational techniques, synthetic methodologies, formulation-based drug discovery, etc., has improved the drug discovery process. The process of developing new drugs is significantly hampered by drug-poor pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic problems. To address these challenges, ...read more
Accelerating Cancer drug discovery using Artificial intelligence and In Silico methods
The Artificial intelligence and in silico methods speed up cancer drug discovery, transforming how new treatments are developed. Artificial intelligence, along with in silico methods, allows for quick investigation of large biological datasets, helping identify potential drug targets with remarkable speed and accuracy. Machine learning models help us understand how ...read more
Advances in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
This thematic issue will emphasize the recent breakthroughs in the mechanisms of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis and devotes some understanding of both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. It is expected to include studies about cellular and genetic aspects, which help to precipitate the disease, and the immune system-gut microbiome relations ...read more
Artificial Intelligence and Computational Approaches in Drug Discovery
Computer-aided drug design (CADD) and artificial intelligence (AI) are fundamentally reshaping drug discovery pipelines by significantly enhancing efficiency in molecular screening, rational drug design, and natural product development. In the field of molecular screening, the integration of virtual high-throughput screening with advanced AI models enables rapid analysis of million-compound libraries, ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Mucosal Vaccine Delivery Systems: The Future of Immunization (Part 2)
The Impact of Pharma Technology on Cosmetics: Advancements and Innovations
Advances in the Medicinal Chemistry of Neglected Tropical Disease and Related Infectious Diseases
Zebrafish Models for Experimental Pharmacology: A Handbook
Mucosal Vaccine Delivery Systems: The Future of Immunization (Part 1)
Bioactive Compounds Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases
Anthraquinones: Bioactive Multifaceted Therapeutic Agents
Therapeutic Plants: Recent Advances in the Use of Herbs as Alternative Medications
Quality Assurance of Ethno-Herbals: Cultivating Confidence in Alternative Medicine
Traditional Medicine in North East Africa: Research on Traditional Healer Preparations and Herbs
49