Beneficial effects of melatonin on liver fibrosis: A systematic review of current biological evidence

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#anti-inflammatory-agents #antioxidants #humans #liver-cirrhosis #melatonin

Beneficial effects of melatonin on liver fibrosis: A systematic review of current biological evidence

San-Miguel et al., 2022 | J Cell Physiol | Systematic Review

Citation

San-Miguel Beatriz, Fernández-Palanca Paula, ... González-Gallego Javier. Beneficial effects of melatonin on liver fibrosis: A systematic review of current biological evidence. J Cell Physiol. 2022-Jul;237(7):2740-2757. doi:10.1002/jcp.30735

Abstract

Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible response to either acute or chronic cellular injury from a wide variety of etiologies, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix resulting in liver dysfunction and cirrhosis. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), the main product secreted by the pineal gland, is a multitasking indolamine with important physiological functions such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, modulation of circadian rhythms, and immune system enhancement. Among the numerous biological activities of melatonin, its antifibrotic effects have received increasingly more attention. In this study, we performed a systematic review of publications of the last 10 years evaluating the mechanisms of action of melatonin against liver fibrosis. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022304744). Literature research was performed employing PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases, and after screening, 29 articles were included. Results from the selected studies provided denoted the useful actions of melatonin on the development, progression, and evolution of liver fibrosis. Melatonin antifibrotic effects in the liver involved the reduction of profibrogenic markers and modulation of several cellular processes and molecular pathways, mainly acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, the indolamine influenced different molecular processes, such as hepatocyte apoptosis, modulation of autophagy and mitophagy, restoration of circadian rhythms, and modulation of microRNAs, among others. Although some limitations have been found regarding variability in the study design, the findings here summarized display the potential role of melatonin in ameliorating the development of liver fibrosis and its possible progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma.

Key Findings

Although some limitations have been found regarding variability in the study design, the findings here summarized display the potential role of melatonin in ameliorating the development of liver fibrosis and its possible progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Melatonin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09