Melatonina y aterosclerosis coronaria

Clinical studies in humans and experimental animal models have shown a relationship between serum melatonin levels and the presence of coronary artery disease. Moreover, in the past few years studies have highlighted the important immunomodulatory properties of melatonin at both cellular and humoral levels. In this context, it has been demonstrated that melatonin plays a modulatory role in acute coronary artery disease that affects the different inflammatory molecules that participate in the atherosclerotic process. It has been also suggested that melatonin might exert a protective effect against the cellular damage induced by free radicals during reperfusion injury. The present article reviews the biological properties of melatonin, and the relationship between this molecule and coronary atherosclerosis and potential therapeutic options with the use of melatonin.