Melatonin: Adjunct therapeutics in ovarian endometrioma

Abstract

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) hormone is a methoxyindole primarily released by the pineal gland. Melatonin has dynamic
properties of being a free radical scavenger, inflammatory suppressor, anti-apoptotic agent, reproductive hormone modulator and
mediator of several signaling pathways in female reproductive system. The presence of differential localization of melatonin receptors
in the ovary, influence on the ovarian hormones and ovarian cycle has implied the association between ovarian system and melatonin
both at the pathological and physiological levels. On the other hand, the pathophysiology of ovarian endometrioma is remarked by
various anomalies likely: generation of various reactive oxygen species, followed by follicular damage, oocyte and embryonic defects,
inflammation and apoptosis, which the involvement of melatonin can plausibly counteract. The present review evaluated melatonin’s
probable protective role against ovarian endometrioma via diverse signaling pathways.