Bazı Viral Enfeksiyonlarda Melatoninin Etkileri

Melatonin is an important hormone released by pineal gland that its synthesis is primarily dependent on the  darkness. Melatonin has many functions in the organism, such as the regulation of cardiac rhythm, immunoregulatory  mechanisms,  free-­‐radical  scavenger,  antioxidant  functions,  oncostatic  actions,  control  of  reproductive  functions,  regulation  of  emotions,  and  sleep.  Also,  one  of  the  major  effects  of  melatonin  identified  is  the  activation  of  immune  system  cells  either  directly  or  indirectly,  along  with  being  a  modulator  of  apoptosis  and  a  potent  antioxidant.  In  this  study,  data  collected  on  the  effects  of  melatonin  upon  the  immune  system  functions  as  well  as  the  studies  regarding  the  treatment  options  when  it  is  combined  with  other  drugs  to  combat  with  some  viral  infections  like  Venezuelan  Equine  Encephalitis,  West  Nile  Virus,  Selmiki  Forest  Virus,  Retrovirus,  Respiratory  Syncytial  Virus  and  Mink  Aleutian  Virus  were  reviewed.  In  these  studies,  it  has  been  reported  that  melatonin  was  lowered  the  amount  of  the  virus,  reduced  the  infection  mortality  rate  and  alleviate  the  symptoms  of  the  viral  infections  due  to  the  effects  of  oxidative  stress.  As  a  result,  one  should  keep  in  mind  that  melatonin  could  be  a  supportive  therapy  option  during  the  treatment  of  viral  infections.  Key  words:  Melatonin,  Viral  infections.