Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Molecules. 2018 Jan 31;23(2):301. doi: 10.3390/molecules23020301.
The pineal gland is a unique organ that synthesizes melatonin as the signaling molecule of natural photoperiodic environment and as a potent neuronal protective antioxidant. An intact and functional pineal gland is necessary for preserving optimal human health. Unfortunately, this gland has the highest calcification rate among all organs and tissues of the human body. Pineal calcification jeopardizes melatonin's synthetic capacity and is associated with a variety of neuronal diseases. In the current review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of how this process may occur under pathological conditions or during aging. We hypothesized that pineal calcification is an active process and resembles in some respects of bone formation. The mesenchymal stem cells and melatonin participate in this process. Finally, we suggest that preservation of pineal health can be achieved by retarding its premature calcification or even rejuvenating the calcified gland.
松果体是一个独特的器官，它合成褪黑素作为自然光周期环境的信号分子，也是一种有效的神经元保护抗氧化剂。一个完整和功能正常的松果体对于保持人体的最佳健康是必要的。不幸的是，这个腺体是人体所有器官和组织中钙化率最高的。松果体钙化危及褪黑素的合成能力，并与多种神经疾病有关。在本综述中，我们总结了在病理条件下或衰老过程中这一过程可能发生的潜在机制。我们假设松果体钙化是一个活跃的过程，在某些方面类似于骨形成。间充质干细胞和褪黑素参与了这个过程。最后，我们建议通过延缓其过早钙化甚至使钙化的腺体年轻化来保持松果体的健康。
