Xie Wen-Qing, Chen Song-Feng, Tao Xiao-Hua, Zhang Li-Yang, Hu Pei-Wu, Pan Wei-Li, Fan Yi-Bin, Li Yu-Sheng
1Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China.
6National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China.
Aging Dis. 2021 Feb 1;12(1):297-307. doi: 10.14336/AD.2020.0519. eCollection 2021 Feb.
Cartilage is a relatively simple connective tissue that plays a variety of roles in the human body, including joint support and protection, load bearing of the intervertebral discs, joint lubrication, formation of the external structure of the ears and nose and support of the trachea. The maintenance of cartilage homeostasis is therefore crucial. Cartilage-related diseases are difficult to diagnose and treat because their molecular and pathological mechanisms are not fully understood. Melatonin, which has a wide range of physiological effects, is an endocrine hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland. Its biological effects include its antioxidant, antiaging, analgesic, and hypnotic effects and its ability to stabilize the circadian rhythm. In recent years, research on cartilage homeostasis and melatonin has been increasing, and melatonin has gradually been used in the treatment of cartilage-related diseases. Therefore, this article will briefly review the role of melatonin in cartilage homeostasis, including its anti-inflammatory effects and effects in protecting cartilage from damage by other factors and promoting chondrocyte growth and the expression of cartilage-related genes. Based on the above, the current status and future developmental direction of melatonin in the treatment of cartilage-related diseases are also discussed, demonstrating the broad prospects of melatonin in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and treating cartilage injury-related diseases.
软骨是一种相对简单的结缔组织，在人体中发挥着多种作用，包括关节支撑与保护、椎间盘承重、关节润滑、耳朵和鼻子外部结构的形成以及气管的支撑。因此，维持软骨内环境稳定至关重要。由于软骨相关疾病的分子和病理机制尚未完全明确，其诊断和治疗都很困难。褪黑素是一种主要由松果体分泌的内分泌激素，具有广泛的生理效应。其生物学效应包括抗氧化、抗衰老、镇痛、催眠作用以及稳定昼夜节律的能力。近年来，关于软骨内环境稳定和褪黑素的研究不断增加，褪黑素已逐渐用于治疗软骨相关疾病。因此，本文将简要综述褪黑素在软骨内环境稳定中的作用，包括其抗炎作用、保护软骨免受其他因素损伤以及促进软骨细胞生长和软骨相关基因表达的作用。基于上述内容，还讨论了褪黑素在治疗软骨相关疾病方面的现状和未来发展方向，展示了褪黑素在维持软骨内环境稳定和治疗软骨损伤相关疾病方面的广阔前景。
