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Melatonin Protects Mitochondria From Deleterious Impact of Coronaviruses

New research sheds light on connections between mitochondrial health and performance, melatonin and coronavirus impact, specifically demonstrating how melatonin protects mitochondria, potentially reducing the impact of coronaviruses.

In the study, published by the medical review journal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers found that coronaviruses seem to target the mitochondria and melatonin appears to offer protection against the damage these viruses inflict. The research highlights the fact that in addition to its many other functions within the body, melatonin plays an important role in immune system function.

This deeper understanding of how coronaviruses function on a cellular level and the role of melatonin in mitigating viral damage and preserving immune function may yield more effective Covid-19 treatment options.

Examining Mitochondrial Function

Horizontal In Text Image 24 5Mitochondria are dual membrane wrapped organelles – specialized structures within a cell responsible for specific tasks – and energy production is one of their primary functions within the body. While aiding in the process of metabolizing food into the energy required for the vast number of bodily processes is a primary mitochondrial function, the mitochondria are also essential to innate immunity processes and the calcium exchange process essential to the regulation of cellular metabolic processes.

Signaling or communication within the immune system is another important mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is connected to a wide variety of diseases, including diabetes and other diseases associated with metabolic disorders as well as diseases associated with inflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also associated with such diseases as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The Impact of Coronaviruses on Mitochondria

According to the new research, coronaviruses impact the mitochondria in ways that disrupt its functioning, allowing the virus to replicate more freely. One way these viruses interfere with the functioning of the mitochondria is by interfering with mitochondrial antiviral-signaling proteins (MAVS). These proteins can signal a cell attacked by a virus to self-destruct rather than replicate.

By invading angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, coronaviruses disrupt the regulatory and energy producing functions of the mitochondria. These disruptions, problematic on their own, also divert mitochondrial energy away from fighting the virus.

How Melatonin Protects Mitochondria

Melatonin is most widely recognized for its role in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and promoting the quality sleep essential to good health. However, in the context of how melatonin protects mitochondria, melatonin has a number of important functions.

Long recognized as a powerful antioxidant, as well as for the significant role it plays in the regulation of inflammation, melatonin helps to maintain the structural integrity of the mitochondria via its anti-inflammatory action and its role in regulating cytosolic calcium levels. That anti-inflammatory action is a vital part of preventing the dangerous cytokine storm, a major, out-of-control inflammatory immune response event that can cause organ failure.

According to researchers, melatonin helps to mitigate the damage inflicted by coronavirus via regulatory actions that help maintain cell signaling and support mitochondrial activities, including energy production. Melatonin also has a regulatory role in the mechanical function of the immune system, including the action of natural killer cells. Boosting immune system performance is another way that melatonin serves to protect mitochondrial functions.

Melatonin Levels Decrease With Age

Researchers noted that there may be a melatonin connection to why the coronavirus tends to be more severe in the elderly. As we age, melatonin levels decrease. Naturally, that reduction is going to have consequences. Those consequences can include reduced immune function and decreased mitochondrial health and functioning, impacts that can leave us more vulnerable to the effects of coronaviruses and other health conditions and diseases.

Because this hormone, produced primarily by the brain’s pineal gland, is an essential part of optimal health, it is important to be proactive in maintaining healthy melatonin levels, especially as we move into middle age and beyond.

Maintaining Healthy Melatonin Levels

Horizontal In Text Image 23 5As revealed in the field of chronobiology, a branch of biological study specializing in natural rhythms, many biological processes and functions take place a specific times of the day. Melatonin production tends to take place at night. Light, as well as the lack thereof, is an important environmental cue for its production. Thus, practicing better sleep hygiene and being more light conscious can help improve your melatonin levels.

Set regular hours for sleeping and waking. Avoid bright lights and light from electronic devices in the evening, particularly during the two hours before bedtime. Be physically active in the morning sun, which serves as a valuable environmental cue for better sleep and better melatonin production.

Diet and the timing of meals is also an important aspect. Eliminate highly processed foods from the diet. Eat foods that enhance melatonin production, such as eggs, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, tart cherries and milk. Set regular times for meals and avoid heavy foods in the evening. A melatonin supplement can help boost levels while you work on the lifestyle changes that can naturally improve melatonin levels.

Potential to Improve Coronavirus Treatment

In light of the more in-depth information about how coronaviruses operate on a cellular level and their impact on the mitochondria, researchers are optimistic that their findings on the role of melatonin in helping to protect the mitochondria can yield more effective treatment for Covid-19. The connection to mitochondrial health adds to the importance of maintaining health melatonin levels.

Cancer and the Circadian Clock: Maintaining Balance for Cellular Health

Operating on the approximately 24-hour circadian rhythm that mirrors the earth’s day-night cycle, the circadian clock plays a vital role in regulating the timing of essential bodily processes. As such, the circadian clock is tightly connected to human health. Chronic circadian rhythm disruption, such as that typically experienced by shift workers, significantly increases the risk of cancer, leading to such disruption being classified as a carcinogen. For optimal cellular function and health, it is essential to preserve a healthy circadian rhythm.

How Cancer And the Circadian Clock are Connected

Horizontal In Text Image 24 4Researchers have found significant links between cancer and the circadian clock. These links fall loosely into two groups: increased risk of developing cancer and how well cancer treatments actually work in the fight against the disease. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm impact both cancer risk and treatment effectiveness, according to the results of numerous studies.

The connection between the circadian clock and cancer lies in the role that the circadian clock plays in the function and health of cells. Circadian rhythms are powerful drivers of physical processes, all the way down to the cellular level, with even the functioning of individual cells influenced by circadian rhythms. The circadian clock functions as a master clock, synchronizing the timing functions of all of the body’s individual body clocks, keeping multiple highly complex systems working together as an integrated whole in support of overall health and well-being.

There are a number of ways that disruptions impacting the circadian clock contribute to increased cancer risks. Study results have shown that circadian rhythm disruption is associated with dysfunction in genes that suppress tumor development and growth. Circadian rhythms impact each stage of the cell life cycle, including division and replication, with disruptions potentially having a negative impact on these processes. Chronic circadian disruption can impact hormone production and metabolism, both of which rely on precisely timed chemical reactions, increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast cancer.

Researchers are finding that, when it comes to treating cancer, there are also links between the circadian clock and how well cancer drugs work. Circadian rhythm disruption can decrease the efficacy of cancer treatments by contributing to poor cell function, decreased immune system response and sub-par metabolic system function. Another point of connection between the circadian clock and cancer treatment lies in the element of timing. There is a growing body of evidence that shows the timing of anti-cancer medicines can impact how well they work. Taking medications with a deeper understanding of the diurnal activity pattern of cells can yield better, more efficient results.

Chronotherapy Holds Potential Benefits for Cancer Treatment

Chronobiology is a field of biology focused on the natural rhythms, patterns and timing that support biological functions. This biological field has a broad array of medical applications, often described by the term chronotherapy, with the most familiar being the treatment of sleeping disorders. With the increased body of knowledge surrounding the impact of circadian rhythms on physical functioning and health, the use of chronotherapy in devising treatment plans for other ailments and diseases has expanded to include cancer treatment.

Planning the timing of anti-cancer medications to take advantage of the body’s natural rhythms has shown promise. For example, planning medication use according to peaks and valleys of cellular activity, such as cell growth and repair, DNA repair and metabolic function, can allow those drugs to better achieve their medical goals and potentially reduce the negative impact of drug side effects. Working with a person’s individual circadian rhythm allows treatment to be specifically customized to the individual patient; something that can have a positive impact on treatment success rates.

Chronotherapy can also be used to help restore a more balanced, healthier circadian rhythm. This, in turn, can help strengthen immune response and activate tumor fighting killer cells. Using the information chronobiology provides about the mechanics and timing of metabolism to create a chronotherapy based nutrition plan can be a valuable part of supporting a healthy circadian rhythm, a strong immune system and overall cellular health and functioning, all of which are essential to cancer treatment success.

Protect Your Circadian Clock and Your Health

Horizontal In Text Image 23 4A healthy circadian rhythm is the key element in protecting the functioning of your circadian clock. By protecting the functioning of your circadian clock, you help protect your health. Establish regular waking and sleeping times, going to bed and getting up at the same time daily, even on days off from work.

Light, physical activity and food intake are among the most important cues for your circadian rhythm. Keep your meal times regular and avoid heavy evening meals, especially within two hours of bedtime. Eat nutritious, whole foods and avoid highly processed foods. Get enough physical activity daily, making a special effort to get some of that activity outside in the morning sun.

Understanding the Link Between Melatonin and Heart Disease

While most people rightfully look at melatonin as a hormone that is instrumental in regulating sleep cycles, its benefits stretch well beyond getting a good night of rest. Recent research into melatonin and heart disease has provided more clues as to how melatonin can help to negate some of the risks of heart disease. This hormone could be the key for some people in managing a host of risks and illnesses associated with cardiovascular issues.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease

Horizontal In Text Image 24 3Cardiovascular disease (CVD), otherwise known as heart disease, is the most common cause of death worldwide. It is now estimated that over 17 million deaths occur yearly as a result of cardiovascular disease. This term covers a wide spectrum of health issues, including general heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia of the heart and heart valve issues.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease

There are several risk factors that may increase the odds that you develop CVD. The older that you are, the more likely that you are to start exhibiting signs of heart disease. Genetics can also play a role in contributing to the incidence of high blood pressure and the corresponding onset of heart disease.

While you cannot control your age and genetic risk factors, you can control the lifestyle choices that raise the odds that you develop CVD. This includes the use of tobacco, drinking too much alcohol, eating a diet too high in saturated fat and cholesterol and not getting enough physical exercise.

Now that you know the risk factors associated with CVD, let’s take a look at the symptoms of this often deadly disease. The most commonly reported symptoms of heart disease include chest pain and pressure, shortness of breath, numbness and weakness in the arms and legs, dizziness, lightheadedness and swelling in the lower extremities. You should always seek medical help immediately if you notice any of these acute symptoms of heart disease as it can be the sign of an impending heart attack.

Link Between Melatonin and Heart Disease

Because of its far-reaching effects, everyone would be wise to consider what they can do to help to prevent the onset of CVD. The promising news is that because of its prevalence, there has been an astounding amount of research that has gone into understanding CVD and how to mitigate its effects.

One of the most encouraging pieces of research surrounds the link between melatonin and heart disease. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body. However, it is also possible to introduce melatonin into the body in supplement form. Recent studies continue to support the idea that melatonin can be used both as a preventative measure and as an adjunct treatment for CVD.

The heart is vulnerable to damage from chemicals in the environment or other diseases, such as diabetes. However, melatonin has been shown to be able to protect the heart against some of these strikes, particularly when it comes to damage that occurs at the mitochondrial level throughout the body.

In addition, melatonin has been shown to be helpful in regulating blood pressure. It is normal for an individual’s blood pressure to fluctuate throughout a 24-hour day-night cycle. Scientists have discovered that people who see a greater dip in blood pressure overnight tend to have a lower death rate attributed to cardiovascular issues. The use of melatonin supplements can encourage the nocturnal dip in blood pressure. In turn, this regulation of blood pressure promotes good heart health.

By offering protection against oxidative stress, melatonin can also guard the heart against further injury during a heart attack event. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin may deliver protection from extensive cell damage that typically occurs after a heart attack or a stroke.

Conflicting Data Relating to Antioxidant Abilities of Melatonin

It is important to note that there is conflicting data relating to the ability of melatonin to offer cardiovascular protection because of its antioxidant properties. While scientists are certain that melatonin can improve the outcome in heart attacks and other cardiovascular events, it seems that this is not necessarily because of its antioxidant abilities.

Horizontal In Text Image 23 3A 2019 study in rats demonstrated that the protective abilities that melatonin provides the heart are a result of its antiarrhythmic action and not the antioxidant properties. Understanding both the benefits and the limitations to the role that melatonin may play in the prevention and treatment of CVD is crucial in knowing how to best use it for health gains.

The Bottom Line on Melatonin and Heart Disease

The bottom line is that melatonin may play an instrumental role in helping to ward off cardiovascular disease. Because melatonin has been proven to be extremely safe, it is worth exploring how this supplement may be able to boost your overall health while also regulating your sleep cycle. With so many health benefits credited to melatonin, it is worth your time to do more research to understand the various ways that you can improve your health and well-being by supporting healthy melatonin levels in your body.

Scientific Views on the Origin of Sleep

It is a classic “chicken-or-egg” argument: What came first in the evolutionary development of all species of animals — sleep or the brain? When looking at the origin of sleep, the question often leads to speculation about the evolution of this imperative biological act. New research continues to shed light on this fascinating debate.

Sleep is Universal

One thing that is clearly understood is that sleep is universal in the animal kingdom. Scientists have had a challenging time finding animals that do not need sleep. While some species spend nearly the entirety of their lives in slumber, other animals can get by with just an hour of sleep per 24-hour cycle. However, the universal truth is that sleep and the need to rest comes in one way or another.

Role of Sleep in Evolution

Horizontal In Text Image 23Research has demonstrated that sleep may have evolved as a means for animals to conserve and restore energy stores. Even simple invertebrates exhibit the need to rest similar to the sleep patterns of the most complex organisms.

For example, fruit flies show well-defined circadian rhythms that mimic the rest patterns of humans. These simple flies rest for approximately 10 hours per day. If they are not able to get that length of rest, they will make it up at a later time, pointing to the fact that the rest is an essential biological function.

The need for fruit flies to make up the sleep is similar to the human need to catch up on those zzz’s after a restless night. Scientists have also discovered that like more complex vertebrates, invertebrates also exhibit neural activity that is similar to what happens in the brains of vertebrates when they are sleeping.

In light of these similarities, scientists have been able to deduce that sleep is an evolutionary process that emerged over half a billion years ago. Because animals have evolved over the centuries, it appears as if these forms of sleep have also evolved along with the natural evolution of species.

Research Confirms Origin of Sleep

While scientists have hypothesized for years that the need to sleep is universal throughout all types of animals, there is now evidence that points to the idea that animals acquired the need to sleep before even acquiring a brain.

In a recent study published last fall in the journal Science Advances, a team of researchers detailed how they were able to better understand the origin of the need for sleep in animals by looking at tiny hydras. This minuscule water-dwelling species of animal is so simple that it does not even have a brain. However, the researchers were able to prove that this animal still shows signs of going in and out of a sleep-like state despite the fact that it does not have a central nervous system.

Hydras measure just a few centimeters long. While their bodies are home to a network of nerves, they do not have the central nervous system associated with a brain. Sleep in most other types of animals is usually measured in brain waves. However, this is not possible when looking at small and brainless creatures such as hydras. Because of this limitation, the scientists leaned on a video system to track the movements of the hydras. This helped them to determine if the animal was in a sleep-like or waking state.

While most animals exhibit a 24-hour circadian rhythm, the scientists were able to discern that the hydras had a four-hour cycle that moved in and out of active and sleep-like states. Additionally, the researchers learned that there were similar patterns of sleep regulation on both the molecular and genetic levels, despite the fact that hydras have no brain.

For example, when exposed to melatonin and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, the hydras experienced a moderate increase in sleep frequency and duration of restfulness. Conversely, exposing the hydras to the arousing stimulant dopamine worked to promote more sleep cycles in the hydras.

Horizontal In Text Image 24Lastly, scientists were able to successfully disrupt the sleep cycles of the hydras using vibrations or by changing the temperature of the water. When the cycles were thrown into disarray, the hydras slept longer afterward to catch up on the rest that they missed because of the disruption.

This new research complements existing knowledge that showed that jellyfish also exhibit periods of rest in the absence of a formal central nervous system and brain. The takeaway from this research is that animals likely acquired all of the sleep-related mechanisms before the central nervous system developed.

Why This Knowledge is Important

So why is understanding the origin of sleep so important? As scientists learn more about the evolution of sleep, it also helps them to learn more about the function of this critical biological action. This knowledge helps medical researchers to understand more about sleep disorders so that they can treat them more effectively.

With the prevalence of sleep disorders throughout the population, the more that it is understood about this vital body function, the better that scientists will be able to provide treatments for those in need.

The Chronodiet: The Ultimate Meal Timing Plan

One of the most important things we can learn from chronobiology is that while the majority of us may live an urban, gleamingly modern lifestyle, we cannot really separate ourselves from the ancient, more agrarian rhythms we evolved to over countless generations. Not if we hope to achieve and maintain optimal health and fitness, that is. These rhythms are encoded in us on the most basic levels, making up the very mechanics of how our bodies work, including how we metabolize the food we eat into the energy that fuels all bodily processes. Tightly tuned to the daily rhythms of metabolism, a chronobiology based meal timing plan can be a real game-changer for improving fitness and health.

In Good Time

Horizontal In Text Image 19 3Chronobiology dives deep, all the way down to the timing of the actions of an individual cell. The influence of chronobiology is broad, encompassing all life on Earth, from the simplest single-cell organism to the highly complex systems that make up a human being. In short, timing is essential when it comes to maximizing your health and well-being. That is especially true when it comes to the metabolism of food, a highly complex process involving an almost uncountable number of chemical interactions and reactions.

The overarching timing of metabolism is driven by circadian rhythms, which operate in an approximately 24-hour cycle. Based upon the cycle of day and night and sensitive to such powerful environmental cues as light and physical activity, the circadian rhythm influences the timing of most bodily processes, including the production of essential metabolic system hormones, including insulin and melatonin. The mechanics of metabolism evolved in tune with this rhythm; a rhythm that is often disrupted by modern living and eating patterns, contributing to the global epidemic of obesity and other metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Meal Timing Matters

Nutritional content is just part of what is important when it comes to meal planning. There is a growing consensus in the medical science community that the timing of meals is also important. Nighttime eating has long been associated with a higher risk of obesity. Excess weight drives up the risk of developing a broad range of diseases and chronic health conditions, ranging from type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and joint problems to mobility issues, respiratory conditions and even certain types of cancers. In general, obesity is very hard on overall health and well-being.

Our bodies have evolved to a more natural rhythm of eating to fuel physical activity during daylight hours and sleeping at night, which is when restorative processes, such as healing and growth, take place. The pattern of action displayed by insulin in shifting glucose to the cells offers a good example of that. Insulin functions more efficiently during the day. Modern living patterns disrupt that rhythm. Shift workers are more likely to have disordered meal timing, disrupted circadian rhythms, higher rates of obesity and increased disease and metabolic disorder risks. A meal timing plan can help you improve health by working effectively with how your body and its systems are designed to operate.

The Chronodiet: A a Chronobiology Based Meal Timing Plan

When planning meals from the perspective of chronobiology, it all comes down to the right elements – proteins, fats and carbohydrates – at the right times. The Chronodiet was developed with this principle in mind. Plan for well-timed carbohydrates to make up about 40 percent of your daily diet, with about 30 percent resting upon quality proteins and about 30 percent based on healthy fats. You’ll have more success using high quality carbohydrates, as opposed to highly processed foods, and real, whole food.

Schedule your meals about five hours apart. Make your calories count by avoiding empty calories that offer little nutritional value. That way, you’ll find it much easier to avoid snacking between meals, allowing you to succeed at the intermittent fasting that is a part of this approach to meal planning. And, remember, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, setting the stage for how your body’s metabolism will operate for the day. Don’t skip it, because the bulk of your daily food intake is best eaten early in the day.

Horizontal In Text Image 20 3Breakfast is a great time for carbohydrates to fuel the day. Choose whole grains because they’re better carbs. Add some higher fat proteins and you’re ready to greet the day. When lunch time rolls around, you can include carbohydrates, but make sure to also include protein and vegetables. At dinnertime, the starring role should be given to high quality protein with some vegetables. Carbohydrates are better eaten earlier in the day. Don’t eat after dinner. That is especially true of carbohydrates. Water is the perfect between meal beverage.

Enjoy Your Well-Timed Dining

Whether choosing a diet for health, weight loss or both, it’s important that you enjoy it. You increase the likelihood of reaching your health and fitness goals if you enjoy the process. After all, a change of diet is really a change of lifestyle and you’ll be more likely to stick to it if you can take pleasure in that new way of living. Try some of the recipes below for a delicious start to your healthier Chronodiet meal planning.

Chocolate Granola (Breakfast)

Horizontal In Text Image 21 1INGREDIENTS

  • 4 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup slivered almonds (or your preferred nuts)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut (or 1/2 cup shredded coconut)
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, almonds, cocoa powder and sea salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate mixing cup, stir together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined.  Pour the coconut oil mixture into the oats mixture, and stir until evenly combined.
  4. Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.  Remove from the oven, give the mixture a good stir and sprinkle the coconut evenly on top.  Bake for 5 more minutes, until the granola is lightly toasted and golden.
  5. Remove baking sheet from the oven and transfer to a wire baking rack.  Let cool until the granola reaches room temperature.  Then stir in the chocolate chips and/or any other add-ins that you prefer.
  6. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Carrot Pumpkin Soup (Lunch)

Vertical In Text Image 1INGREDIENTS

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 cup pumpkin, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium parsley root, chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 and 1/2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence spice mix
  • 1/2 cup half and half cream + 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • pinch of chilli powder, to taste
  • fresh herbs and roasted sunflower seeds, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add pumpkin, parsley root and carrot, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add vegetable stock and Herbes de Provence spice mix and stir together. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove the soup from heat. Using an immersion blender or food processor, pulse until smooth.
  4. Add cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of powdered chilli (you can skip this if you cannot handle an little kick of heat).
  5. Transfer to 6 serving bowls, decorate with a swirl of cream, herbs and sunflower seeds. Serve hot.

Pork Medallions (Dinner)

Horizontal In Text Image 22 1INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 (1-lb.) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut crosswise into 12 medallions
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Arrange pork medallions in a single layer on a work surface, and press each with the palm of your hand to flatten to an even thickness.
  2. Combine salt, garlic powder, and pepper; sprinkle evenly over pork. Add pork to skillet in a single layer; cook just until done, about 3 minutes per side
  3. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.

 

Other interesting websites from Medichron Publications

General information

healthypregnancy.com
fertilitytips.com

 

andromenopause.com

Professional audience

melatoninfacts.org
serotoninfacts.org

 

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