Melatonin and Lipid Peroxidation: Antioxidant Shield and Therapeutic Potential

Melatonin, a highly conserved indoleamine produced by the pineal gland and also in the mitochondria of many, perhaps all, extrapineal tissues, has emerged as a powerful antioxidant molecule. This review explores its role in counteracting lipid peroxidation (LP), a process that damages cellular membranes through the oxidative degradation of lipids. LP is involved in numerous pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and aging. The article discusses how melatonin prevents, mitigates, or even reverses LP-induced cellular damage by acting as both a direct free radical scavenger and as an indirect regulator of antioxidant enzymes. A key point is melatonin's amphiphilic nature, which enables it to access both lipid and aqueous cellular compartments, allowing for broad protection and supporting its diverse antioxidant, cytoprotective, and regulatory functions within the cell. Melatonin and its metabolites, such as N¹-acetyl-N²-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine and N¹-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine, interact with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), effectively reducing the LP chain reaction. This series of protective actions is known as the melatonin antioxidant cascade. This highlights that melatonin not only inhibits the initiation and propagation phases of LP but may also contribute to the repair of oxidized membrane components. We further summarize the experimental and clinical evidence supporting melatonin's therapeutic potential in conditions in which LP plays a central role. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its synthesis in multiple tissues, combined with its low toxicity and minimal side effects, make it a promising therapeutic candidate. Additionally, melatonin modulates mitochondrial function and membrane fluidity, offering additional protection against oxidative stress. This positions melatonin not just as a passive antioxidant, but as an active therapeutic agent against oxidative damage. We advocate for deeper exploration of melatonin-based therapies in LP-driven diseases, proposing it as a multifunctional molecule with significant clinical value.