A Comprehensive Review of Melatonin as Multi-Pathway Neuroprotectant Against Methamphetamine-Induced Programmed Cell Death: Discovery of the Circadian-Ferroptosis Axis
Issued Date
2026-04-17
Resource Type
eISSN
14248638
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105037096022
Pubmed ID
42037277
Journal Title
Neuro Signals
Volume
33
Issue
1
Start Page
1
End Page
18
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Neuro Signals Vol.33 No.1 (2026) , 1-18
Suggested Citation
Pabalan N., Lapmanee S., Tharabenjasin P., Suntornsaratoon P., Thosingha O., Jenwitheesuk A. A Comprehensive Review of Melatonin as Multi-Pathway Neuroprotectant Against Methamphetamine-Induced Programmed Cell Death: Discovery of the Circadian-Ferroptosis Axis. Neuro Signals Vol.33 No.1 (2026) , 1-18. 18. doi:10.33594/000000861 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116536
Title
A Comprehensive Review of Melatonin as Multi-Pathway Neuroprotectant Against Methamphetamine-Induced Programmed Cell Death: Discovery of the Circadian-Ferroptosis Axis
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Methamphetamine (METH) abuse affects 34 million individuals globally, causing severe neurotoxicity through multiple programmed cell death (PCD) pathways. No approved pharmacotherapies exist. We comprehensively examined melatonin's neuroprotective mechanisms against METH-induced apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. METHODS: A comprehensive review of preclinical studies examining METH neurotoxicity mechanisms and melatonin's protective effects across all PCD pathways. RESULTS: METH activates apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis via distinct molecular pathways. Melatonin inhibits all pathways through antioxidant, mitochondrial, anti-inflammatory, and direct signaling effects. A circadian-ferroptosis axis was identified, linking circadian disruption to ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin exhibits strong multi-target neuroprotection and represents a promising candidate for clinical translation.