Plausible therapeutic effects of melatonin and analogs in the dopamine-associated pathophysiology of bipolar disorder
Issued Date
2025-02-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00223956
eISSN
18791379
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85214320810
Journal Title
Journal of Psychiatric Research
Volume
182
Start Page
13
End Page
20
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Psychiatric Research Vol.182 (2025) , 13-20
Suggested Citation
Pe L.S., Pe K.C.S., Panmanee J., Govitrapong P., Yang J.L., Mukda S. Plausible therapeutic effects of melatonin and analogs in the dopamine-associated pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research Vol.182 (2025) , 13-20. 20. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.046 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/102885
Title
Plausible therapeutic effects of melatonin and analogs in the dopamine-associated pathophysiology of bipolar disorder
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a significant neuropsychiatric condition characterized by marked psychological mood disturbances. Despite extensive research on the symptomatology of BD, the mechanisms underlying its development and presentation remain unknown. Consequently, potential treatments are limited, and existing medications often cause significant side effects, leading to treatment discontinuation. Dopamine (DA) has been implicated in behavioral regulation, reward systems, and mood, highlighting the importance of the dopaminergic system in BD. Elevated levels of DA and tyrosine hydroxylase are associated with the onset of manic episodes, whereas reduced levels are linked to the depressive phase. Additionally, endogenous melatonin (MEL) levels are considerably lower in patients with BD. When administered as a treatment, exogenous MEL and MEL agonists improve behavioral characteristics and significantly modulate DA-related pathophysiological pathways in BD, with minimal adverse effects achieved through MEL receptor activation. Moreover, MEL and MEL agonists offer neuroprotection by promoting physiological homeostasis during disruption. The aim of this review is to investigate and propose MEL receptors as potential novel therapeutic targets for BD. This review seeks to analyze the role of MEL and its agonists in modulating dopamine-related pathophysiological pathways, improving behavioral outcomes, and providing neuroprotection with minimal side effects.