Melatonin is a multifunctional signalling molecule that is secreted by the mammalian pineal gland, and also found in a number of organisms including plants and bacteria. Research has continued to uncover an ever-increasing number of processes in which melatonin is known to play crucial roles in mammals. Amongst these functions is its contribution to cell multiplication, differentiation and survival in the brain. Experimental studies show that melatonin can achieve these functions by influencing transcription factors which control neuronal and glial gene expression. Since neuronal survival and differentiation are processes that are important determinants of the pathogenesis, course and outcome of neurodegenerative disorders; the known and potential influences of melatonin on neuronal and glial transcription factors are worthy of constant examination. In this review, relevant scientific literature on the role of melatonin in preventing or altering the course and outcome of neurodegenerative disorders, by focusing on melatonin’s influence on transcription factors is examined. A number of transcription factors whose functions can be influenced by melatonin in neurodegenerative disease models have also been highlighted. Finally, the therapeutic implications of melatonin’s influences have also been discussed and the potential limitations to its applications have been highlighted.

褪黑素是一种多功能的信号分子，由哺乳动物的松果体分泌，并且还存在于包括植物和细菌在内的许多生物中。研究继续发现越来越多的过程，其中褪黑激素在哺乳动物中起着至关重要的作用。在这些功能中，其对脑细胞增殖，分化和存活的贡献。实验研究表明，褪黑激素可以通过影响控制神经元和神经胶质基因表达的转录因子来实现这些功能。由于神经元的存活和分化是过程，是神经退行性疾病的发病机制，病程和结局的重要决定因素；褪黑素对神经元和神经胶质转录因子的已知和潜在影响值得不断研究。在这篇综述中，研究了有关褪黑激素在预防或改变神经退行性疾病的病程和结局中的作用的相关科学文献，重点研究了褪黑激素对转录因子的影响。在神经退行性疾病模型中，许多转录因子的功能可能会受到褪黑激素的影响。最后，还讨论了褪黑激素影响的治疗意义，并强调了其应用的潜在局限性。通过重点研究褪黑激素对转录因子的影响。在神经退行性疾病模型中，许多转录因子的功能可能会受到褪黑激素的影响。最后，还讨论了褪黑激素影响的治疗意义，并强调了其应用的潜在局限性。通过重点研究褪黑激素对转录因子的影响。在神经退行性疾病模型中，许多转录因子的功能可能会受到褪黑激素的影响。最后，还讨论了褪黑激素影响的治疗意义，并强调了其应用的潜在局限性。