Possible Application of Melatonin in Long COVID.
Daniel P CardinaliGregory M BrownSeithikurippu R Pandi-PerumalPublished in: Biomolecules (2022)
Clinical sequelae and symptoms for a considerable number of COVID-19 patients can linger for months beyond the acute stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection, "long COVID". Among the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, cognitive issues (especially memory loss or "brain fog"), chronic fatigue, myalgia, and muscular weakness resembling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are of importance. Melatonin may be particularly effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory agent. Melatonin is also a chronobiotic medication effective in treating delirium and restoring the circadian imbalance seen in COVID patients in the intensive care unit. Additionally, as a cytoprotector, melatonin aids in the prevention of several COVID-19 comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular diseases. This narrative review discusses the application of melatonin as a neuroprotective agent to control cognitive deterioration ("brain fog") and pain in the ME/CFS syndrome-like documented in long COVID. Further studies on the therapeutic use of melatonin in the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are warranted.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- coronavirus disease
- cerebral ischemia
- metabolic syndrome
- cardiovascular disease
- anti inflammatory
- sleep quality
- chronic pain
- healthcare
- white matter
- resting state
- oxidative stress
- drug induced
- depressive symptoms
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- coronary artery disease
- liver failure
- blood brain barrier
- ischemia reperfusion injury
- skeletal muscle
- emergency department
- body composition
- cardiovascular risk factors
- resistance training
- insulin resistance
- intensive care unit
- adverse drug
- spinal cord
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
- electronic health record
- case control