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Melatonin may decrease risk for and aid treatment of COVID-19 and other RNA viral infections
NIH ^ | No date provided | National Institute of health James J DiNicolantonio, Mark McCarty, and Jorge Barroso-Aranda

Posted on 09/07/2021 1:04:45 PM PDT by NoLibZone

Abstract

A recent retrospective study has provided evidence that COVID-19 infection may be notably less common in those using supplemental melatonin. It is suggested that this phenomenon may reflect the fact that, via induction of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1), melatonin can upregulate K63 polyubiquitination of the mitochondrial antiviral-signalling protein, thereby boosting virally mediated induction of type 1 interferons. Moreover, Sirt1 may enhance the antiviral efficacy of type 1 interferons by preventing hyperacetylation of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), enabling its retention in the nucleus, where it promotes transcription of interferon-inducible genes. This nuclear retention of HMGB1 may also be a mediator of the anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin therapy in COVID-19—complementing melatonin’s suppression of nuclear factor kappa B activity and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. If these speculations are correct, a nutraceutical regimen including vitamin D, zinc and melatonin supplementation may have general utility for the prevention and treatment of RNA virus infections, such as COVID-19 and influenza.

Keywords: coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, coronary vessels Melatonin supplementation may reduce risk for COVID-19

A retrospective analysis of 791 intubated patients with COVID-19 has found that, after adjustment for pertinent demographics and comorbidities, those treated with melatonin had a markedly lower risk for mortality (HR: 0.131, 95% CI: 0.076 to 0.223)—suggestive of a profound anti-inflammatory benefit.1 Such an effect might be anticipated, in light of melatonin’s ability to upregulate expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1)—a deacetylase that is known to suppress the activity of the proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) transcription factor—and also upregulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which promotes the transcription of a range of antioxidant proteins.2–4 Moreover, recent epidemiology suggests that melatonin usage may reduce the risk for contracting COVID-19. A recent retrospective study, examining data from 26 799 subjects in a COVID-19 registry and using propensity score matching to account for a range of covariates, found that current supplementation with melatonin was associated with a significant 28% reduction in risk for serologically detectible COVID-19 infection. Among Black Americans, this reduction in risk was a remarkable 52% (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.75).5 The basis of this decrease in risk for COVID-19 is unclear, especially since Sirt1 activity, which melatonin promotes, is known to transcriptionally upregulate expression of ACE2—the cellular membrane receptor for COVID-19.6 7

Melatonin-induced Sirt1 may boost virally mediated mitochondrial antiviral-signalling (MAVS) activation

Here is a possible explanation. Melatonin, via its membrane receptors, induces nuclear translocation of the transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα); RORα, in turn, promotes transcription of the gene encoding the clock transcription factor brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1). Bmal1 upregulates transcriptionally the expression of a number of proteins, including Sirt1 and Nrf2.2 8 9 The MAVS protein is a key mediator in the pathway of double-strand RNA sensing that leads to activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and induction of type 1 interferons; its K63 polyubiquitination via TRIM31 triggered by upstream detectors of cytosolic double-stranded RNA, such as melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 and RIG1, enable it to form multimers that promote activating phosphorylation of IRF3, which in turn induces the type 1 interferons.10–12 But the ubiquitinase ovarian tumour ubiquitinase 3 (OTUD3) opposes this activation by deubiquitinating MAVS.13 The activity of OTUD3 in this regard hinges on acetylation of its Lys129; Sirt1 can remove this acetyl group, turn off OTUD3 activity and thereby upregulate viral activation of MAVS and type 1 interferon induction.13 For reasons still unclear, RNA viral infection causes Sirt1 to associate with OTUD3, such that the latter is deacetylated and thereby inactivated, enabling the K63 polyubiquitination of MAVS and subsequent multimer formation.13 figure 1 attempts to clarify these relationships.

The net effect of Sirt1 on interferon-mediated antiviral immunity is however complicated by the fact that Sirt1 inhibits NF-kappaB’s transcriptional activity; NF-kappaB also functions downstream from MAVS to promote the induction of type 1 interferons.11 14 15 The cellular response to RNA viruses typically activates IRF3, NF-kappaB, ATF2 and c-Jun, all of which can bind to the promoter of the interferon-β gene and promote its transcription. However, there is evidence that activation of IRF3, in the absence of NF-kappaB, ATF2 or c-Jun activation, can drive transcription of the interferon-β gene.16 Notably, in HEK293T cells infected with Sendai virus, transfection with Sirt1 more than doubles the mRNA expression of interferon-β1, despite the potential inhibitory impact of Sirt1 on NF-kappaB activity.13 Analogously, resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, doubles interferon-β mRNA induction in Huh7 cells infected with dengue virus.17

In light of the fact that melatonin enhances Sirt1 expression via activation of Bmal1, it is pertinent that knockout of Bmal1 in mice impairs their ability to control pulmonary infections with the Sendai and influenza RNA viruses.18

Sirt1 may also amplify response to interferons by preventing nuclear export of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)

Sirt1 activity may also boost the antiviral response triggered by type 1 interferons. In response to inflammatory signals or certain viral infections, the damage-associated molecular pattern protein HMGB1 is hyperacetylated, causing its export from the nucleus and enabling its release from the cell.19 The p300/CBP-associated factor acetylase complex can mediate this acetylation, as has been demonstrated in dengue virus-infected cells.20 By reversing such acetylation, Sirt1 tends to keep this protein confined to the nucleus, where it has been shown to boost the transcription of type 1 interferon-stimulated antiviral genes.17 21 22 In this regard, HMGB1 has been shown to associate with the promoter region of the interferon-stimulated gene MxA.17 Indeed, the acetylation of HMGB1, triggered by viral infection, may represent a viral stratagem for suppressing expression of these antiviral genes. Hence, measures which enhance Sirt1 activity may both potentiate RNA virus-mediated induction of interferon-β and also render cells more sensitive to the antiviral activity of this cytokine. Figure 1 summarises these pathways.


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: melatonin; melatonincovid
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This article also talks about the use of zinc quercetin and vitamin D three helping to fight off Covid. Very lengthy article.
1 posted on 09/07/2021 1:04:45 PM PDT by NoLibZone
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To: NoLibZone

A Dr from the Texags site was advocating melatonin early on last year to combat covid


2 posted on 09/07/2021 1:07:31 PM PDT by RummyChick (Bagram was the most logical exit point. Stand up and justify your decision (hat tip Larrytown))
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To: NoLibZone
"melatonin can upregulate K63 polyubiquitination of the mitochondrial antiviral-signalling protein, thereby boosting virally mediated induction of type 1 interferons."

Looks like your mother was right!

3 posted on 09/07/2021 1:07:52 PM PDT by billorites (freepo ergo sum)
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To: NoLibZone

Has the NIH recommended Ivermectin or republished any of the many studies showing it is effective against Covid?

Nope.


4 posted on 09/07/2021 1:08:02 PM PDT by datura (The voice that brought you peace has nothing left to say.)
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To: NoLibZone

melatonin: 36–72 mg per day given in four divided doses


5 posted on 09/07/2021 1:11:26 PM PDT by Mount Athos
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To: NoLibZone

YEARBOOK OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 36:33-58 (1993)

Melanin, Afrocentricity, and Pseudoscience BERNARD R. ORTIZ DE MONTELLANO Anthropology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48228

KEY WORDS olution Melanin, Afrocentric, Pseudoscience, P-MSH, Melatonin, Ev- ABSTRACT A component of the Afrocentric movement has incorporated a theory that black people, including ancient Egyptians, have superior men- tal, physical, and paranormal powers because they have more melanin both in their skin and in their brains.

By extension it is also claimed that black people have more melatonin and P-MSH in their systems and that these compounds also contribute to the superiority of people of color over whites. In this paper, these claims are detailed and refuted.

A review of the genetics and biochemistry of human pigmentation shows that all humans have sim- ilar amounts of neuromelanin (brain melanin), and that its concentration is absolutely independent of skin color; that adult humans do not synthesize P-MSH; and that human melatonin has no clearly demonstrable physiological function and no relationship to skin color.

“Melanists” also distort human evolution by claiming that European whites are descendants of negroid albinos.

The main problems posed by this ideological movement are that it will increase the already rampant scientific illiteracy in this country, it will contribute to further widening the gap between the races, and, most importantly, it is being introduced into the public school curriculum under the guise of multicultural education.


6 posted on 09/07/2021 1:11:26 PM PDT by algore ( )
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To: RummyChick

When I contracted COVID late last October, I contacted my family doctor because I am a heart patient that had bypass surgery at the end of 2017.

In addition to C/D/ Zinc, he recommended 5/10 MG Melatonin at night and 20 mg Pepcid twice a day. It was just like a bad cold to me. Headache 1 day. No fever and never lost taste and smell. I did not have the terrible fatigue that many have, either.


7 posted on 09/07/2021 1:15:20 PM PDT by RatRipper ( Democrats and socialists are vile liars, thdieves and murderers - enemies of good and America.)
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To: NoLibZone

Melatonin might also give you horrific, vivid nightmares...


8 posted on 09/07/2021 1:15:40 PM PDT by EEGator
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To: Mount Athos
melatonin: 36–72 mg per day given in four divided doses


9 posted on 09/07/2021 1:16:58 PM PDT by GOPmember
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To: Mount Athos

Whoa, that’ll knock you out good

Most protocols call for 6-12 mg

Better check that dose, publish a link


10 posted on 09/07/2021 1:17:02 PM PDT by silverleaf (In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act)
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To: NoLibZone

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!


11 posted on 09/07/2021 1:17:08 PM PDT by Honorary Serb (Kosovo is Serbia! Free Srpska! Abolish ICTY!)
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To: NoLibZone

I tried melatonin years ago. I think it increased my bp. Anyone else have any negative side effects?


12 posted on 09/07/2021 1:23:35 PM PDT by WHATNEXT?
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To: EEGator
Melatonin might also give you horrific, vivid nightmares...

I could get those just by watching CNN. I don't even need to be asleep!

13 posted on 09/07/2021 1:24:19 PM PDT by null and void (No jab/no job=only the compliant can work, they won't spread dangerous ideas around the workplace!)
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To: NoLibZone
...melatonin can upregulate K63 polyubiquitination of the mitochondrial antiviral-signalling protein, thereby boosting virally mediated induction of type 1 interferons.

Precisely why I take it. Also, it helps me get to sleep.

14 posted on 09/07/2021 1:24:21 PM PDT by TChad (The MSM, having nuked its own credibility, is now bombing the rubble.)
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To: WHATNEXT?

See my post 8.


15 posted on 09/07/2021 1:26:12 PM PDT by EEGator
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To: WHATNEXT?

As already mentioned..nightmares.


16 posted on 09/07/2021 1:28:54 PM PDT by sanjuanbob (Do NOT buy Chinese ProductsI)
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To: NoLibZone

look for the demonization and ridicule of melatonin to begin

and calls for only doctors to prescribe it


17 posted on 09/07/2021 1:31:19 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not Averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: sanjuanbob

i took a mild dose. maybe 3mg . crazy nightmares

had to stop after a few times

will take it if I get covid


18 posted on 09/07/2021 1:33:49 PM PDT by RummyChick (Bagram was the most logical exit point. Stand up and justify your decision (hat tip Larrytown))
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To: EEGator

I have to take my NAC in the daytime, because my dreams are too vivid when I take it at night. Also take a time-released version of melatonin. No problems so far.


19 posted on 09/07/2021 1:35:08 PM PDT by FamiliarFace
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To: NoLibZone

Page 10 says “Published online 2021 Mar 19.”


20 posted on 09/07/2021 1:35:56 PM PDT by FamiliarFace
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