ReviewBiology2026
Melatonin and Mitochondrial Redox Homeostasis in Reproduction: Mechanistic Links Between Circadian Signaling and Fertility Outcomes.
Review in Biology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The pineal gland regulates circadian physiology through the periodic production of melatonin (MLT). In addition to its established role as a chronobiotic agent, MLT regulates redox homeostasis and mitochondrial physiology. Mitochondria and redox-active molecules, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS), play essential roles in reproduction, including gamete physiology, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Although excessive oxidative stress (OS) impairs fertility, controlled ROS signaling is necessary for normal reproductive function. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence regarding MLT as a key intermediary linking circadian signaling with mitochondrial physiology and redox homeostasis. We discuss molecular pathways through which MLT regulates mitochondrial function, including activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, modulation of mitochondrial permeability transition, regulation of electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency, and apoptotic signaling. Furthermore, this study investigates MLT's ability to scavenge free radicals and activate antioxidant defense mechanisms. Moreover, we review novel findings regarding the effects of MLT in experimental animals and humans, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and consider the translational significance of the hormone as an enhancer of fertility. We also highlight gaps in the literature, including methodological inconsistencies, supraphysiologic doses, and insufficient data from large human cohorts. Lastly, we discuss an integrative model whereby MLT may function as an important regulator of mitochondrial redox balance, with potential implications for reproductive physiology and reproductive outcomes, and propose new avenues for investigation.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.