Melatonin and Oral Cavity

Call for Papers

The melatonin, or N-acetil-5-metoxitriptamina was isolated for the first time in 1958; it is a synthesized hormone, secreted by the pineal gland amongst other parts of the organism. Since then, many discoveries have been made regarding its functions in the human being. Also, its response to different systemic pathologies and its applications like a therapeutic weapon in diverse illnesses including those that affect the oral cavity have been studied. This molecule is produced by the human being in physiologic form until the age of 45 approximately, when its production declines as a sign of aging. Amongst its functions, melatonin acts as a cellular protector, inhibiting and neutralizing the production of free radicals. It stimulates the immunologic system, and it accelerates the bony metabolism through the OPG/RANKL/RANK system, stimulating the osteoblasts and inhibiting the osteoblastic action.

As an anti-inflammatory, melatonin acts on ILs (interleukines) and on PGII (prostaglandins). It can be used in periodontal processes, as can be seen when treating osteocalcin and osteopontin among other bony proteins. Recent research on this molecule is focused on cancer, although there are many other research fronts. Research on this topic classifies different types of tumors, including the oral ones, on the expression grade of those receiving MT1 and MT2, specific of the melatonin. The intensity of expression of these tumors can indicate presage of the tumor and treatment possibility with this molecule.

We invite all different authors to send research and review articles that will allow a better understanding of the physiological behavior from melatonin related with the oral cavity and of its utility in the different oral pathologies. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Current state of the use of the melatonin to osteointegration processes and bony regeneration level
  • Use of this molecule in the oral inflammatory processes among others: gingivitis, periodontitis states
  • Melatonin in saliva and potential roles for melatonin in the regulation of salivary secretion as well as in the anti-inflammatory response to salivary gland inflammation
  • Identification, inside the different pathologies of tumors and the presence of MT1 and MT2 in correlation with the graveness of the tumor
  • Capacity of the melatonin to control and to inhibit the production of free radicals at the oral cavity
  • As therapeutic agent, in the herpes virus, sores, candidiasis

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable:

Manuscript DueFriday, 02 December 2011
First Round of ReviewsFriday, 02 March 2012
Publication DateFriday, 01 June 2012

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