Reconsidering the Role of Melatonin in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disorder characterized by synovial proliferation and inflammation, with eventual joint destruction if inadequately treated. Modern therapies approved for RA target the proinflammatory cytokines or Janus kinases that mediate the initiation and progression of the disease. However, these agents fail to benefit all patients with RA, and many lose therapeutic responsiveness over time. More effective or adjuvant treatments are needed. Melatonin has shown beneficial activity in several animal models and clinical trials of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, but the role of melatonin is controversial in RA. Some research suggests that melatonin enhances proinflammatory activities and thus promotes disease activity in RA, while other work has documented substantial anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties of melatonin in preclinical models of arthritis. In addition, disturbance of the circadian rhythm is associated with RA development and melatonin has been found to affect clock gene expression in joints of RA. This review summarizes current understanding about the immunopathogenic characteristics of melatonin in RA disease. Comprehensive consideration is required by clinical rheumatologists to balance the contradictory effects.