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Update in glaucoma medicinal chemistry: emerging evidence for the importance of melatonin analogues.

Current medicinal chemistry
January 1, 2012
A Crooke et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to review the potential of melatonin and its analogues as novel ocular hypotensive drugs for glaucoma treatment, focusing on their molecular targets and pharmacological characteristics.

Results Summary

Melatonin and its analogues effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits, monkeys, and humans, with indications of long-term hypotensive effects and neuroprotective benefits. Additionally, melatonin analogues may offer antidepressant and circadian rhythm normalization benefits for glaucoma patients.

Population

Rabbits, monkeys, and humans (glaucoma patients).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (4)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
α(2)-adrenergic agonists, β(2)-adrenergic antagonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and hypotensive lipids
decrease
intraocular pressure
glaucoma patients
-
IOP-lowering
#1
Melatonin and its analogues
decrease
IOP
rabbits, monkeys and humans
-
potently reduce
#2
melatoninergic substances
increase
neuroprotection
-
-
proven neuroprotective role
#3
melatonin analogues
improve
mood and circadian rhythm
glaucoma patients
-
antidepressant and normalizing circadian rhythm actions
#4
Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy, which can result in visual impairment and blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor. Several recent studies have shown the benefits of IOP reduction in open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, current glaucoma drugs are IOP-lowering substances such as α(2)-adrenergic agonists, β(2)-adrenergic antagonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and hypotensive lipids, which are used separately or in combination. In spite of the wide variety of antiglaucoma medicines, all therapies have several undesirable side effects. As a consequence, there are constant research attempts on the discovery of novel ocular hypotensive drugs. In the current paper, we review the latest available patents and literature for the pharmacological treatment of glaucoma, focusing on their molecular targets and/or their chemical characteristics and especially directed to melatoninergic drugs. Melatonin is a hormone secreted into the blood mainly from the pineal gland allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. Melatonin and its analogues potently reduce IOP in rabbits, monkeys and humans. In addition, there are indications of long-term hypotensive effects and a proven neuroprotective role of melatoninergic substances. Furthermore, antidepressant and normalizing circadian rhythm actions of melatonin analogues might be beneficial for glaucoma patients. All the above mentioned facts suggest these agents as proper candidates for the glaucoma treatment. Consequently, the scientific research has given new and significant progress on the development of new, potent and selective melatonin ligands.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AnimalsChemistry, PharmaceuticalGlaucomaHumansIntraocular PressureMelatoninMolecular Structure
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations21
Citations/Year1.6
Relative Citation Ratio0.82
NIH Percentile42.9%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score0.69
Normalized Score0.69
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