ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT In this chapter, the function of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and melatonin, and their implications in human health are discussed. Serotonin plays an important role in the regulation of the endogenous circadian clock, depression and insomnia symptoms, migraine, obesity, and alcohol intoxication. In addition, the benecial effects of melatonin in sleep disorders, epilepsy, autism, diabetes, the aging process, and cardiovascular diseases are elaborated on. The relationship between exogenous melatonin administration and treatment of several diseases including AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, elderly
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 447 Serotonin in Humans .............................................................................................................................. 447
Signicance of Tryptophan in Human Nutrition .............................................................................. 447 Serotonin Selectively Modulates Reward Value in Human Decision-Making ................................. 447 Role of Serotonin and Dopamine System Interactions in the Neurobiology of Impulsive Aggression and Its Comorbidity with Other Clinical Disorders ....................................................... 448 Roles of Serotonin in Atherothrombosis, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Related Diseases ...... 448 Role of Serotonin in Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain ......................................................................... 449 Role of Serotonin in Eating Behavior ............................................................................................... 449 Serotonin and Migraine .................................................................................................................... 449 Serotonin and Depression ................................................................................................................. 449 Serotonin and Sleep .......................................................................................................................... 450 Health Benets of Serotonin in Humans .......................................................................................... 450
Melatonin in Humans ............................................................................................................................. 450 Role of Melatonin in Humans ........................................................................................................... 450 Melatonin and Related Diseases ....................................................................................................... 450 Melatonin and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) ............................................................452 Melatonin and Cancer ........................................................................................................................452 Melatonin and Sleep ..........................................................................................................................453 Melatonin and Neurological Conditions ........................................................................................... 454 Melatonin and Diabetes .................................................................................................................... 454 Melatonin and the Reproductive System ...........................................................................................455
Melatonin and Epilepsy ..........................................................................................................................455 Serotonin and Melatonin in Human Nutrition ....................................................................................... 456 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 456 References .............................................................................................................................................. 457
