The physiology and pathology of skeletal and cardiac muscle: Beneficial actions of melatonin

The worldwide incidence of striated muscle diseases, including cardiomyopathies and skeletal muscle impairments, is greater than 30% of the population. These categories of diseases have many differences and also multiple similarities; also, what affects one muscle type is often associated with damage to the other as well. Treatment is usually focused on one without addressing the other tissue involved in the disease process; this may make overall treatment less effective. It is important to consider these diseases globally with the intent of improving skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology simultaneously. Melatonin, due to its unrivaled antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, increases muscle satellite cells, improves mitochondrial quality and reduces calcium overload in striated muscle. These actions may make melatonin a viable therapeutic option to satisfactorily not only treat, but also prevent, damage in cardiac as well as skeletal muscle. This review summarizes data from recent published literature that documents the unparalleled potential of melatonin as a useful agent against both skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases.