Mitochondrial Quality Control and Melatonin: A Strategy Against Myocardial Injury

Melatonin exhibits various biological functions, including regulation of circadian and endocrine rhythms, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Aging and damaged mitochondria are major sources of oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is crucial for maintaining normal mitochondrial function. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major complication that can arise during reperfusion therapy for coronary heart disease. However, effective intervention strategies are currently lacking. Mitochondrial dysfunction and OS are considered central mechanisms of myocardial reperfusion injury, with mitochondrial-targeted interventions being a potential treatment direction. Recent studies have shown that melatonin improves mitochondrial structure and function through multiple pathways. This review discusses the mechanisms by which melatonin ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, focusing on MQC, and explores its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.