Preface

The hormone melatonin is known as the "hormone of darkness" because it is secreted at night. It has a strong antioxidant capacity as well as immune-boosting, anti-neoplastic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. As such, it is effective in the treatment of brain and heart diseases and is beneficial for lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also protects against obesity, diabetes, and brain diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, and epilepsy. It supports the immune system and protects it from infections. It also has an anti-aging effect by preventing free radical damage. This book explains the synthesis and regulation of melatonin as well as its antioxidant effects. It examines the hormone's effects on reproductive physiology, Parkinson's, and breast cancer as well as its role in cardiovascular failure and its importance in animal nutrition.

> **Volkan Gelen** Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiology, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey

#### **Emin Şengül**

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiology, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey

#### **Abdulsamed Kükürt**

Deparment of Biochemistry, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey

**1**

Section 1

Melatonin Structure

and Synthesis

Section 1
