RT Book, Section
T1 Exploring melatonin as a therapeutic approach for mustard vesicants
A1 Ramos Alonso, Eva
A1 Sola Vendrell, Emma
A1 Morales García, José Ángel
A1 De Los Ríos, Cristóbal
A1 Arribas, Raquel L.
A1 Egea, Javier
A1 López-Muñoz, Francisco
A1 Romero Martínez, Manuel Alejandro
AB Sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard (NM) are highly toxic chemical agents that inflict severe damage to the lungs, skin, eyes, and other tissues through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, DNA alkylation, and inflammation. Despite extensive research, no definitive antidote exists, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Melatonin, a pleiotropic molecule with potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and DNA-protective properties, has shown promise as a therapeutic agent against mustard-induced toxicity. Melatonin’s ability to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, including peroxynitrite (ONOO−), reduces oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitigating lipid peroxidation and protein and DNA damage. Furthermore, melatonin enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses by upregulating superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, thereby bolstering cellular resilience. Its antiinflammatory effects are mediated through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reducing cytokine release and immune activation. Experimental evidence demonstrates melatonin’s efficacy in animal models, including its ability to reduce lung damage, improve respiratory function, and prevent oxidative DNA damage. It also protects against injury caused by NM analogs and supports DNA repair by stabilizing cellular homeostasis. Melatonin’s safety profile, affordability, and availability make it a viable candidate for mitigating both acute and long-term effects of mustard exposure. These findings establish melatonin as a promising therapeutic intervention for mustard vesicants, warranting further research to optimize dosing, delivery, and application in both military and civilian scenarios. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PB Elsevier
SN 978-0443302404
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/129498
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/129498
LA eng
NO Ramos Alonso, E., Sola Vendrell, E., Morales Garcia ,J.A., De Los Ríos, C.. Arribas, R.L., Egea, J., López-Muñoz, F., Romero,A.(2026) Chapter 8 - Exploring melatonin as a therapeutic approach for mustard vesicants, En Handbook of Melatonin-Based Therapy and its Applications, Academic Press, 2026, Pages 151-178, ISBN 9780443302404, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-30240-4.00012-0
DS Docta Complutense
RD 25 dic 2025