%0 Journal Article
%T Melatonin Regulates the Synthesis of Steroid Hormones on Male Reproduction: A Review.
%A Yu K
%A Deng SL
%A Sun TC
%A Li YY
%A Liu YX
%J Molecules
%V 23
%N 2
%D Feb 2018 17
%M 29462985
%F 4.927
%R 10.3390/molecules23020447
%X Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule and exhibits different effects in long-day and short-day breeding animals. Testosterone, the main resource of androgens in the testis, is produced by Leydig cells but regulated mainly by cytokine secreted by Sertoli cells. Melatonin acts as a local modulator of the endocrine activity in Leydig cells. In Sertoli cells, melatonin influences cellular proliferation and energy metabolism and, consequently, can regulate steroidogenesis. These suggest melatonin as a key player in the regulation of steroidogenesis. However, the melatonin-induced regulation of steroid hormones may differ among species, and the literature data indicate that melatonin has important effects on steroidogenesis and male reproduction.