Introduction
upper digestive disorders, sleep disorders, digestive disorders
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS, DISEASE, GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide. The prevalence of this disease is estimated at 8%-33% in all age groups in both males and females; it is also one of the costliest digestive disorders.Today, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most important group of drugs for reducing stomach acid secretion. They are used for the treatment of many upper digestive disorders.Melatonin is used to improve sleep disorders in many countries. It is secreted in the pineal gland to control sleep patterns and in the enterochromaffin cells to improve the digestive system motility.Melatonin leads to the stimulation of melatonin type 2 (MT2) receptors in the duodenal enterocyte. Stimulation of MT2 leads to increase of bicarbonate secretion; accordingly, they provide protection of the duodenal epithelium against stomach acids. Besides, stimulation of these receptors reduces stomach acid secretion.Melatonin, by inhibiting oxygen activation through neutralization of oxygen, functions as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger and consequently, exerts gastroprotective effects.