Melatonin and its protective role against male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals,environmental pollutants,and chemotherapy: A review

Melatonin, as a ubiquitous indoleamine hormone, is synthesized primarily by the pineal gland. It has diversebiological effects through quite complex mechanisms. More recently, studies have focused on the mechanism ofmelatonin in anti-reproductive toxicity/damage. Since melatonin possesses strong antioxidant and anti-apoptoticproperties, researchers have examined its potential role in protecting against male reproductive toxicity/damage,which may be induced by chemotherapy or environmental toxicants and can lead to male infertility. In this article,recent progress regarding the protective effects of melatonin on male reproductive toxicity/damage is reviewed.