CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

From the evolutionary point of view vitamin D and melatonin appeared very early and shear functions related to defenses mechanisms. In the current clinical setting, vitamin D was exclusively associated with phosphocalcic metabolism. Meanwhile, melatonin was linked to its chronobiological effect on the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Nevertheless, scientific evidence has continuously proved new mechanisms of action in different physiological and pathological processes. The synthesis of vitamin D and melatonin is inversely related to sun exposure. The deficiency of these molecules has been associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, psychiatric disorders, bone diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes among others. During aging, the intake and cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, as well as the endogenous synthesis of melatonin are remarkably depleted; therefore, producing a state characterized by the increase of oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.Both molecules are involved in the homeostatic functioning of the mitochondria. Given the presence of specific receptors in the organelle, the antagonism of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the decrease of reactive species of oxygen (ROS), in conjunction with modifications in autophagy and apoptosis, anti-inflammatory properties inter alia, mitochondria emerge as the final common target for melatonin and vitamin D. The primary purpose of this review is to elucidate the common molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D and melatonin might share a synergistic effect in the protection of proper mitochondrial functioning.