Melatonin is a well-known molecule for its involvement in circadian rhythm regulation and its contribution to protection against oxidative stress in organisms including unicellular alga, animals and plants. Currently, the bio-regulatory effects of melatonin on the physiology of various peripheral tissues have drawn a great attention of scientists. Although melatonin was previously defined as a neurohormone secreted from pineal gland, recently it has been identified that virtually, every cell has the capacity to synthesize melatonin and the locally generated melatonin has multiple pathophysiological functions, including regulations of obesity and metabolic syndromes. Herein, we focus on the effects of melatonin on fat deposition in various peripheral organs/tissues. The two important regulatory mechanisms related to the topic, i.e., the improvements of circadian rhythms and antioxidative capacity will be thoroughly discussed since they are linked to several biomarkers involved in obesity and energy imbalance, including metabolism and immunity. Furthermore, several other functions of melatonin which may serve to prevent or promote obesity and energy dysmetabolism-induced pathological states are also addressed. The organs of special interest include liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and the gut microbiota.
