Abstract: Melatonin is an indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland and plays a key role in a variety of physiological activities, including the regulation of circadian rhythm, immune response, oxidative process and apoptosis. In recent years, the anti-tumor properties of melatonin have attracted more and more attention. A large number of studies have found that melatonin plays a protective role in the early process of acute pancreatitis and can inhibit the production of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells through apoptosis; moreover, it can regulate the synthesis and secretion of pancreatic endocrine hormones through autophagy and affect the development of pancreatic endocrine tumors. Therefore, melatonin may affect the development of pancreatic disease, but the mechanism of its action on pancreatic diseases has not been fully understood. This paper reviews the research progress of melatonin and pancreatic diseases in recent years, analyzes the role of melatonin in pancreatic diseases and the therapeutic effect of melatonin combined with chemotherapy drugs on pancreatic cancer. 

Key words: melatonin, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer