Melatonin prevents oxidative stress, inflammatory activity, and DNA damage in cirrhotic rats

BACKGROUNDCirrhosis is an important health problem characterized by a significant change in liver parenchyma. In animals, this can be reproduced by an experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Melatonin (MLT) is a physiological hormone synthesized from serotonin that has been studied for its beneficial properties, including its antioxidant potential.AIMTo evaluate MLT's effects on oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and DNA damage in an experimental model of secondary biliary cirrhosis.METHODSMale Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (CO), CO + MLT, BDL, and BDL + MLT. MLT was administered (20 mg/kg) daily beginning on day 15 after biliary obstruction. On day 29 the animals were killed. Blood samples, liver tissue, and bone marrow were collected for further analysis.RESULTSBDL caused changes in biochemical and histological parameters and markers of inflammatory process. Thiobarbituric acid (0.46 & PLUSMN; 0.01) reactive substance levels, superoxide dismutase activity (2.30 & PLUSMN; 0.07) and nitric oxide levels (2.48 & PLUSMN; 0.36) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) n the groups that received MLT. DNA damage was also lower (P < 0.001) in MLT-treated groups (171.6 & PLUSMN; 32.9) than the BDL-only group (295.5 & PLUSMN; 34.8). Tissue damage and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-1 beta, Nrf2, NQO1 and Hsp70 were significantly lower in animals treated with MLT (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONWhen administered to rats with BDL-induced secondary biliary cirrhosis, MLT effectively restored the evaluated parameters.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effects of MLT on oxidative stress, inflammatory process, and DNA damage in an experimental model of secondary biliary cirrhosis. Administration of MLT significantly reduced inflammatory markers, oxidative stress levels, and DNA damage in the treated groups.