Melatonin Ingestion Prevents Liver Damage and Improves Biomarkers of Renal Function Following a Maximal Exercise

Background: While the promotion of the beneficial effects of melatonin (MEL) ingestion on the modulation of oxidative stress is widespread, less attention is given to the biological influence that it could exert on the results of hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of acute MEL ingestion on these parameters during a maximal running exercise. Methods: In double blind randomized design, 12 professional soccer players [age: 17.54 +/- 0.78 yrs, body mass: 70.31 +/- 3.86 kg, body height: 1.8 +/- 0.08 m; maximal aerobic speed (MAS): 16.85 +/- 0.63 km/h; mean +/- standard deviation], all males, performed a diurnal (17:00 h +/- 30 h) running exercise test (RET) at 100% of their MAS following either MEL or placebo ingestion. Blood samples were obtained at rest and following the RET. Results: Compared to placebo, MEL intake decreased post-exercise biomarkers of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase, p<0.001; alanine aminotransferase, p<0.001; gamma-glutamyltransferase; p<0.05) and improved post-exercise renal function markers (i.e., creatinine, p<0.001). However, lipid profile, glucose, lactate and leukocyte were not affected by MEL ingestion. Regarding the time to exhaustion, no difference was found between MEL (362.46 +/- 42.06 s) and PLA (374.54 +/- 57.97 s) conditions. Conclusion: The results of this investigation clearly attest that MEL ingestion before a maximal running exercise might protect athletes from liver damage and perturbation in renal function biomarkers. However, this study comprises an acute MEL supplementation and no assessment on chronic effects or circadian rhythm the day before was done.

Automated summary

This study suggests that ingestion of melatonin (MEL) before maximal running exercise may be beneficial in protecting athletes from liver damage and perturbation in renal function biomarkers. However, further research is needed to assess the chronic effects and circadian rhythm.