Immunomodulatory effect of melatonin supplementation in experimental diabetes

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of melatonin on the immunomodulatory response in experimental type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Experiments were performed on male rats (180–200 g), purchased from the Experimental Animal Holding,. Animals were maintained in standard diet conditions. Two pathological states were simulated on male rats: experimental type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Melatonin was introduced from 14 to 23 days of experiment intraperitoneally. Levels of immunoglobulin classes A, M and G (Ig A, M, G), circulating immune complexes (CIC), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) were measured. Results: We demonstrated that melatonin in case of immune hyperactivity, can, provide a suppressive effect and is able to enhance immune reactivity under conditions of its limitation, indicating the immunostimulating activity. Furthermore, we found that administration of melatonin decreased inflammatory responses by mediating the levels of immunomodulatory factors, including TNF-a, IL-1β and IL-6. Conclusion: Melatonin is a positive regulator of immune system, may be a potential therapeutic agent, it has no reported side effects.