Melatonin prevents oxidative stress, inflammatory activity, and DNA damage in cirrhotic rats
Josieli Raskopf Colares, Renata Minuzzo Hartmann, Elizângela Gonçalves Schemitt, Sandielly Rebeca Benitez da Fonseca, Marilda S Brasil, Jaqueline Nascimento Picada, Alexandre Simões Dias, Aline Bueno, Cláudio Augusto Marroni, Norma Possa Marroni
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis 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. AIM: To evaluate MLT's effects on oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and DNA damage in an experimental model of secondary biliary cirrhosis. METHODS: Male 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. RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSION: When administered to rats with BDL-induced secondary biliary cirrhosis, MLT effectively restored the evaluated parameters.