Protective effects of melatonin on changes occurring in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Melatonin has been related to the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been proved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to find out whether a melatonin supplement in MS is able to act as a benefit to its clinical status, i.e. oxidative stress, inflammation and indirect biomarkers of bacterial dysbiosis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP), verifying its therapeutic potential and its possible clinical use in patients with MS.Methods The animal MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), was employed whereby 25 male Dark Agouti rats (5 animals per group) were divided into: a control group (not manipulated); a control+vehicle group; a control+melatonin group; an EAE group; an EAE+melatonin group. Melatonin was administered daily for 51 days, at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight/i.p., once a day, five days a week. Results The results from the administration of melatonin demonstrated an improvement in clinical status, a diminution in oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as in bacterial dysbiosis. Conclusion Melatonin could play an effective role against MS, either alone or as a therapy combined with traditional agents.