Melatonin a Promising Candidate for DNA Double-Stranded Breaks Reduction in Patients Undergoing Abdomen-Pelvis Computed Tomography Examinations.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate whether melatonin could protect against radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT scans.
Results Summary
Melatonin significantly reduced γH2AX-foci, indicating fewer DSBs compared to the placebo group, with no observed side effects at the 100mg dose.
Population
Thirty patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations.
Effective Dosage
Single oral dose of 100mg melatonin.
Duration
Single administration 1 hour before the CT scan.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | γH2AX-foci | patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations | - | caused a significant reduction | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | DSBs | patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations | - | a reduction | #2 |
100mg melatonin | no change | side effects | patients | no side effect | no side effect was observed | #3 |
melatonin | decrease | radiation-induced genotoxicity | patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations | - | has protective effects against radiation-induced genotoxicity | #4 |
melatonin | decrease | DSBs | patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations | - | can be considered as a promising candidate for reducing | #5 |
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cancer incidence is 24% higher in children and young adults exposed to Computed Tomography (CT) scans than those unexposed. Non-repairing of ionizing radiation-induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs) can initiate carcinogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the radioprotective potential of melatonin against DSBs in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on thirty patients. These patients were divided into two groups; group one (control) patients who have undergone the CT examination received a single oral dose of placebo, while in group two, patients received a single oral dose of 100mg melatonin. In both the groups, blood samples were collected 5-10min before and 30 minutes after the CT examination. The lymphocytes from these samples were isolated and DSBs were analyzed using γH2AX immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the use of melatonin 1h before the CT examination caused a significant reduction in γH2AX-foci, indicating a reduction in DSBs. In addition, no side effect was observed in patients following 100mg melatonin administration. CONCLUSION: For the first time, this study has shown that melatonin has protective effects against radiationinduced genotoxicity in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations. Therefore, melatonin can be considered as a promising candidate for reducing DSBs in patients undergoing abdomen-pelvis CT examinations.