Effect of Melatonin Administration on Mitochondrial Activity and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial complex 1 activity, and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Results Summary
Melatonin significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (lipoperoxides, nitric oxide metabolites, carbonyl groups) and increased catalase activity, mitochondrial complex 1 activity, and respiratory control ratio compared to placebo, without altering membrane fluidity.
Population
26 patients with Parkinson's disease.
Effective Dosage
25 mg at noon and 30 minutes before bedtime.
Duration
Three months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | lipoperoxides in plasma samples | patients with PD | - | significant diminution | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | nitric oxide metabolites in plasma samples | patients with PD | - | significant diminution | #2 |
melatonin | decrease | carbonyl groups in plasma samples | patients with PD | - | significant diminution | #3 |
melatonin | increase | catalase activity | patients with PD | - | increased significantly | #4 |
melatonin | increase | mitochondrial complex 1 activity | patients with PD | - | significant increases | #5 |
melatonin | increase | mitochondrial respiratory control ratio | patients with PD | - | significant increases | #6 |
melatonin | no change | fluidity of the membranes | patients with PD | - | similar | #7 |
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are extensively linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial complex 1 activity, and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio in patients with PD. A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 26 patients who received either 25 mg of melatonin or placebo at noon and 30 min before bedtime for three months. At the end of the trial, in patients who received melatonin, we detected a significant diminution of lipoperoxides, nitric oxide metabolites, and carbonyl groups in plasma samples from PD patients compared with the placebo group. Conversely, catalase activity was increased significantly in comparison with the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the melatonin group showed significant increases of mitochondrial complex 1 activity and respiratory control ratio. The fluidity of the membranes was similar in the melatonin group and the placebo group at baseline and after three months of treatment. In conclusion, melatonin administration was effective in reducing the levels of oxidative stress markers and restoring the rate of complex I activity and respiratory control ratio without modifying membrane fluidity. This suggests that melatonin could play a role in the treatment of PD.