Immunomodulatory effect of melatonin supplementation in experimental diabetes

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 1(3 (IL-1(3), 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 im-mune 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-alpha, IL-1(3 and IL-6. Conclusion: Melatonin is a positive regulator of immune system, may be a potential therapeutic agent, it has no reported side effects.