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Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

  • 01-08-2020
  • Review
Published in:

Abstract

Background

Inflammatory processes are involved in chronic diseases. It has been suggested that melatonin reduces inflammation by its radical scavenging properties; however, the results of the previous studies are inconclusive. The objective of the present meta-analysis is to determine the direction and magnitude of melatonin supplementation effect on inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were also carried out.

Results

Thirteen eligible studies with 22 datasets with total sample size of 749 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels [(WMD = − 2.24 pg/ml; 95% CI − 3.45, − 1.03; P < 0.001; I2 = 96.7%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001) and (WMD = − 30.25 pg/ml; 95% CI − 41.45, − 19.06; P < 0.001, I2 = 99.0%; Pheterogeneity < 0.001)], respectively. The effect of melatonin on CRP levels was marginal (WMD = − 0.45 mg/L; 95% CI − 0.94, 0.03; P = 0.06; I2 = 96.6%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the present meta-analysis support that melatonin supplementation could be effective on ameliorating of inflammatory mediators.
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Metadata
Title
Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors
Meysam Zarezadeh
Masoud Khorshidi
Mohammadreza Emami
Parisa Janmohammadi
Hamed Kord-varkaneh
Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
Shimels Hussien Mohammed
Ahmad Saedisomeolia
Shahab Alizadeh
Publication date
01-08-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-02123-0

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