Effect of Melatonin on Antioxidant Status in the Plasma of Cyclosporine-Treated Rats

Abstract

Oxygen free radicals contribute to cyclosporine (CsA)–induced toxicity.¹,² Aerobic cells are protected against damage by active oxygen moieties by several antioxidants, including enzymes, vitamin C, vitamin E, and melatonin.³,⁴ Melatonin is a free radical scavenger⁴,5 that has stimulatory effects on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.5 In addition to its scavenging effect on free radicals, melatonin may increase total antioxidant status by inducing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

To test this hypothesis, the antioxidant status and three well-known antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, were measured in the plasma of CsA- and melatonin-treated rats.