Effects of Melatonin on Level of Cytokine in Patients with AIDS

Abstract

Aims: Changes in cytokine levels in HIV infected individuals can affect the function of the immune system and have the potential to directly impact the course of HIV disease by enhancing or suppressing HIV replication. Melatonin influences various immune cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. It can enhance the proliferation and activity of T cells and B cells, improve macrophage function, and increase NK cell cytotoxicity. Recent studies also explore its potential therapeutic benefits in various immune-related conditions. Current study evaluates the effect of the use of oral melatonin in levels cytokines pro and anti-inflammatory on HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Methodology: An intervention study was carried out where the researcher chooses an exposure factor or intervention causing an intentional modification in some aspect of the health status through the introduction of a specific therapy. HIV patients were evaluated before and after melatonin administration melatonin (6mg) once a day, in the evening, for one month. Patients who used antiretroviral therapy and wished to take part in the study were eligible for the study. Each patient's cytokine profile was evaluated before starting treatment and after 30 days of treatment. Cytokine dosing by flow cytometry is a highly sensitive and specific method, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple cytokines:interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) before and after melatonin supplementation for 30 days in 28 patients. Results: The results obtained demonstrate that there were changes before and after the use of melatonin in the levels of the cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) but not for interleukin 2 (IL-2), The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) had increased levels and interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels were lower than initial levels. In this study, around 50% of patients had a reduction in IL-10 levels after using melatonin 6mg/day/30 days suggest sting that the use of melatonin could be modulating the immune response. There are studies that indicate a reduction in IL-10 levels in patients using HAART therapy. Our study not only corroborates this information but suggests that the use of melatonin supplementation enhances these effects. The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) had increased levels and interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels were lower than initial levels. Conclusion: The study suggested that supplementation with melatonin at a dose of 6 mg/day could modulate the immune response through changes in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients using HAART therapy. In addition to cytokines, melatonin in AIDS interacts with factors like oxidative stress, immune system modulations and viral replications.