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Dietary Melatonin Protects Against Behavioural, Metabolic, Oxidative, and Organ Morphological Changes in Mice that
Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo1,2, Ebenezer Oladimeji Adebisi2, Adegbayi Emmanuel Adeleye2
1Behavioural Neuroscience and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Background:
Metabolic syndrome is a complex pattern of disorders that occur jointly and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore the need for more-efficient options of treatment has become imperative.
Objective:
This study examined the effect of dietary-melatonin in the management of behavioural, metabolic, antioxidant, and organ changes due to high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice.
Methods:
Mice were randomly assigned into five groups of ten animals each. Groups were normal control [fed standard diet (SD)], HFHS control, and 3 groups of melatonin incorporated into HFHS at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of feed. Mice were fed for seven weeks, and body weight was assessed weekly. Open-field behaviours, radial-arm, and Y-maze spatial memory were scored at the end of the experimental period. Twenty-four hours after the last behavioural test, blood was taken for estimation of blood glucose levels after an overnight fast. Animals were then euthanised, and blood was taken for estimation of plasma insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels, and serum lipid profile. The liver, kidneys, and brain were excised and processed for general histology, while homogenates of the liver and whole brain were used to assess oxidative stress parameters.
Results:
Results showed that dietary melatonin (compared to HFHS diet) was associated with a decrease in body weight, food intake, and novelty-induced behaviours; and an increase in spatial-working memory scores. A decrease in glucose, insulin, leptin, and malondialdehyde levels; and an increase in adiponectin levels and superoxide dismutase activity were also observed. Histomorphological/ histomorphometric examination revealed evidence of organ injury with HFHS diet, and varying degrees of amelioration with melatonin-supplemented diet.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, dietary melatonin supplementation may have beneficial effects in the management of the metabolic syndrome.
Insights
Dietary melatonin supplementation improved metabolic syndrome in mice by reducing body weight, improving memory, and protecting organs. This suggests melatonin may be a beneficial treatment for metabolic syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome increases cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk.
- Efficient treatment options for metabolic syndrome are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary melatonin on metabolic syndrome induced by a high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet in mice.
- To assess changes in behavioral, metabolic, antioxidant, and organ function.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a standard diet, HFHS diet, or HFHS diet supplemented with melatonin (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) for seven weeks.
- Evaluated body weight, food intake, behavior (open-field, Y-maze), spatial memory, and blood markers (glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, lipids).
- Assessed oxidative stress markers and performed histological examination of liver, kidneys, and brain.
Main Results:
- Melatonin supplementation reduced body weight, food intake, and abnormal behaviors while enhancing spatial memory.
- Observed decreased levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, and malondialdehyde, with increased adiponectin and superoxide dismutase activity.
- HFHS diet caused organ injury, which was ameliorated by melatonin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Dietary melatonin demonstrates potential benefits for managing metabolic syndrome.
- Melatonin may help mitigate metabolic dysfunction, cognitive deficits, and organ damage associated with metabolic syndrome.
