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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Use of Animal Model of Sepsis to Evaluate Novel Herbal Therapies
Published on: April 11, 2012
Melatonin as a Promising Anti-Inflammatory Agent in an In Vivo Animal Model of Sepsis-Induced Rat Liver Damage
Daniela Benedeto-Stojanov1, Vanja P Ničković2, Gordana Petrović1
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
Abstract:
Melatonin (MLT), earlier described as an effective anti-inflammatory agent, could be a beneficial adjunctive drug for sepsis treatment. This study aimed to determine the effects of MLT application in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis in Wistar rats by determining the levels of liver tissue pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and NF-κB as well as hematological parameters indicating the state of sepsis. Additionally, an immunohistological analysis of CD14 molecule expression was conducted. Our research demonstrated that treatment with MLT prevented an LPS-induced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and NF-κB levels, and in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). On the other hand, MLT prevented a decrease in the blood lymphocyte number induced by LPS administration. Also, treatment with MLT decreased the liver tissue expression of the CD14 molecule observed after sepsis induction. In summary, in rats with LPS-induced sepsis, MLT was shown to be a significant anti-inflammatory agent with the potential to change the liver's immunological marker expression, thus ameliorating liver function.
Insights
Melatonin (MLT) effectively reduces inflammation in sepsis by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving immune cell balance. This study shows MLT
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated host response to infection.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines and altered hematological parameters are key indicators of sepsis severity.
- Melatonin (MLT) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Melatonin (MLT) in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis.
- To assess MLT's impact on key inflammatory markers, hematological parameters, and liver tissue immunological markers in sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to Wistar rats to induce sepsis.
- Rats were treated with Melatonin (MLT).
- Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), NF-κB, and CD14 expression were measured. Hematological parameters, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), were analyzed.
Main Results:
- MLT treatment significantly reduced LPS-induced increases in TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels.
- MLT prevented the LPS-induced decrease in lymphocyte count and the increase in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
- MLT treatment decreased CD14 molecule expression in liver tissue following sepsis induction.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin (MLT) acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in LPS-induced sepsis.
- MLT ameliorates sepsis by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell balance.
- MLT influences immunological marker expression in the liver, potentially improving liver function during sepsis.
