The possible protective effect of melatonin on streptozotocin induced experimental diabetes

Objective: This experimental study aims to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on the enzymes\', which regulate glucose metabolism in liver tissue. Methods: In this experimental study, four-month-old male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 4 groups as 7 rats in each group. Rats were grouped as control group, diabetic group, melatonin protecting group, as well as melatonin treatment group. Before the streptozotocin implementation to melatonin protecting group (seven days ago) everyday at 18.00 melatonin was implemented for seven days. On the other hand melatonin was implemented to melatonin treatment group after streptozotocin implementation everyday at 18.00 for seven days. Only a single dose of streptozotocin was implemented to diabetic group. Control group had no intervention throughout the study. In the end of the experiment, blood was taken and rats were sacrificed. Before the sacrifice process rats\' fasting blood pressure was measured. Hexokinases, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose - 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose -6 phosphate dehydrogenase levels were measured in the liver samples. Results: Between control and experimental groups of rats, there are statistically significant differences between control and experimental groups for all parameters. Melatonin protecting group levels of investigated parameters were more close to that of control groups\' values and results are statistically significant. Moreover, melatonin treatment group showed a protective effect. However it is not effective as melatonin protecting group. Conclusion: It can be suggested that melatonin shows protective effect on enzymes related to glucose metabolism in the liver tissue in a model of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes. J Clin Exp Invest 2014; 5 (4): 592-598