Evaluation of Anti-atherosclerotic Effects of Melatonin Interference with Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathway in Male Rabbits

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of death worldwide. It is now commonly acknowledged that it is a persistent inflammatory process. Minor inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation all play the essential roles in the atherosclerosis progression. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a neuroendocrine hormone discovered in the bovine pineal gland. The antioxidant action of melatonin is manifested to its direct effects via M1,2 receptors. It not only increases antioxidant enzymes, but also suppresses mesenchymal cell apoptosis. Melatonin is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. In contrast to well-known Instead of following an enzymatic pathway of reduction after oxidation, as do endogenous antioxidants such carotene and vitamins E and C, melatonin binds permanently to free radicals, which the kidneys eliminate. In comparison to the induced untreated group, melatonin has a significant impact on lipid parameters (P>0.001). Melatonin significantly reduced the elevation in ICAM and a mild effect on the aorta thickness compared with induced untreated groups (P<0.05). The drug restores aortic GSH and SOD level (P<0.001). The aim of this research is to evaluate whether melatonin can protect rabbits against atherosclerosis and their role in inflammatory and oxidative pathway. Twenty-four domestic male rabbits from the surrounding area were divided into three groups: Group One, normal Control group (n = 8). Group Two (n = 8): Rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet (induced untreated group). Group Three (n = 8): 1% cholesterol diet + oral melatonin 10 mg/kg once per day before breakfast. Animals fed with an atherogenic diet had lower levels of GSH, SOD, and higher levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, very low-density cholesterol, a therogenic index, iCAM, and intimal thickness of the aorta, as compared with controls (P<0.001). In comparison with the induced untreated group, melatonin has a significant impact on lipid parameters (P>0.001). Melatonin significantly reduced the ICAM elevation and a mild effect on aorta thickness compared with induced untreated groups (p<0.05). The drug restore aortic GSH and SOD level (P<0.001). The findings of the current study suggest that melatonin reduce the evolution of atherosclerosis in by meddling with inflammatory and oxidative processes and affecting lipid parameters, it was possible to treat hypercholesterolemic rabbits.