Melatonin prevented the increased serum lactate levels and the reduced hemoglobin levels in burn-induced Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Burns are the most common and devastating form of trauma yet constitute a common cause of morbidity worldwide. Complications of burns such as sepsis and tissue hypoperfusion may increase serum lactate and reduce hemoglobin. Measuring lactate levels has been proven to be a useful predictive marker of hypoperfusion and sepsis in patients with burns. Melatonin which acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, has been proposed to be used as pharmacological adjuvant in patients with burns, reducing oxidative damage. The study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin supplementation on serum lactate and hemoglobin levels in burn-induced male Wistar rats.Method: This was an experimental animal study with randomized control group design. All samples (n=12 male Wistar rats) were randomized and divided into two groups. Each rat was exposed to a hot metal rod for 10 seconds to induce 30% burns injury. Rats in the control group were administered with placebo (aquadest), while rats in the experimental group were administered with melatonin intraperitoneally at 0, 8, and 16 hours after burns injury. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital sinuses at 0, 3, and 24 hours after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed using Paired t-Test, Independent t-Test Mann-Whitney Rank Test and Wilcoxon test.Results: There were no significant differences in lactate and hemoglobin levels between melatonin group and control group 0 hours after treatment (T0), 3 hours after treatment (T3), and 24 hours after treatment (T24) (p>0.05). There were increased lactate levels and decreased hemoglobin levels in both melatonin and control groups, however the increment of lactate and the decrement of hemoglobin were steeper in control group compared to melatonin group. There were higher serum lactate increments and higher hemoglobin decrement at 24 hours (∆T0–T24) in control compared to melatonin group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Melatonin might prevent dramatic rise of serum lactate levels and decrease of hemoglobin levels until 24 hours after treatment in burns injury. If confirmed by further studies, melatonin might have a role as adjuvant therapy in burns.