Özet:
Aim: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects melatonin on renal function.
Methods: The histological appearance of the kidney and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents were
determined. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were also assayed. Rats were divided as: Sham, pinealectomized (Px) and
pinealectomized and treated with melatonin.
Results: In Px group, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were elevated when compared with the sham group. The Px group exhibited
reduced superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. All of these harmful changes were restored by melatonin. Melatonin also
ameliorated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels related to renal injury. The score for glomerular, tubular and interstitial changes was
significantly higher in the Px group. Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced these parameters.
Conclusions: This protective effect may be associated with both melatonin’s lipophilic and hydrophilic effects, thus providing on-site protection
against free radical mediated damage.