velopment and characterization of a potential sustained release melatonin formulation: a possible modulatory influence of melatonin on glutathione s-transferases enzymes in rats

ABSTRACT

In this study, melatonin treatment in rats produced a significant elevation in hepatic cytosolic activity levels of GSTs and GSH-Px as well as glutathione [GSH] content with a reduction in lipid peroxide compared with the corresponding controls. In this study, a new preparation of melatonin "melatonin resinate-loaded microcapsules" was used. It prolonged and sustained the effect of melatonin up to 6 hours instead of 24 minutes [the half life in pure melatonin]. These new preparations produced a significant marked effects of melatonin on induction of GSTs and GSH-Px enzymes systems. It was concluded that melatonin particularly melatonin resinates loaded microcapsules induced the GSTs and GSH-Px enzyme systems in liver and this effect was potent than phenobarbitone. It was also suggested that melatonin exerts its antioxidants protective effects by stimulating the activities of detoxifying enzymes and may be through its direct antioxidant effects