Effects of melatonin administration on mental health parameters, metabolic and genetic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

J Affect Disord. 2019 May 1:250:51-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.066. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin supplementation on mental health parameters, metabolic and genetic parameters in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 58 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 10 mg melatonin (2 melatonin capsules, 5 mg each) (n = 29) or placebo (n = 29) once a day 1 h before bedtime for 12 weeks. Glycemic control and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin and lipid metabolism was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women.

Results: Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (β -2.15; 95% CI, -3.62, -0.68; P = 0.005), Beck Depression Inventory index (β -3.62; 95% CI, -5.53, -1.78; P<0.001) and Beck Anxiety Inventory index (β -1.95; 95% CI, -3.41, -0.48; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. In addition, melatonin administration, compared with the placebo, significantly reduced serum insulin (β -1.20 µIU/mL; 95% CI, -2.14, -0.26; P = 0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β -0.28; 95% CI, -0.50, -0.05; P = 0.01), serum total- (β -7.96 mg/dL; 95% CI, -13.75, -2.17; P = 0.008) and LDL-cholesterol levels (β -5.88 mg/dL; 95% CI, -11.42, -0.33; P = 0.03), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (β 0.008; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.014; P = 0.007). Moreover, melatonin supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo.

Conclusions: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR among women with PCOS.

Keywords: Insulin metabolism; Lipid profiles; Melatonin; Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Lipids / blood
  • Melatonin / administration & dosage*
  • Melatonin / metabolism
  • Mental Health*
  • PPAR gamma / genetics
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / genetics
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / psychology*
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • LDLR protein, human
  • Lipids
  • PPAR gamma
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Melatonin