Melatonin administered postoperatively lowers oxidative stress and inflammation and significantly recovers heart function in patients undergoing CABG surgery

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 7;30(1):585. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02789-9.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of oral melatonin consumption on improving heart function and reducing postoperative complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

Methods: A total of 60 CABG patients in the postoperative period were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 20, 5 mg melatonin), Group 2 (n = 20, 10 mg melatonin), and the placebo group (n = 20). The patients were discharged about 8 to 10 days after the surgery. Blood samples were taken from all the patients before and after the intervention (for 60 days), and Biochemical parameters including creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO) assessed. Echocardiography and the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also performed on participants.

Results: Our results showed that melatonin treatment significantly increased the ejection fraction (%EF) and TAC levels in both the treatment groups compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers, including TNF-α, MDA, and NO, decreased in the intervention group significantly (P < 0.05). In the placebo group, %EF decreased significantly (P = 0.042), while MDA increased (P < 0.001) and TAC decreased (P = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in LDH and CK-MB levels. The comparison of serum biomarkers between the two treatment groups showed that 10 mg of melatonin was more effective than 5 mg, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The present study showed that as a potential antioxidant, melatonin could alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with CABG and is essential in improving overall heart function.

Trial registration: IRCT20111119008129N14, first trial registration date: 01/08/2023.

Keywords: Antioxidant; CABG; Inflammation; Melatonin; Oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Coronary Artery Bypass* / adverse effects
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Melatonin* / administration & dosage
  • Melatonin* / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • Postoperative Complications* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Melatonin
  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers

Associated data

  • IRCT/IRCT20111119008129N14