Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS is an inflammatory disease; associated with the demyelination of the central nervous system. Therefore, some inflammatory factors are effective in the mechanism and progression of the disease. Melatonin, as a multi-effect substance including anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce symptoms of MS in patients with a change in their inflammatory factors level. In this study, 50 MS patients who were referred to the MS Society of Markazi Province were randomly selected. All patients were treated with routine MS treatment (interferon) and were divided into control (25 placebo recipients) and treatment (25 recipients of 3 mg melatonin per day for 24 weeks) groups. Anthropometric data of patients including height, weight, and age were determined. Blood samples were collected after fasting in order to determine serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Then, samples were immediately centrifuged for serum separation and sera were transferred to a freezer at -80°C and serum levels of these factors were determined; using ELISA kit. The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in terms of serum levels of TNF-α. However, the level of IL-1β was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared to the control group, indicating that melatonin decreases this inflammatory substance. Our findings suggest a valuable strategy in the treatment of patients who suffer from MS
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease due to the demyelination of axons in the central nervous system. Melatonin, as a hormone with potential anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce the MS symptoms by altering the levels of inflammatory mediators. Methods: In this study, 50 MS patients referred to the MS Society in Markazi Province were randomly selected. Each patient completed and signed a consent form and was referred to the MS Center at Vali-Asr Hospital in Arak, Iran. All patients who were routinely receiving interferon, were divided into two groups of 25 each. Group 1 (control) received placebo, and Group 2 (treatment) received one dose of melatonin (3mg) per day for 24 weeks. Patients’ recorded anthropometric data included height, weight, and age. Fasting blood samples were collected and the serum levels of INF-1β and VitB12 determined. The blood samples were immediately centrifuged to separate sera, which were kept in a freezer at -80° C. The serum levels of INF-1β and Vitamin B12 were determined, using ELISA kits. Results: The data showed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of INF-1β and Vitamin B12 between the control and treatment groups. The levels were significantly increased in the treatment group compared to those in the controls, suggesting that melatonin might have induced the changes. Conclusion: Based on the results, the application of melatonin might be a valuable strategy in the treatment of patients with MS.
BackgroundIn this study, neostigmine-loaded electrospun nanofibers were prepared and then their efficacy and duration of analgesic action were studied after epidural administration in rats by repeated tail flick and formalin tests.MethodsThe neostigmine poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning methods. The nanofibers (1 mg) were injected into the lumbar epidural space (L5-L6) of rats (n = 6). Cerebrospinal fluid samples of rats were collected 1, 5 and 24 hours after injection and then were sampled once weekly for 4 weeks. Free-neostigmine concentration was measured in the samples spectrophotometrically. Rat nociceptive responses were evaluated by repeated tail-flick and formalin tests for 5 weeks after the nanofibers (1 mg) injection. Locomotor activity of rats was measured in the open-field at the same period.ResultsThe cerebrospinal fluid concentration of free neostigmine reached 5 μg/ml five hours after injection and remained constant until the end of the experiments. The tail-flick latency of treated rats was significantly (p < 0.01) increased and remained constant up to 4 weeks. Pain scores of the rats in both phases of formalin test were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced during the same periods, Epidural injection of the nanofibers had no effect on locomotor activity of rats in an open-field.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the neostigmine nanofibers can provide sustained release of neostigmine for induction of prolonged analgesia after epidural administration. High tissue distribution and penetration of the nanofibers in dorsal horn can increase thermal and chemical analgesia duration without altering locomotor activity in rats for 4 weeks.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.