Effect of Melatonin on Serum Levels of INF-1β and Vitamin B12 in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.