Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators : a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background: Inflammatory processes are involved in chronic diseases. It has been suggested that melatonin reduces inflammation by its radical scavenging properties; however, the results of the previous studies are inconclusive. The objective of the present meta-analysis is to determine the direction and magnitude of melatonin supplementation effect on inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were also carried out. Results: Thirteen eligible studies with 22 datasets with total sample size of 749 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels [(WMD = − 2.24 pg/ml; 95% CI − 3.45, − 1.03; P < 0.001; I² = 96.7%, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001) and (WMD = − 30.25 pg/ml; 95% CI − 41.45, − 19.06; P < 0.001, I² = 99.0%; P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001)], respectively. The effect of melatonin on CRP levels was marginal (WMD = − 0.45 mg/L; 95% CI − 0.94, 0.03; P = 0.06; I² = 96.6%, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present meta-analysis support that melatonin supplementation could be effective on ameliorating of inflammatory mediators.