The effect of melatonin on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cataract surgery in patients with non-exudative AMD

Background. In recent years, the studies concerning the role of melatonin and cytokines in the development of various pathological processes have been conducted in various fields of medicine, including ophthalmology. Purpose. To study the effect of melatonin-containing therapy on the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, melatonin in the lacrimal fluid and melatonin in the blood serum in patients with non-exudative AMD in the course of surgery for uncomplicated senile cataract. Material and methods. During the study, 2 groups have been formed: group 1 (main group) – 40 patients who took the drug «Melaxen» (3 mg at night) for 3 months before the surgery; group 2 (control group) – 40 patients who did not take melatonin before the surgery. Laboratory studies of blood samples and tear fluid for the hormone melatonin and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) were carried out using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. When taking exogenous melatonin in patients of the main group, the concentration of melatonin in blood serum and lacrimal fluid was significantly higher during the entire observation period, compared with the control group patients. Also, melatonin-containing therapy contributed to a decrease in the concentration of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and IL-1β cytokines. A correlation analysis of the level of cytokines and the content of melatonin in lacrimal fluid of the examined groups patients revealed a significantly higher feedback before surgery and significantly weaker and direct after the surgery. Conclusion. An increase in the concentration of melatonin in the lacrimal fluid after surgery for senile cataract in both groups indicates a possible increase in its production in response to surgical treatment and is aimed at reducing the activity of the local inflammatory process. The obtained results allow us to conclude that melatonin has an antiinflammatory effect.