HormonesMelatonin

Melatonin treatment during REM sleep deprivation modulates oxidative stress-related parameters by increasing enzymatic antioxidant levels and reducing lipid peroxidation in rats

In a six-day REM sleep deprivation model using the modified multiple platform method, melatonin treatment increased enzymatic antioxidant levels (CAT, SOD, GPx) and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Effects on total oxidant status were not significant, and total antioxidant status changes were limited and time-dependent. During recovery, some oxidative stress markers partially normalized, suggesting reactivation of endogenous antioxidant defenses.

Last updated: Aug 20, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effect of melatonin treatment on oxidative stress-related parameters in REM sleep-deprived rats.

observational

Sehzade S, Cakir A, Koc C, Kahveci N · Molecular and cellular biochemistry (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 days
Intervention: Melatonin treatment administered during six-day REM sleep deprivation or during the recovery period
Outcome: Oxidative stress markers: TAS, TOS, MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 8-12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=84)

Result:

PubMed: 42566144DOI: 10.1007/s11010-026-05686-9

Mechanism Graph

REM sleep deprivation increases oxidative stress via ROS accumulation and disrupts oxidant-antioxidant balance
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Melatonin acts as a direct ROS scavenger
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Melatonin supports endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms
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Melatonin increases enzymatic antioxidant levels and reduces lipid peroxidation
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Result: Attenuation of some oxidative stress alterations, with effects varying by timing and parameter

Limitations

  • ⚠Animal study (rats), not directly generalizable to humans
  • ⚠Specific dose and administration route of melatonin not reported in abstract
  • ⚠Only six-day REM-SD period; long-term effects not assessed
  • ⚠No significant change in TOS, and TAS effect limited and time-dependent

Frequently Asked Questions

Does melatonin reduce oxidative stress caused by REM sleep deprivation?▼

Yes, in this rat study, melatonin treatment increased enzymatic antioxidant levels and reduced lipid peroxidation, but did not significantly affect total oxidant status.

What oxidative stress markers were measured in this study?▼

Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

How was REM sleep deprivation induced in the rats?▼

Using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) over a six-day period.

Did melatonin have any effect on total oxidant status?▼

No significant change was observed in total oxidant status (TOS).

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References

  1. 1.Sehzade S, Cakir A, Koc C, Kahveci N. "Effect of melatonin treatment on oxidative stress-related parameters in REM sleep-deprived rats.." Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 2026. PMID: 42566144 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-026-05686-9
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