Investigating the effects of melatonin supplementation on plasma level of visfatin and insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Background and aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common problems among women of reproductive age. The main feature of this syndrome is excessive androgen production. Studies have confirmed the increase of inflammatory factors and the genes that produce them in women suffering from PCOS. Insulin resistance and decreased insulin sensitivity are aggravating factors of this syndrome. Melatonin, as a reducer of inflammation and an improver of insulin resistance, can be effective in PCOS control. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of melatonin on the visfatin serum level and the quantitative index of insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) in PCOS women. Methods: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 40 patients aged 18-40 with PCOS were randomly divided into two groups and for 8 weeks, they received 6 mg of melatonin or melatonin placebo (pills similar to melatonin) one hour before bedtime. At the beginning and at the end of the study, a three-day food record to check food intake and fasting blood samples to evaluate visfatin levels, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) were taken from the patients. The data were analyzed by SPSS25 software. Results: Supplementation with 6 mg of melatonin for 8 weeks in women with PCOS had no effect on visfatin serum level and QUICKI. Also, no correlation was observed between serum visfatin level and QUICKI before and after the intervention. Conclusion: We found that supplementation with melatonin has no effect on reducing visfatin serum level and increasing insulin sensitivity. Of course, other similar studies with different dosages and durations are needed to confirm these results.