EFFECTS OF 7-DAY MELATONIN INTRODUCTION ON THE HYDROGEN SULFIDE PRODUCTION AND GLUTATHIONE SYSTEM IN THE LIVER OF ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

In the present study, we delineate the comparative effects of melatonin (MLT) on the metabolism of hydrogen sulfide in the liver and its influence on alterations in the antioxidant system caused by experimentally induced diabetes. Experiments were conducted on sexually mature university-bred male rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate solution. The animals were divided into the following groups: 1) control rats; 2) alloxan induced diabetic rats; 3) animals with diabetes which were introduced the melatonin. In case of diabetes mellitus the introduction of exogenous melatonin normalizes the hydrogen sulfide content and enzyme activity of its synthesis in the liver of rats possibly due to the activation of antioxidant enzymes protection, especially glutathione system that depends on sulfur-containing amino acids metabolism. Also the administration of MLT contributes increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, which demonstrates its effective antioxidant role in this organ. This protection on liver against oxidative stress might also partially have contributed to the hypoglycemic effect of MLT in diabetic rats.