Papers by Keyword: Melatonin

Abstract: Melatonin, encapsulated and non-encapsulated, in a topical gel, was comparatively investigated for its in vitro permeation and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. An average size of the melatonin-encapsulated niosomes of 197 nm with a zeta potential of-78.8 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 92.7% was incorporated into a gel base. In vitro skin permeation of the same gel base incorporated with non-encapsulated melatonin or melatonin niosomes at 5% was comparatively evaluated through porcine skin using Franz diffusion cells and analyzed by spectroflurometry at λ_ex 278 and λ_em 348 nm. From the same gel base, the permeation rate of non-encapsulated melatonin was about 2.5 times greater than that of melatonin-encapsulated niosomes. In comparison to piroxicam gel and hydrocortisone cream used as the positive controls, topical applications of melatonin and melatonin niosome gels tested in croton oil-induced ear edema in mice suggested that its anti-inflammatory activities were prolonged by the niosomal encapsulation. Similarly, analgesic effect of melatonin was prolonged by niosomal encapsulation using tail flick test in mice. Therefore, its immediate permeation through the skin was retarded by niosomal encapsulation which could also prolong its rapid decline in exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in vivo.

Abstract: According to the world health organization, major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered as the fourth main cause of death and premature weakness in the whole world. Abnormality in the hormones and neurotransmitters level is the one of the main factors which may result in this disorder. In this article melatonin is chosen among these hormones, which is the most implicated to control sleep and depression. Because the measurement of melatonin is crucial important, the fuzzy logic approach as the mathematical method is utilized to making melatonin behavior model. In this paper, two effective factors on melatonin are modeled by fuzzy logic. This model is only a part of our project which is performed for modeling of the major depression.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin on sex reversal in the rice eel (Monopterus albus). This was carried out by evaluating the estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) concentrations, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and sex ratio. Fish (9.80 ± 1.20 g average initial weight; n = 3 per group) were fed with one of five practical diets containing 0 (control), 10, 30, 50 or 70 mg kg-1 dietary melatonin contents to apparent satiation for fifteen months. Serum E2 and T concentrations were determined by radio immunoassays. E2 and T concentrations, GSIs and survival rates significantly decreased with increased concentrations of exogenous melatonin. Fish fed 70 mg kg-1 of dietary melatonin showed significantly lower rates of E2, T, GSIs and survival ratio than those fed with lower melatonin concentrations or the control group. The shift of sex ratio towards more male and intersex fish was correlated with increasing dietary melatonin contents. Therefore, a high dosage of melatonin may inhibit gonadal development and promote sex change from female to male in M. albus.