Epiphyseal Hormone Melatonin and Chronic Kidney Disease (Review of Literature and Our Own Researches)

Abstract

The review presents the results of experimental and clinical studies proved undeniable influence of the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin on renal functional features. In various animal models, melatonin has shown nephroprotective action, helping to prevent negative impacts and to norma­lize structural and functional parameters of the kidneys. Clinical trials have shown that administration of exogenous melatonin with potent antioxidant, apoptosis-regulated and immunomodulatory effects is effective in patients with chronic kidney disease prone to prolonged inflammatory pressure and high levels of oxidative stress, which leads to degradation of renal tissue and deterioration of its functional state. The data of our own researches indicating violation of production and the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in children with chronic kidney disease, progressing against the background of obstructive chronic pyelonephritis, are provided. Peak values of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were measured. With increasing duration of microbial-inflammatory renal disease, the incidence of ­exacerbations, reduced functional parameters, we observed a decrease in nocturnal peak value of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and increase in daily value. Perhaps, these changes can be regarded as one of the modifiable risk factors for the onset and progression of chronic kidney disease, which certainly needs further study and discussion.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• melatonin
• the pineal gland.