Melatonin prevented the elevation of leukocyte count and the decreased of hematocrit levels in burn-induced Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Burns are commonly caused by thermal injuries that are often encountered in everyday life. Burns may cause tissue damage and tissue infection. Melatonin, a hormone that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, can be used as a supportive therapy in patients with burns by preventing excess tissue damage, decreasing inflammatory response, and preventing extreme leukocyte increase. The study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin supplementation on leukocyte count and hematocrit levels in male Wistar rats with burns injury.Method: This was an experimental animal study with randomized control group design. A total of twelve healthy male Wistar rats were randomized and divided into two groups. All Wistar rats were induced with 30% burns injuries area. The melatonin group was intraperitoneally administered with melatonin at 0, 8, and 16 hours after treatment, while the control group was administered with placebo (aquadest) with similar method. Leukocyte count and hematocrit levels were measured by taking retroorbital venous blood at 0, 3, and 24 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed with Paired t-Test, Independent t-Test, Mann-Whitney, or Wilcoxon test depend on their normality.Results: There was a higher leukocyte count in control group compared to melatonin group at 3 hours after treatment (T3) (p=0.050), but not at 0 hours after treatment (T0) and at 24 hours after treatment (T24) (p>0.05). There was increased leukocyte count in both melatonin and control groups in T3 in comparison with T0, however the increment was steeper in control group compared to melatonin group. There were no significant differences in hematocrit levels between the melatonin and control groups in T0, T3, and T24 (p>0.05). There was a steeper increased hematocrit levels in the control group than the melatonin group after T24, although it was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Melatonin might have role in preventing a steeper rise of leukocyte count and hematocrit levels in burns injury. If confirmed by further studies, melatonin might be potential for adjuvant management in burns.