Melatonin: is it an effective antioxidant for pulmonary contusion?

Abstract Background The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of melatonin on pulmonary contusion (PC) caused by isolated blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) in an experimental rat model. Materials and methods A total of 49 rats were divided into three groups: control group (CG), trauma group (TG), and melatonin group (MG). PC was induced by isolated BTT for all the groups except the control group. Intraperitoneal melatonin was administered to the MG after trauma. Blood and tissue samples were collected from the groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant capacity and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), arterial blood gas, and other biochemical parameters such as urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Lung tissue samples were collected for histopathology. Results On day 2, blood MDA and total oxidant capacity levels were lower, and TAOC levels were higher in the MG compared with the TG ( P