UNLABELLED
Melatonin is synthesized not only in the pineal gland, but also in gastrointestinal tract by enterochromaffin cells (EC) and it has a gastroprotective properties. Helicobacter pylori infection causes functional and organic changes of gastric mucosa, particularly in endocrine cells (D, G, ECL, EC).
AIM
The aim of own studies was to evaluate nocturnal secretion of Melatonin in subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic (dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer disease) H. pylori infection (Hp).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
116 subjects, aged 19-61 years were included in this study. Four groups were distinguished: group I (n=30) healthy subjects, Hp (-), group II (n=26)--subjects with asymptomatic infection Hp, group III (n=32) patients with ulcer-like dyspepsia, Hp (+), and group IV (n=28) patients with duodenal ulcer Hp(+). H. pylori infection was diagnosed by using urea breath test (UBT-(13)C) and rapid urease test. The concentration of melatonin in serum was measured with ELISA method, before and after eradication of H. pylori. Blood samples were taken for examination at 10:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
RESULTS
The average melatonin concentration at night hours was found in group I--34.74 +/- 4.77 pg/ml, in group II--48.29 +/- 12.22 pg/ml (p < O.005), in group III--41.56 +/- 12.31 pg/ml (p > 0.05) and in group IV--26.16 +/- 6.89 pg/ml p < 0.01). Such statistical differences were not observed in all group after eradication H. pylori.
CONCLUSIONS
(1) Nocturnal secretion of melatonin in subjects with asymptomatic infection of H. pylori is higher than in patients with ulcer-like dyspepsia and with duodenal ulcer disease. (2) Lower nocturnal secretion of melatonin probably may play role in pathogenesis of upper digestive tract diseases.