The usefulness of melatonin supplementation in postmenopausal women with Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia
Abstract Background Dyspeptic syndrome in the form of epigastric pain are particularly frequent in postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to assess the role of melatonin in chronic dyspepsia in this group of women, with consideration of Helicobacter infection.Methods The study comprised 152 subjects Including 30 healthy women (group I), 60 women with asymptomatic H.pylori infection (group II), and 64 women H. pylori infected with chronic dyspepsia (group III). Endoscopic examination, histological assessment of gastric end duodenal mucosa, urease breath test (UBT-13C), and serum levels of 17-β-estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, melatonin and urinary concentration of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were determined by immunoenzymatic method. In group III – 14-day antibacterial treatment was introduced with pantoprazole, amoxicillin and levofloxacin. Afterward, in 32 women was administered placebo(group IIIa), and in 32 women (group IIIb) melatonin at a dose 1 m/morning and 3 mg/at bedtime, for six months.Results No significant differences were assessed between serum level of female hormone. Serum level of melatonin in group I and in group II was similar – 12,5 ± 2,72pg/ml and 10,5±3,73 pg/ml (p>0,05), whereas in group III was lesser – 5,72±1,42 pg/ml (p<0,001). Eradication of H.pylori was obtained in 75,0% women in group IIIa, and in 84,3% in group IIIb (p>0,05). After 6 months dyspeptic symptoms resolved in 43,7% patients in group IIIa and in 84,3% in group IIIb (p<0,001). Conclusion Melatonin supplementation is useful to complex therapy of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia, particularly in postmenopausal women at whom secretion of this hormone is decreased.