Melatonin and Sjögren’s syndrome

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There is increasing evidence showing that our circadian clocks are involved in the onset and also the progression of autoimmune diseases. However, few studies have reported about this specifically in Sjogren's syndrome (SS). 

Melatonin and Sjögren’s syndrome STUDY

Melatonin is a hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland that plays an important role in the maintenance of the circadian rhythm and changes in the body's immune system. 

What are circadian rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. NIH

A university study in China aimed to analyze the circadian expression profile of clock genes in SS, and further evaluate the therapeutic potential of melatonin in SS.  All life forms use gene expression to create the building blocks of life from genetic information.

They discovered a distinct clock gene expression profile in the salivary glands of SS patients and SS animal model. More importantly, melatonin administration improved the hypofunction of the salivary glands, inhibited inflammatory development, and regulated clock gene expression in the animal model. 

Researchers concluded: Our study suggested that the pathogenesis of pSS (primary Sjogren's Syndrome) might correlate with abnormal expression of circadian genes, and that melatonin might be a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of pSS. 

The report is here. 

Is it safe to take melatonin?

For melatonin supplements, particularly at doses higher than what the body normally produces, there’s not enough information yet about possible side effects to have a clear picture of overall safety. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most people, but information on the long-term safety of supplementing with melatonin is lacking.

Also keep in mind:

  • Interactions with medicines

    • As with all dietary supplements, people who are taking medicine should consult their health care providers before using melatonin. In particular, people with epilepsy and those taking blood thinner medications need to be under medical supervision when taking melatonin supplements.

  • Possible allergic reaction risk

    • There may be a risk of allergic reactions to melatonin supplements.

  • Safety concerns for pregnant and breastfeeding women

    • There’s been a lack of research on the safety of melatonin use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

  • Safety concerns for older people

    • The 2015 guidelines by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend against melatonin use by people with dementia.
    • Melatonin may stay active in older people longer than in younger people and cause daytime drowsiness.

  • Melatonin is regulated as a dietary supplement

    • In the United States, melatonin is considered a dietary supplement. This means that it’s regulated less strictly by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) than a prescription or over-the-counter drug would be. In several other countries, melatonin is available only with a prescription and is considered a drug.

  • Products may not contain what’s listed on the label

    • Some melatonin supplements may not contain what’s listed on the product label. A 2017 study tested 31 different melatonin supplements bought from grocery stores and pharmacies. For most of the supplements, the amount of melatonin in the product didn’t match what was listed on the product label. Also, 26 percent of the supplements contained serotonin, a hormone that can have harmful effects even at relatively low levels.
SOURCES:
Melatonin and Sjogren’s syndrome


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