The assessment of melatonin secretion in children and youth with chronic gastritis and/or duodenitis and associated or without Helicobacter pylori infection

Introduction: Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal glands, which are able to metabolize tryptophan. Daily concentrations of this hormone are low (10-20 pg/ml), whereas nocturnal concentrations are higher, the highest being between 12 noon and 3 a.m. (80-150-200 pg/ml). The basic regulator of melatonin secretion is the light-dark cycle. Melatonin is one of the most effective free radical scavengers. Melatonin also has oncostatic activity. It leads to growth suppression of some cancers. In the population with H. pylori infection the development of stomach cancer is 3.8 times more frequent than in the population without associated H. pylori infection.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess melatonin concentrations in the blood (two times, at 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.) in patients with H. pylori infection.
Material and methods: 114 patients between 10 and 18 years of age (mean age 14.8 years) were divided into 4 groups: I patients between with chronic gastritis and/or duodenitis and associated H. pylori infection (n=23), II patients with chronic gastritis and/or duodenitis and without associated H. pylori infection (n=24), III control group, patients in whom mentioned diseases and other chronic dysfunctions such as acute inflammation were excluded (n=67). Results were statistically analyzed.
Results: No statistically significant differences between study groups and the control group in terms of melatonin concentrations were found. Statistically significant differences between nocturnal and daily melatonin concentrations in groups I, II and III were found.
Conclusions: In patients with H. pylori infection the rhythm of pineal melatonin secretion is correct. Due to correct melatonin secretion there is no need for melatonin supplementation in these patients.