Publication:

Effects of melatonin on bone: a case control study

Background There is a stereotypical notion of estrogen being the most relevant parameter for bone health in post-menopausal females, but apart from estrogen; advances in research have presented ample evidence that melatonin may also play a critical role in bone health outcomes.

Methods Our study consisted of 48 post-menopausal females, 24 subjects in the case group and 24 in control groups, to study the differences of certain parameters existing between the two. Serum Melatonin was calculated using ELISA test and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was evaluated using a portable Ultrasound Bone Densitometer Testing Machine.

Results A strong Positive Pearson correlation exists between BMD and serum melatonin levels. Pearson correlation coefficient value (r) of 0.96 and 0.95 for the Control and Osteopenic group respectively. Linear regression for control group is (r2) 0.92. Linear regression for osteopenic group is (r2) 0.90.

Conclusions The results of our study exhibited strong interdependence between the serum melatonin levels and their effects on BMD. Osteopenic subjects who had a lower BMD were also found to have relatively lower levels of serum melatonin. Aligning with the results, similarly control group with normal BMD was found to have relatively higher level of serum melatonin.