Background:
Sleep disruption and fatigue are common in multiple sclerosis (ms). melatonin is one of the major regulators of sleep-wake cycle. the role of melatonin in ms-related sleep disturbances and fatigue as well as the interaction between melatonin and interferon beta (ifn-Ξ²) treatment were the subject of this study.
Objective:
To assess the influence of ifn-Ξ² treatment on melatonin secretion, fatigue and sleep characteristics in patients with ms.
Methods:
13 ms patients and 12 healthy controls participated. fatigue was evaluated using the fatigue impact scale (fis), sleep was assessed by actigraphy and day/night levels of 6-sulphatoxy-melatonin (6-smt) in urine were determined using a highly specific elisa assay.
Results:
NaΓ―ve ms patients demonstrated significantly decreased levels of 6-smt and disrupted circadian regulation of its secretion, which were increased with ifn-Ξ² treatment, in association with improved fatigue. sleep efficiency was significantly lower in the ms group compared to controls.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest dysregulation of melatonin secretion in ms, which may be influenced by ifn-Ξ² treatment. the results call for further characterization of the role of neuro-hormones such as melatonin in ms, and their cross-regulation with immune-mediators.