Effects of melatonin against acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #melatonin #acute-kidney-injury

Effects of melatonin against acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yang et al., 2023 | Int Immunopharmacol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Yang Jianhua, Gan Yuanxiu, ... Gao Junwei. Effects of melatonin against acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2023-Jul;120:110372. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110372

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland, and has antioxidative effects in reducing acute kidney injury (AKI). In the past three years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated whether melatonin has a protective effect on AKI. The study systematically reviewed and assessed the efficacy and safety of melatonin in preventing AKI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases on February 15, 2023. Eligible records were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The odds ratio and Hedges' gwith the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were selected to evaluate the effects of melatonin on AKI. We pooled extracted data using a fixed- or random-effects model based on a heterogeneity test. RESULTS: There were five studies (one cohort study and four randomized controlled trials) included in the meta-analysis. Although the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be significantly improved by melatonin, the incidence of AKI was not significantly decreased in the melatonin group compared with the control group in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the present results do not support a direct effect of melatonin use on the reduction of AKI. More well-designed clinical studies with larger sample size are required in the future.

Key Findings

There were five studies (one cohort study and four randomized controlled trials) included in the meta-analysis. Although the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be significantly improved by melatonin, the incidence of AKI was not significantly decreased in the melatonin group compared with the control group in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Acute Kidney Injury

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09