Objective:

To evaluate the potential of melatonin as an adjunctive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, highlighting its significance in managing these conditions.

Key Findings:

• Melatonin supplementation reduced serum malondialdehyde levels and enhanced antioxidant activity in SLE patients.
• Patients with SLE exhibited lower serum melatonin levels compared to healthy controls, with an inverse correlation to disease activity in females.
• Melatonin showed immunomodulatory effects by influencing T helper cell development and reducing inflammatory cytokine synthesis.
• In animal models, melatonin administration reduced renal damage and improved kidney structure in lupus nephritis.
• Genetic studies identified the MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphism associated with increased SLE prevalence.

Interpretation:

Melatonin has potential as a therapeutic agent in SLE and lupus nephritis, with significant effects on oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting important clinical implications.

Limitations:

• Variability in melatonin levels may be influenced by circadian timing, disease activity stages, and methodological differences.
• Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing regimens, long-term effects, and the necessity of larger sample sizes.

Conclusion:

Melatonin administration may significantly reduce renal damage in SLE by modulating specific proteins associated with fibrosis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, underscoring the need for further research.