Melatonin and alpha-lipoic acid important for cardiovascular health

A study investigated the cardio-protective role of two antioxidants: melatonin and alpha-lipoic acid. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and also has a significant antioxidant effect. Alpha lipoic acid is unique as an antioxidant in that it is both fat- and water-soluble and can therefore be absorbed throughout the body.
Over a 14-day period, researchers gave cadmium to rats to incite oxidative damage. Some of the rats were also given daily supplements of melatonin and alpha lipoic acid, at doses of 10mg and 25mg per kilo of bodyweight,respectively. Oxidative stress markers on the rats' heartswere evaluated, including free radical generation, lipid peroxidation and cadmium levels. Researchers also measured metallothioneins which the body produces to counteract oxidative stress, levels of which are related to systemic endogenous antioxidant status.
Results showed that a combination of melatonin and alpha-lipoic acid significantly reduced enzyme leakage in heart cells, a marker of cell damage. In addition, the combination modulated free radicalgeneration in the heart, while improving endogenous antioxidant levels and antioxidant status, metallothionein production and structural integrity. The research shows that melatonin and alpha lipoic acid supplementation provides protection against cadmium-induced oxidative damage to the heart.
(Cardiovasc. Toxicol.2010 Nov 3.Published online ahead of print)