The effect of melatonin on the antioxidant status of rats with type II diabetes mellitus

The effect of melatonin on the intensity of free radical processes and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1.) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) has been investigated in liver and blood serum of rats with type II diabetes mellitus. According to results of this study the development of diabetes was accompanied by the increase in biochemiluminescence parameters and the enzyme activities studied. Melatonin administration changed the parameters studied towards control values and this is obviously associated with realization of the antioxidant potential of this hormone.