Background This study investigates the synergistic effects of melatonin and glucocorticoids in the management of asthma and allergic airway inflammation. While glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of asthma treatment, melatonin’s anti-inflammatory properties, potentially mediated through circadian rhythm regulation, may enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Methods A case–control clinical study was conducted to assess asthma control scores, biochemical markers, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and sleep quality. Additionally, an animal model was utilized to evaluate the effects of melatonin and dexamethasone combination therapy on airway inflammation and circadian rhythm gene expression. Results The clinical study found significant correlations between asthma control scores, melatonin and PSQI sleep quality, suggesting that melatonin play crucial roles in asthma control. In parallel, animal experiments revealed that melatonin reduced allergic airway inflammation and stabilized circadian rhythm gene expression. Furthermore, the combination of melatonin with glucocorticoids exhibited a significantly enhanced effect in reducing allergic airway inflammation. Conclusion Melatonin, when combined with corticosteroids, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for allergic asthma, potentially improving asthma control through modulation of inflammation and circadian rhythm regulation. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying this synergy and to evaluate the long-term therapeutic benefits.
Zhang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.