Melatonin Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress and Duodenal Injury in Wistar Rats

Long-term alcohol intake can damage the lining of the small intestine by increasing harmful oxidative processes. Melatonin is a naturally produced substance in the body known for its strong protective and antioxidant properties. This study examined whether melatonin could protect the duodenum against alcohol-induced injury in adult rats. Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated for twenty-eight days with 1 ml/kg of 50% alcohol, 5 mg/kg of melatonin, both substances together, or neither. Changes in body weight, antioxidant activity, lipid damage, and duodenal tissue structure were assessed. Alcohol exposure reduced weight gain, weakened antioxidant defenses, increased lipid damage, and caused marked injury to the duodenal lining. Treatment with melatonin significantly improved weight gain, restored antioxidant balance, reduced tissue damage, and preserved normal duodenal structure. Melatonin alone produced no harmful effects. These findings suggest that melatonin protects the duodenum against alcohol-induced damage, possibly through attenuation of oxidative stress.