3 ms·
The paper A network medicine approach to investigation and population-based validation of disease manifestations and drug repurposing for COVID-19 [1]: > We id
by sradman 6y ago
The paper A network medicine approach to investigation and population-based validation of disease manifestations and drug repurposing for COVID-19 [1]:
> We identified that melatonin usage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.91) is significantly associated with a 28% reduced likelihood of a positive laboratory test result for SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay. Using a PS matching user active comparator design, we determined that melatonin usage was associated with a reduced likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 positive test result compared to use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.92) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.90). Importantly, melatonin usage (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31–0.75) is associated with a 52% reduced likelihood of a positive laboratory test result for SARS-CoV-2 in African Americans after adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking history, and various disease comorbidities using PS matching. In summary, this study presents an integrative network medicine platform for predicting disease manifestations associated with COVID-19 and identifying melatonin for potential prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
I'm not sure what to make of this. In my mind, melatonin usage is associated with sleep disorders just like ACE inhibitors are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), a known comorbidity. There are better ways to determine the impact of sleep on COVID-19 and vice versa.
[1] https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000970 https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/jou...
- nradov 6y agoMelatonin is one of the nutritional supplements recommended in the Eastern Virginia Medical School COVID-19 care protocol. https://www.evms.edu/covid-19/covid_care_for_clinicians/#d.en.140202 https://www.evms.edu/covid-19/covid_care_for_clinicians/#d.e...
- sradman 6y agoIs it based on any evidence besides this paper and its precursor [1]? [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-020-0153-3 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-020-0153-3
- nradov 6y agoHave you read the footnotes? There are several papers referenced. From an evidence based medicine standpoint this recommendation is rather weak but the benefits appear to outweigh the minimal cost and risks.
- sradman 6y agoNo, I did not read the footnotes in the longer 49 page pdf in your link, I only scanned the 2 page summary. In the Pre and Postexposure Prophylaxis (The I-MASK+ protocol) section, page 11: > Melatonin (slow release): Begin with 0.3 mg and increase as tolerated to 2 mg at night. [1,7,69-75]. Melatonin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and metabolic effects that are likely important in the mitigation of COVID-19 disease. It is intriguing to recognize that bats, the natural reservoir of coronavirus, have exceptionally high levels of melatonin, which may protect these animals from developing symptomatic disease. [76] For the more serious stages: > Melatonin 10 mg at night (the optimal dose is unknown) [75] From my quick scan of the papers in the related footnotes, melatonin is a good antioxidant and may be anti-inflammatory, in addition to the well known association with sleep regulation.