Melatonin to protect kidneys from antibiotic damage
Mechanistic evaluation of melatonin as a protectant against antibiotic associated kidney injury
This work looks at whether melatonin can help protect people’s kidneys from damage caused by certain antibiotics, especially in those at risk for sudden kidney failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, this project studies how melatonin might shield kidney cells from harm when people receive antibiotics that can injure the kidneys. Researchers will run lab experiments on human kidney cells and related models to see how melatonin activates the NRF2 antioxidant pathway and supports mitochondrial energy in those cells. The team will run parallel mechanistic and efficacy tests to build evidence that could support future patient trials. If the lab results are promising, the next steps could include testing melatonin in people who need potentially nephrotoxic antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be hospitalized adults receiving potentially kidney-harming antibiotics who are at higher risk for acute kidney injury, such as older adults or people with existing kidney disease.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving nephrotoxic antibiotics, those whose kidney injury has other clear causes, or people who cannot take melatonin due to contraindications would be unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a simple, widely available way to reduce antibiotic-related acute kidney injury and its consequences.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have shown melatonin can reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial function, but clinical evidence specifically preventing antibiotic-related acute kidney injury is limited.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brunetti, Luigi — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Brunetti, Luigi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.