The effect of exogenous melatonin on the dynamics of body weight and the level of Klotho protein in the blood of female rats subjected to prolonged dark deprivation

The study of the effect of exogenous melatonin (0.3 mg/kg, intragastrically in 2% starch mucus, 14-day course) on the dynamics of body weight and the level of Klotho protein in the blood of 4-month-old white mongrel female rats subjected to 30-day dark deprivation (light-dark mode 24/0 h, artificial lighting 300 Lux). It has been shown that prolonged dark deprivation leads to a decrease in the level of Klotho protein, which is a marker of premature aging; a decrease in melatonin levels, fluctuations in the rate of body weight gain in sexually mature female rats. Exogenous melatonin contributed to an increase in the level of Klotho protein and the restoration of melatonin levels in the blood serum of animals, as well as a decrease in body weight, which indicates its protective effect on the condition of animals with accelerated aging caused by dark deprivation.