Melatonin and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI): The Treviso Longeva (Trelong) Study:

IntroductionIt has been reported that elderly subjects have a compromised ability to produce melatonin nightly, and that reduced melatonin levels may be a risk factor for cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between melatonin levels and chronic diseases in a cohort of elderly subjects using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).DesignWe performed a secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study of a representative, age-stratified, sample population.SettingThe Treviso Longeva (Trelong) study, in Treviso, Italy.ParticipantsA total of 114 men and 146 women, aged 77 years and older, still alive after 7 years of follow-up.MeasurementsAs an estimation of serum melatonin secretion levels, urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) was assayed in the urine of 260 elderly subjects using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (product 01-EK-M6S, ALPCO Immunoassays, Windham, NH). All aMT6s levels were creatinine standardized ([aMT6s]/[creatinine]), and the CCI was calculated.Results...