Melatonin in the treatment of perinatal pathology

Abstract

The review presents the results of studies that have shown the effectiveness of melatonin use in the treatment of perinatal pathology based on oxidative stress and associated systemic inflammation with excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is shown that the lack or absence of the circadian rhythm of epiphyseal maternal melatonin plays a key role in the development of oxidative stress in the single mother-placenta-fetus functional system. The article summarizes the results of experimental studies that reveal the mechanisms of melatonin influence (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating), which provide the protection of the fetus from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnancy complications. The article presents the results of the use of melatonin in full-term and premature infants in addition to standard therapy of brain damage as a result of hypoxia-ischemia and asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Currently ongoing international studies should determine the dose, duration, safety profile, short-term and long-term effects of melatonin in newborns of various gestational ages for its inclusion in treatment protocols for perinatal pathology.