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Li Q, Zheng T, Chen J, Li B, Zhang Q, Yang S, Shao J, Guan W, Zhang S. Exploring melatonin's multifaceted role in female reproductive health: From follicular development to lactation and its therapeutic potential in obstetric syndromes. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00168-1. [PMID: 38692429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is mainly secreted by the pineal gland during darkness and regulates biological rhythms through its receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition, it also plays a role in the reproductive system by affecting the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and by acting as a free radical scavenger thus contributing to the maintenance of the optimal physiological state of the gonads. Besides, melatonin can freely cross the placenta to influence fetal development. However, there is still a lack of overall understanding of the role of melatonin in the reproductive cycle of female mammals. AIM OF REVIEW Here we focus the role of melatonin in female reproduction from follicular development to delivery as well as the relationship between melatonin and lactation. We further summarize the potential role of melatonin in the treatment of preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and ovarian aging. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Understanding the physiological role of melatonin in female reproductive processes will contribute to the advancement of human fertility and reproductive medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tenghui Zheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiaming Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baofeng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qianzi Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Siwang Yang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiayuan Shao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wutai Guan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zheng W, Yan G, Jiang Y, Bao Z, Li K, Deng M, Li B, Zou Y. Diffusion-Weighted MRI of the Fetal Brain in Fetal Growth Restriction With Maternal Preeclampsia or Gestational Hypertension. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1384-1393. [PMID: 37315155 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal neurodevelopmental microstructural alterations of intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) remain unknown. PURPOSE To evaluate the differences in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the fetal brain between normotensive pregnancies and PE/GH pregnancies, with a focus on PE/GH pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). STUDY TYPE Retrospective matched case-control study. POPULATION 40 singleton pregnancies with PE/GH complicated by FGR, and 3 paired control groups (PE/GH without FGR, normotensive FGR, normotensive pregnancies) (28-38 gestational weeks). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE DWI with single-shot echo-planar imaging at 1.5 Tesla. ASSESSMENT The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in the centrum semi-ovale (CSO), parietal white matter (PWM), frontal white matter (FWM), occipital white matter (OWM), temporal white matter (TWM), basal ganglia, thalamus (THAL), pons, and cerebellar hemisphere. STATISTICAL TESTS Student t test or Wilcoxon matched test was used to reveal the difference of ADC values among the investigated brain regions. A correlation between gestational age (GA) and ADC values was determined by linear regression analysis. RESULTS Compared with fetuses in PE/GH without FGR and those with normotensive pregnancies, fetuses in the PE/GH with FGR group had significantly lower average ADC measurements of supratentorial regions (1.65 ± 0.09 vs. 1.71 ± 0.10 10-3 mm2 /sec; vs. 1.73 ± 0.11 10-3 mm2 /sec, respectively). Regions of significantly decreased ADC values in the fetal brain included CSO, FWM, PWM, OWM, TWM and THAL in cases of PE/GH with FGR. ADC values from supratentorial regions in PE/GH pregnancies were not significantly correlated with GA (P = 0.12, 0.26); however, this trend was statistically significant in the normotensive groups. DATA CONCLUSION ADC values may indicate fetal brain developmental alterations in PE/GH with FGR fetuses but more microscopic and morphological studies are necessary to provide additional evidence to offer a different interpretation of this trend in fetal brain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizeng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Yan
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongkun Bao
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meixiang Deng
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baohua Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
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Song R, Baker TL, Watters JJ, Kumar S. Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Associated Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Immune Responses in Males, Pregnancies, and Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1852. [PMID: 38339130 PMCID: PMC10856042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a respiratory sleep disorder associated with cardiovascular diseases, is more prevalent in men. However, OSA occurrence in pregnant women rises to a level comparable to men during late gestation, creating persistent effects on both maternal and offspring health. The exact mechanisms behind OSA-induced cardiovascular diseases remain unclear, but inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role. Animal models using intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of OSA, reveal several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways at play in males, such as TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/MAPK, miRNA/NLRP3, and COX signaling, along with shifts in immune cell populations and function. Limited evidence suggests similarities in pregnancies and offspring. In addition, suppressing these inflammatory molecules ameliorates IH-induced inflammation and tissue injury, providing new potential targets to treat OSA-associated cardiovascular diseases. This review will focus on the inflammatory mechanisms linking IH to cardiovascular dysfunction in males, pregnancies, and their offspring. The goal is to inspire further investigations into the understudied populations of pregnant females and their offspring, which ultimately uncover underlying mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for OSA-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (R.S.); (T.L.B.); (J.J.W.)
| | - Tracy L. Baker
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (R.S.); (T.L.B.); (J.J.W.)
| | - Jyoti J. Watters
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (R.S.); (T.L.B.); (J.J.W.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (R.S.); (T.L.B.); (J.J.W.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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Shao X, Yang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Yu X, Liu J, Li YX, Wang YL. Orchestrated feedback regulation between melatonin and sex hormones involving GPER1-PKA-CREB signaling in the placenta. J Pineal Res 2023; 75:e12913. [PMID: 37746893 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining placental endocrine homeostasis is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia (PE), a gestational complication, is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aberrant elevation of testosterone (T0 ) synthesis, reduced estradiol (E2 ), and melatonin productions have been identified in preeclamptic placentas. However, the precise contribution of disrupted homeostasis among these hormones to the occurrence of PE remains unknown. In this study, we established a strong correlation between suppressed melatonin production and decreased E2 as well as elevated T0 synthesis in PE placentas. Administration of the T0 analog testosterone propionate (TP; 2 mg/kg/day) to pregnant mice from E7.5 onwards resulted in PE-like symptoms, along with elevated T0 production and reduced E2 and melatonin production. Notably, supplementation with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) in TP-treated mice had detrimental effects on fetal and placental development and compromised hormone synthesis. Importantly, E2 , but not T0 , actively enhanced melatonin synthetase AANAT expression and melatonin production in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells through GPER1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. On the other hand, melatonin suppressed the level of estrogen synthetase aromatase while promoting the expressions of androgen synthetic enzymes including 17β-HSD3 and 3β-HSD1 in PHT cells. These findings reveal an orchestrated feedback mechanism that maintains homeostasis of placental sex hormones and melatonin. It is implied that abnormal elevation of T0 synthesis likely serves as the primary cause of placental endocrine disturbances associated with PE. The suppression of melatonin may represent an adaptive strategy to correct the imbalance in sex hormone levels within preeclamptic placentas. The findings of this study offer novel evidence that identifies potential targets for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
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Sebastiani G, Navarro-Tapia E, Almeida-Toledano L, Serra-Delgado M, Paltrinieri AL, García-Algar Ó, Andreu-Fernández V. Effects of Antioxidant Intake on Fetal Development and Maternal/Neonatal Health during Pregnancy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040648. [PMID: 35453333 PMCID: PMC9028185 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, cycles of hypoxia and oxidative stress play a key role in the proper development of the fetus. Hypoxia during the first weeks is crucial for placental development, while the increase in oxygen due to the influx of maternal blood stimulates endothelial growth and angiogenesis. However, an imbalance in the number of oxidative molecules due to endogenous or exogenous factors can overwhelm defense systems and lead to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many pregnancy complications, generated by systemic inflammation and placental vasoconstriction, such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm birth (PTB), are related to this increase of ROS. Antioxidants may be a promising tool in this population. However, clinical evidence on their use, especially those of natural origin, is scarce and controversial. Following PRISMA methodology, the current review addresses the use of natural antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), melatonin and resveratrol (RESV), as well as other classical antioxidants (vitamin C and E) during the prenatal period as treatment of the above-mentioned complications. We review the effect of antioxidant supplementation on breast milk in lactating mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sebastiani
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (G.S.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Almeida-Toledano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (L.A.-T.); (M.S.-D.)
- BCNatal, Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), University of Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Serra-Delgado
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; (L.A.-T.); (M.S.-D.)
- BCNatal, Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), University of Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Lucia Paltrinieri
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (G.S.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Óscar García-Algar
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (G.S.); (A.L.P.)
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (Ó.G.-A.); (V.A.-F.); Tel.: +34-(63)-9644139 (Ó.G.-A.); +34-(60)-9709258 (V.A.-F.)
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (Ó.G.-A.); (V.A.-F.); Tel.: +34-(63)-9644139 (Ó.G.-A.); +34-(60)-9709258 (V.A.-F.)
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