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Reiter RJ, Sharma R, DA Chuffa LG, Zuccari DA, Amaral FG, Cipolla-Neto J. Melatonin-mediated actions and circadian functions that improve implantation, fetal health and pregnancy outcome. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108534. [PMID: 38185312 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108534] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes data related to the potential importance of the ubiquitously functioning antioxidant, melatonin, in resisting oxidative stress and protecting against common pathophysiological disorders that accompany implantation, gestation and fetal development. Melatonin from the maternal pineal gland, but also trophoblasts in the placenta, perhaps in the mitochondria, produce this molecule as a hedge against impairment of the uteroplacental unit. We also discuss the role of circadian disruption on reproductive disorders of pregnancy. The common disorders of pregnancy, i.e., stillborn fetus, recurrent fetal loss, preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, premature delivery, and fetal teratology are all conditions in which elevated oxidative stress plays a role and experimental supplementation with melatonin has been shown to reduce the frequency or severity of these conditions. Moreover, circadian disruption often occurs during pregnancy and has a negative impact on fetal health; conversely, melatonin has circadian rhythm synchronizing actions to overcome the consequences of chronodisruption which often appear postnatally. In view of the extensive findings supporting the ability of melatonin, an endogenously-produced and non-toxic molecule, to protect against experimental placental, fetal, and maternal pathologies, it should be given serious consideration as a supplement to forestall the disorders of pregnancy. Until recently, the collective idea was that melatonin supplements should be avoided during pregnancy. The data summarized herein suggests otherwise. The current findings coupled with the evidence, published elsewhere, showing that melatonin is highly protective of the fertilized oocyte from oxidative damage argues in favor of its use for improving pregnancy outcome generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Applied Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Luiz Gustavo DA Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Bioscience of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Apc Zuccari
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Molecular do Cancer, Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Amaral
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Kweon JY, Mun H, Choi MR, Kim HS, Ahn YJ. Maternal obesity induced metabolic disorders in offspring and myeloid reprogramming by epigenetic regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1256075. [PMID: 38292775 PMCID: PMC10824939 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1256075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes are associated with childhood obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. In this review, we will discuss and summarize extensive clinical and experimental studies that metabolically imbalanced environment exposure in early life plays a critical role in influencing later susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. The effect of maternal obesity and metabolic disorders, including gestational diabetes cause Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) children to link future development of adverse health issues such as obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by immune reprogramming to adverse micro-environment. This review also addresses intrauterine environment-driven myeloid reprogramming by epigenetic regulations and the epigenetic markers as an underlying mechanism. This will facilitate future investigations regarding maternal-to-fetal immune regulation and the epigenetic mechanisms of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Young Kweon
- Medical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonji Mun
- Medical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Ryeol Choi
- Medical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Ahn
- Medical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Department IT Convergence, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Comas M, De Pietri Tonelli D, Berdondini L, Astiz M. Ontogeny of the circadian system: a multiscale process throughout development. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:36-46. [PMID: 38071123 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.11.004] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The 24 h (circadian) timing system develops in mammals during the perinatal period. It carries out the essential task of anticipating daily recurring environmental changes to identify the best time of day for each molecular, cellular, and systemic process. Although significant knowledge has been acquired about the organization and function of the adult circadian system, relatively little is known about its ontogeny. During the perinatal period, the circadian system progressively gains functionality under the influence of the early environment. This review explores current evidence on the development of the circadian clock in mammals, highlighting the multilevel complexity of the process and the importance of gaining a better understanding of its underlying biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Comas
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
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Méndez N, Corvalan F, Halabi D, Ehrenfeld P, Maldonado R, Vergara K, Seron-Ferre M, Torres-Farfan C. From gestational chronodisruption to noncommunicable diseases: Pathophysiological mechanisms of programming of adult diseases, and the potential therapeutic role of melatonin. J Pineal Res 2023; 75:e12908. [PMID: 37650128 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During gestation, the developing fetus relies on precise maternal circadian signals for optimal growth and preparation for extrauterine life. These signals regulate the daily delivery of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other biophysical factors while synchronizing fetal rhythms with the external photoperiod. However, modern lifestyle factors such as light pollution and shift work can induce gestational chronodisruption, leading to the desynchronization of maternal and fetal circadian rhythms. Such disruptions have been associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental, metabolic, and endocrine functions in the fetus, increasing the susceptibility to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. This aligns with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory, suggesting that early-life exposures can significantly influence health outcomes later in life. The consequences of gestational chronodisruption also extend into adulthood. Environmental factors like diet and stress can exacerbate the adverse effects of these disruptions, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm across the lifespan to prevent NCDs and mitigate the impact of gestational chronodisruption on aging. Research efforts are currently aimed at identifying potential interventions to prevent or mitigate the effects of gestational chronodisruption. Melatonin supplementation during pregnancy emerges as a promising intervention, although further investigation is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms involved and to develop effective strategies for promoting health and preventing NCDs in individuals affected by gestational chronodisruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Méndez
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Fernando Corvalan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Diego Halabi
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Ehrenfeld
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Karina Vergara
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Maria Seron-Ferre
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile
| | - Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Lear CA, Maeda Y, King VJ, Dhillon SK, Beacom MJ, Gunning MI, Lear BA, Davidson JO, Stone PR, Ikeda T, Gunn AJ, Bennet L. Circadian patterns of heart rate variability in fetal sheep after hypoxia-ischaemia: A biomarker of evolving brain injury. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37432936 DOI: 10.1113/jp284560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) before birth is a key risk factor for stillbirth and severe neurodevelopmental disability in survivors, including cerebral palsy, although there are no reliable biomarkers to detect at risk fetuses that may have suffered a transient period of severe HI. We investigated time and frequency domain measures of fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) for 3 weeks after HI in preterm fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation (equivalent to preterm humans) until 0.8 gestation (equivalent to term humans). We have previously shown that this is associated with delayed development of severe white and grey matter injury, including cystic white matter injury (WMI) resembling that observed in human preterm infants. HI was associated with suppression of time and frequency domain measures of FHRV and reduced their circadian rhythmicity during the first 3 days of recovery. By contrast, circadian rhythms of multiple measures of FHRV were exaggerated over the final 2 weeks of recovery, mediated by a greater reduction in FHRV during the morning nadir, but no change in the evening peak. These data suggest that the time of day at which FHRV measurements are taken affects their diagnostic utility. We further propose that circadian changes in FHRV may be a low-cost, easily applied biomarker of antenatal HI and evolving brain injury. KEY POINTS: Hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) before birth is a key risk factor for stillbirth and probably for disability in survivors, although there are no reliable biomarkers for antenatal brain injury. In preterm fetal sheep, acute HI that is known to lead to delayed development of severe white and grey matter injury over 3 weeks, was associated with early suppression of multiple time and frequency domain measures of fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) and loss of their circadian rhythms during the first 3 days after HI. Over the final 2 weeks of recovery after HI, exaggerated circadian rhythms of frequency domain FHRV measures were observed. The morning nadirs were lower with no change in the evening peak of FHRV. Circadian changes in FHRV may be a low-cost, easily applied biomarker of antenatal HI and evolving brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lear
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Victoria J King
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K Dhillon
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark I Gunning
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin A Lear
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanne O Davidson
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R Stone
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Sulyok E, Farkas B, Bodis J. Pathomechanisms of Prenatally Programmed Adult Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1354. [PMID: 37507894 PMCID: PMC10376205 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071354] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on epidemiological observations Barker et al. put forward the hypothesis/concept that an adverse intrauterine environment (involving an insufficient nutrient supply, chronic hypoxia, stress, and toxic substances) is an important risk factor for the development of chronic diseases later in life. The fetus responds to the unfavorable environment with adaptive reactions, which ensure survival in the short run, but at the expense of initiating pathological processes leading to adult diseases. In this review, the major mechanisms (including telomere dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and cardiovascular-renal-endocrine-metabolic reactions) will be outlined, with a particular emphasis on the role of oxidative stress in the fetal origin of adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Sulyok
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balint Farkas
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Bodis
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Tang KS, Ho CY, Hsu CN, Tain YL. Melatonin and Kidney Health: From Fetal Stage to Later Life. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098105. [PMID: 37175813 PMCID: PMC10179476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, an endogenous hormone mainly released at night by the pineal gland, has multifaceted biofunctions. Emerging evidence points to melatonin having a crucial role in kidney health and disease. As the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still rising, a superior strategy to advance global kidney health is needed to not just treat CKD, but prevent it early on. Adult kidney disease can have its origins in early life. This review aims to evaluate the recent literature regarding melatonin's effect on kidney development, its clinical uses in the early stage of life, animal models documenting preventive applications of melatonin on offspring's kidney-related disease, and a thorough summary of therapeutic considerations concerning melatonin supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shu Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Feng Shan Hospital-Under the Management of Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Kaohsiung 830, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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