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Sánchez-Borja C, Cristóbal-Cañadas D, Rodríguez-Lucenilla MI, Muñoz-Hoyos A, Agil A, Vázquez-López MÁ, Parrón-Carreño T, Nievas-Soriano BJ, Bonillo-Perales A, Bonillo-Perales JC. Lower plasma melatonin levels in non-hypoxic premature newborns associated with neonatal pain. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:3607-3615. [PMID: 38842550 PMCID: PMC11263426 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05632-1] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
We analyzed plasma melatonin levels in different groups of preterm newborns without hypoxia and their relationship with several perinatal variables like gestational age or neonatal pain. Prospective cohort study of preterm newborns (PTNB) without perinatal hypoxia, Apgar > 6 at 5 min, and oxygen needs on the third day of life. We compared melatonin levels at day 3 of life in different groups of non-hypoxic preterm infants (Student's t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and chi2) and analyzed the relationship of melatonin with GA, birth weight, neonatal pain (Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scale), caffeine treatment, parenteral nutrition, or the development of free radical diseases (correlation study, linear regression) and factors associated with moderate/intense pain and free radical diseases (logistic regression analysis). Sixty-one preterm infants with gestational age (GA) of 30.7 ± 2.0 weeks with no oxygen requirements at day 3 of life were studied with plasma melatonin levels of 33.8 ± 12.01 pg/ml. Preterm infants weighing < 1250 g at birth had lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.05). Preterm infants with moderate or severe pain (PPIPP > 5) have lower melatonin levels (p = 0.01), and being preterm with PIPP > 5 is associated with lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.03). Being very preterm (GA < 32 GS), having low weight for gestational age (LWGA), receiving caffeine treatment, or requiring parenteral nutrition did not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants (p = NS). Melatonin on day 3 of life in non-hypoxic preterm infants is not associated with later development of free radical diseases (BPD, sepsis, ROP, HIV, NEC). CONCLUSION We observed that preterm infants with moderate to severe pain have lower melatonin levels. These findings are relevant because they reinforce the findings of other authors that melatonin supplementation decreases pain and oxidative stress in painful procedures in premature infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether melatonin could be used as an analgesic in painful procedures in preterm infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration was not required since this was an observational study. WHAT IS KNOWN • Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger in newborns under stress conditions: hypoxia, acidosis, hypotension, painful procedures, or parenteral nutrition. • Pain stimulates the production of melatonin. • Various studies conclude that melatonin administration decreases pain during the neonatal period. WHAT IS NEW • Non-hypoxic preterm infants with moderate to severe pain (PIPP>5) have lower levels of melatonin. • Administration of caffeine and treatment with parenteral nutrition do not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute Biohelath & Institute of Neuroscience, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
- Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, Ctra. de Sacramento, s/n, La Cañada, Almería, 01410, Spain
| | - Bruno José Nievas-Soriano
- Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, Ctra. de Sacramento, s/n, La Cañada, Almería, 01410, Spain.
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Garofoli F, Franco V, Accorsi P, Albertini R, Angelini M, Asteggiano C, Aversa S, Ballante E, Borgatti R, Cabini RF, Caporali C, Chiapparini L, Cociglio S, Fazzi E, Longo S, Malerba L, Materia V, Mazzocchi L, Naboni C, Palmisani M, Pichiecchio A, Pinelli L, Pisoni C, Preda L, Riboli A, Risso FM, Rizzo V, Rognone E, Simoncelli AM, Villani P, Tzialla C, Ghirardello S, Orcesi S. Fate of melatonin orally administered in preterm newborns: Antioxidant performance and basis for neuroprotection. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12932. [PMID: 38111174 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12932] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Preterm infants cannot counteract excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to preterm birth, leading to an excess of lipid peroxidation with malondialdehyde (MDA) production, capable of contributing to brain damage. Melatonin (ME), an endogenous brain hormone, and its metabolites, act as a free radical scavenger against ROS. Unfortunately, preterms have an impaired antioxidant system, resulting in the inability to produce and release ME. This prospective, multicenter, parallel groups, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to assess: (i) the endogenous production of ME in very preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 29 + 6 WE, 28 infants in the ME and 26 in the placebo group); (ii) the exogenous hormone availability and its metabolization to the main metabolite, 6-OH-ME after 15 days of ME oral treatment; (iii) difference of MDA plasma concentration, as peroxidation marker, after treatment. Blood was collected before the first administration (T1) and after 15 days of administration (T2). ME and 6-OH-ME were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, MDA was measured by liquid chromatograph with fluorescence detection. ME and 6-OH-ME were not detectable in the placebo group at any study time-point. ME was absent in the active group at T1. In contrast, after oral administration, ME and 6-OH-ME resulted highly detectable and the difference between concentrations T2 versus T1 was statistically significant, as well as the difference between treated and placebo groups at T2. MDA levels seemed stable during the 15 days of treatment in both groups. Nevertheless, a trend in the percentage of neonates with reduced MDA concentration at T2/T1 was 48.1% in the ME group versus 38.5% in the placebo group. We demonstrated that very preterm infants are not able to produce endogenous detectable plasma levels of ME during their first days of life. Still, following ME oral administration, appreciable amounts of ME and 6-OH-ME were available. The trend of MDA reduction in the active group requires further clinical trials to fix the dosage, the length of ME therapy and to identify more appropriate indexes to demonstrate, at biological and clinical levels, the antioxidant activity and consequent neuroprotectant potential of ME in very preterm newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Garofoli
- 1Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Franco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST-Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Albertini
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Micol Angelini
- 1Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Asteggiano
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aversa
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Ballante
- Political and Social Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- BioData Science Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Camilla Caporali
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Chiapparini
- Radiodiagnostic Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cociglio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST-Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Longo
- 1Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Malerba
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST-Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Materia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Mazzocchi
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Naboni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Palmisani
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pinelli
- Neuroradiology Department, Pediatric Neuroradiology Section, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Camilla Pisoni
- 1Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Preda
- Radiodiagnostic Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostics and Pediatric sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Alice Riboli
- Hospital Pediatric Psychology, Unit of Psychology, Children's Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco M Risso
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rognone
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna M Simoncelli
- Radiodiagnostic Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Villani
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chryssoula Tzialla
- Neonatal and Pediatric Unit, Polo Ospedaliero Oltrepò, ASST Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghirardello
- 1Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Häusler S, Robertson NJ, Golhen K, van den Anker J, Tucker K, Felder TK. Melatonin as a Therapy for Preterm Brain Injury: What Is the Evidence? Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1630. [PMID: 37627625 PMCID: PMC10451719 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvements in survival following preterm birth in recent years, the neurodevelopmental burden of prematurity, with its long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences, remains a significant challenge in neonatology. Neuroprotective treatment options to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants are therefore urgently needed. Alleviating inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS), melatonin might modify important triggers of preterm brain injury, a complex combination of destructive and developmental abnormalities termed encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP). Preliminary data also suggests that melatonin has a direct neurotrophic impact, emphasizing its therapeutic potential with a favorable safety profile in the preterm setting. The current review outlines the most important pathomechanisms underlying preterm brain injury and correlates them with melatonin's neuroprotective potential, while underlining significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic uncertainties that need to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Häusler
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nicola J. Robertson
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK; (N.J.R.); (K.T.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Klervi Golhen
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland; (K.G.); (J.v.d.A.)
| | - John van den Anker
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland; (K.G.); (J.v.d.A.)
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Katie Tucker
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK; (N.J.R.); (K.T.)
| | - Thomas K. Felder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
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刘 一, 夏 世. [Research research on the use of melatonin in combination with therapeutic hypothermia for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:864-869. [PMID: 37668036 PMCID: PMC10484075 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2302099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders in full-term neonates, and there is currently no curative treatment. Therapeutic hypothermia is now a standard therapy for HIE in the neonatal intensive care unit, but its safety and efficacy in remote areas remains unclear. Melatonin is an indole endocrine hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland and it has the ability to easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Through receptor and non-receptor mechanisms, melatonin exerts anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and participates in the regulation of organelle function and the inhibition of cell death. Melatonin is considered one of the most promising drugs for the treatment of HIE based on its reliable safety profile and clinical/preclinical results. This article reviews the recent research on the use of melatonin in combination with therapeutic hypothermia for the treatment of neonatal HIE.
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Kitase Y, Madurai NK, Hamimi S, Hellinger RL, Odukoya OA, Ramachandra S, Muthukumar S, Vasan V, Sevensky R, Kirk SE, Gall A, Heck T, Ozen M, Orsburn BC, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Chorioamnionitis disrupts erythropoietin and melatonin homeostasis through the placental-fetal-brain axis during critical developmental periods. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1201699. [PMID: 37546540 PMCID: PMC10398572 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1201699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Novel therapeutics are emerging to mitigate damage from perinatal brain injury (PBI). Few newborns with PBI suffer from a singular etiology. Most experience cumulative insults from prenatal inflammation, genetic and epigenetic vulnerability, toxins (opioids, other drug exposures, environmental exposure), hypoxia-ischemia, and postnatal stressors such as sepsis and seizures. Accordingly, tailoring of emerging therapeutic regimens with endogenous repair or neuro-immunomodulatory agents for individuals requires a more precise understanding of ligand, receptor-, and non-receptor-mediated regulation of essential developmental hormones. Given the recent clinical focus on neurorepair for PBI, we hypothesized that there would be injury-induced changes in erythropoietin (EPO), erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), melatonin receptor (MLTR), NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) signaling, and hypoxia inducible factors (HIF1α, HIF2α). Specifically, we predicted that EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α alterations after chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) would reflect relative changes observed in human preterm infants. Similarly, we expected unique developmental regulation after injury that would reveal potential clues to mechanisms and timing of inflammatory and oxidative injury after CHORIO that could inform future therapeutic development to treat PBI. Methods: To induce CHORIO, a laparotomy was performed on embryonic day 18 (E18) in rats with transient uterine artery occlusion plus intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Placentae and fetal brains were collected at 24 h. Brains were also collected on postnatal day 2 (P2), P7, and P21. EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α levels were quantified using a clinical electrochemiluminescent biomarker platform, qPCR, and/or RNAscope. MLT levels were quantified with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Examination of EPO, EPOR, and MLTR1 at 24 h showed that while placental levels of EPO and MLTR1 mRNA were decreased acutely after CHORIO, cerebral levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1 mRNA were increased compared to control. Notably, CHORIO brains at P2 were SIRT1 mRNA deficient with increased HIF1α and HIF2α despite normalized levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1, and in the presence of elevated serum EPO levels. Uniquely, brain levels of EPO, EPOR and MLTR1 shifted at P7 and P21, with prominent CHORIO-induced changes in mRNA expression. Reductions at P21 were concomitant with increased serum EPO levels in CHORIO rats compared to controls and variable MLT levels. Discussion: These data reveal that commensurate with robust inflammation through the maternal placental-fetal axis, CHORIO impacts EPO, MLT, SIRT1, and HIF signal transduction defined by dynamic changes in EPO, EPOR, MLTR1, SIRT1, HIF1α and HIF2α mRNA, and EPO protein. Notably, ligand-receptor mismatch, tissue compartment differential regulation, and non-receptor-mediated signaling highlight the importance, complexity and nuance of neural and immune cell development and provide essential clues to mechanisms of injury in PBI. As the placenta, immune cells, and neural cells share many common, developmentally regulated signal transduction pathways, further studies are needed to clarify the perinatal dynamics of EPO and MLT signaling and to capitalize on therapies that target endogenous neurorepair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nethra K. Madurai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Hamimi
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ryan L. Hellinger
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - O. Angel Odukoya
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sindhu Ramachandra
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sankar Muthukumar
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Vasan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Riley Sevensky
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shannon E. Kirk
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexander Gall
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Timothy Heck
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maide Ozen
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Orsburn
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Mehrzadi S, Sheibani M, Koosha F, Alinaghian N, Pourhanifeh MH, Tabaeian SAP, Reiter RJ, Hosseinzadeh A. Protective and therapeutic potential of melatonin against intestinal diseases: updated review of current data based on molecular mechanisms. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:1011-1029. [PMID: 37796746 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2267439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intestinal diseases, a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity, carry a substantial socioeconomic burden. Small and large intestines play pivotal roles in gastrointestinal physiology and food digestion. Pathological conditions, such as gut dysbiosis, inflammation, cancer, therapy-related complications, ulcers, and ischemia, necessitate the urgent exploration of safe and effective complementary therapeutic strategies for optimal intestinal health. AREAS COVERED This article evaluates the potential therapeutic effects of melatonin, a molecule with a wide range of physiological actions, on intestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, gastric/duodenal ulcers and other intestinal disorders. EXPERT OPINION Due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as various biological actions, melatonin could be a therapeutic option for improving digestive disorders. However, more researches are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using melatonin for digestive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Koosha
- Department of Radiology Technology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazila Alinaghian
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Pourhanifeh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Melatonin in Newborn Infants Undergoing Surgery: A Pilot Study on Its Effects on Postoperative Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030563. [PMID: 36978811 PMCID: PMC10044879 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgery is frequently associated with excessive oxidative stress. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant and transient melatonin deficiency has been described in neonatal surgical patients. This randomized, blinded, prospective pilot study tested the hypothesis that oral melatonin supplementation in newborn infants undergoing surgery is effective in reducing perioperative oxidative stress. A total of twenty-three newborn infants requiring surgery were enrolled: 10 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg in the morning, before surgery (MEL group), and 13 newborns served as the control group (untreated group). Plasma concentrations of melatonin, Non-Protein-Bound Iron (NPBI), Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), and F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were measured. Both in the pre- and postoperative period, melatonin concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the untreated group (preoperative: 1265.50 ± 717.03 vs. 23.23 ± 17.71 pg/mL, p < 0.0001; postoperative: 1465.20 ± 538.38 vs. 56.47 ± 37.18 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Melatonin significantly increased from the pre- to postoperative period in the untreated group (23.23 ± 17.71 vs. 56.47 ± 37.18 pg/mL; pg/mL p = 0.006). In the MEL group, the mean blood concentrations of NPBI, F2-IsoPs, and AOPP significantly decreased from the pre- to the postoperative period (4.69 ± 3.85 vs. 1.65 ± 1.18 micromol/dL, p = 0.049; 128.40 ± 92.30 vs. 50.25 ± 47.47 pg/mL, p = 0.037 and 65.18 ± 15.50 vs. 43.98 ± 17.92 micromol/dL, p = 0.022, respectively). Melatonin concentration increases physiologically from the pre- to the postoperative period, suggesting a defensive physiologic response to counteract oxidative stress. The administration of exogenous melatonin in newborn infants undergoing surgery reduces lipid and protein peroxidation in the postoperative period, showing a potential role in protecting babies from the deleterious consequences of oxidative stress.
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Nalika N, Waseem M, Kaushik P, Salman M, Andrabi SS, Parvez S. Role of melatonin and quercetin as countermeasures to the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Life Sci 2023:121403. [PMID: 36669677 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM Due to the growing commercialization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs), it is necessary to use these particles in a manner that is safe, healthy and environmental friendly. Through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, it has been discovered that TNPs have a harmful effect on the brain. The aim of this study is to provide valuable insights into the possible mechanisms of TNPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction in brain and its amelioration by nutraceuticals, quercetin (QR) and melatonin (Mel) in in vitro and in vivo conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Whole brain mitochondrial sample was used for in-vitro evaluation. Pre-treatment of QR (30 μM) and Mel (100 μM) at 25 °C for 1 h was given prior to TNPs (50 μg/ml) exposure. For in-vivo study, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I was control and group II was exposed to TNPs (5 mg/kg b.wt., i.v.). QR (5 mg/kg b.wt.) and Mel (5 mg/kg b.wt.) were given orally as pre-treatment in groups III and IV, respectively. Biochemical parameters, neurobehavioural paradigms, mitochondrial respiration, neuronal architecture assessment were assessed. KEY FINDINGS QR and Mel restored the mitochondrial oxidative stress biomarkers in both the studies. Additionally, these nutraceuticals resuscitated the neurobehavioural alterations and restored the neuronal architecture alterations in TNPs exposed rats. The mitochondrial dysfunction induced by TNPs was also ameliorated by QR and Mel by protecting the mitochondrial complex activity and mitochondrial respiration rate. SIGNIFICANCE Results of the study demonstrated that QR and Mel ameliorated mitochondrial mediated neurotoxic effects induced by TNPs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Nalika
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Mohammad Waseem
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Pooja Kaushik
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Mohd Salman
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Syed Suhail Andrabi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Toxicology, School of Life and Chemical Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110 062, India.
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9
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The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123252. [PMID: 36552008 PMCID: PMC9775355 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, there have been significant evolutions in the understanding of the hormone melatonin in terms of its physiology, regulatory role, and potential utility in various domains of clinical medicine. Melatonin's properties include, among others, the regulation of mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuro-protective effects, sleep promotion and immune enhancement. As it is also bioavailable and has little or no toxicity, it has been proposed as safe and effective for the treatment of numerous diseases and to preserve human health. In this manuscript, we tried to evaluate the role of melatonin at the beginning of human life, in pregnancy, in the fetus and in newborns through newly published literature studies.
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10
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Pedroza-García KA, Calderón-Vallejo D, Quintanar JL. Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Perspectives of Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Treatments. Neuropediatrics 2022; 53:402-417. [PMID: 36030792 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition that could have deleterious neurological outcomes, such as cerebral palsy, neuromotor disability, developmental disability, epilepsy, and sensitive or cognitive problems, and increase the risk of death in severe cases. Once HIE occurs, molecular cascades are triggered favoring the oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and inflammation damage that promote cell death via apoptosis or necrosis. Currently, the therapeutic hypothermia is the standard of care in HIE; however, it has a small window of action and only can be used in children of more than 36 gestational weeks; for this reason, it is very important to develop new therapies to prevent the progression of the hypoxic-ischemic injury or to develop neuroregenerative therapies in severe HIE cases. The objective of this revision is to describe the emerging treatments for HIE, either preventing cell death for oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, or exacerbated inflammation, as well as describing a new therapeutic approach for neuroregeneration, such as mesenchymal stem cells, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and gonadotropin realizing hormone agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Pedroza-García
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Denisse Calderón-Vallejo
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México.,Departamento de Morfología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - J Luis Quintanar
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
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11
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D'angelo G, Cannavò L, Reiter RJ, Gitto E. Melatonin Administration from 2000 to 2020 to Human Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:824-829. [PMID: 33129208 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the main cause of long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity in term born infants worldwide. Melatonin is a hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that make it a promising molecule for the treatment of perinatal asphyxia. Probably, the synergistic use of hypothermia associated with melatonin treatment may improve the neurological outcome in infants with HIE. In the past 20 years, the efficacy of melatonin in reducing oxidative stress has been demonstrated in animals; however, clinical trials with sufficient sample size of newborns are lacking to date. Since in 2000 we were among the first to study the neuroprotective properties of melatonin on infants, in this review, we want to summarize the advantages and limitations of the investigations conducted to date. KEY POINTS: · HIE is the main cause of morbidity in term born infants worldwide.. · Melatonin is a promising molecule for the treatment of perinatal asphyxia.. · This review summarizes advantages and limitations of the investigations conducted on melatonin..
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella D'angelo
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi," University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Cannavò
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi," University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi," University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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12
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Pang R, Han HJ, Meehan C, Golay X, Miller SL, Robertson NJ. Efficacy of melatonin in term neonatal models of perinatal hypoxia-ischaemia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:795-809. [PMID: 35413154 PMCID: PMC9186150 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is an important cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Therapeutic hypothermia (HT) is an effective therapy, however not all babies benefit. Novel agents are urgently needed to improve outcomes. Melatonin in preclinical studies has promising neuroprotective properties. This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of melatonin in term animal models of NE on cerebral infarct size, neurobehavioural tests and cell death. METHODS A literature search was carried out using Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science (31 May 2021). We identified 14 studies and performed a meta-analysis with a random effects model using standardised mean difference (SMD) as the effect size. The risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation tool and publication bias was assessed with funnel plots, and adjusted using trim and fill analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of study design variables. RESULTS We observed significant reduction in brain infarct size (SMD -2.05, 95% CI [-2.93, -1.16]), improved neurobehavioural outcomes (SMD -0.86, 95% CI [-1.23, -0.53]) and reduction in cell death (SMD -0.60, 95% CI [-1.06, -0.14]) favouring treatment with melatonin. Neuroprotection was evident as a single therapy and combined with HT. Subgroup analysis showed greater efficacy with melatonin given before or immediately after injury and with ethanol excipients. The overall effect size remained robust even after adjustment for publication bias. INTERPRETATION These studies demonstrate a significant neuroprotective efficacy of melatonin in term neonatal models of hypoxia-ischaemia, and suggest melatonin is a strong candidate for translation to clinical trials in babies with moderate-severe NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymand Pang
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hyun Jee Han
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Xavier Golay
- Institute of Neurology, Queen's Square, University College London, London, UK
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Translational Research Facility, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Nicola J Robertson
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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13
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Victor S, Rocha-Ferreira E, Rahim A, Hagberg H, Edwards D. New possibilities for neuroprotection in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:875-887. [PMID: 34820702 PMCID: PMC8897336 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Around 0.75 million babies worldwide suffer from moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) each year resulting in around 400,000 babies with neurodevelopmental impairment. In 2010, neonatal HIE was associated with 2.4% of the total Global Burden of Disease. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH), a treatment that is now standard of care in high-income countries, provides proof of concept that strategies that aim to improve neurodevelopment are not only possible but can also be implemented to clinical practice. While TH is beneficial, neonates with moderate or severe HIE treated with TH still experience devastating complications: 48% (range: 44-53) combined death or moderate/severe disability. There is a concern that TH may not be effective in low- and middle-income countries. Therapies that further improve outcomes are desperately needed, and in high-income countries, they must be tested in conjunction with TH. We have in this review focussed on pharmacological treatment options (e.g. erythropoietin, allopurinol, melatonin, cannabidiol, exendin-4/exenatide). Erythropoietin and allopurinol show promise and are progressing towards the clinic with ongoing definitive phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled trials. However, there remain global challenges for the next decade. Conclusion: There is a need for more optimal animal models, greater industry support/sponsorship, increased use of juvenile toxicology, dose-ranging studies with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling, and well-designed clinical trials to avoid exposure to harmful medications or abandoning putative treatments. What is Known: • Therapeutic hypothermia is beneficial in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. • Neonates with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia still experience severe sequelae. What is New: • Erythropoietin, allopurinol, melatonin, cannabidiol, and exendin-4/exenatide show promise in conjunction with therapeutic hypothermia. • There is a need for more optimal animal models, greater industry support/sponsorship, increased use of juvenile toxicology, dose-ranging studies with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling, and well-designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Victor
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 1st Floor, South Wing, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westmister Bridge Road, London, UK
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ahad Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Henrik Hagberg
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, 1st Floor, South Wing, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westmister Bridge Road, London, UK
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14
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Abiramalatha T, Ramaswamy VV, Ponnala AK, Kallem VR, Murkunde YV, Punnoose AM, Vivekanandhan A, Pullattayil AK, Amboiram P. Emerging neuroprotective interventions in periventricular leukomalacia: A systematic review of preclinical studies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:305-330. [PMID: 35143732 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2040479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a result of various antenatal, intrapartum, or postnatal insults to the developing brain and is an important harbinger of cerebral palsy in preterm neonates. There is no proven therapy for PVL. This calls for appraisal of targeted therapies that have been investigated in animal models to evaluate their relevance in clinical research context. AREAS COVERED This systematic review identifies interventions that were evaluated in preclinical studies for neuroprotective efficacy against PVL. We identified 142 studies evaluating various interventions in PVL animal models. (Search method is detailed in section 2). EXPERT OPINION Interventions that have yielded significant results in preclinical research, and that have been evaluated in a limited number of clinical trials include stem cells, erythropoietin, and melatonin. Many other therapeutic modalities evaluated in preclinical studies have been identified, but more data on their neuroprotective potential in PVL must be garnered before they can be considered for clinical trials. Because most of the tested interventions had only a partial efficacy, a combination of interventions that could be synergistic should be investigated in future preclinical studies. Furthermore, since the nature and pattern of perinatal insults to preterm brain predisposing it to PVL are substantially variable, individualised approaches for the choice of appropriate neuroprotective interventions tailored to different sub-groups of preterm neonates should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangaraj Abiramalatha
- Consultant Neonatologist, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH).,Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Andelsivj Kumar Ponnala
- Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE), Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | | | - Yogeshkumar V Murkunde
- Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE), Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Alan Mathew Punnoose
- Department of Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Prakash Amboiram
- Department of Neonatology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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15
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Antioxidant Effect of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6308255. [PMID: 34840669 PMCID: PMC8626170 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6308255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Preterm infants are at risk of free radical-mediated diseases from oxidative stress (OS) injury. Increased free radical generation has been demonstrated in preterm infants during the first seven days of life. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. In preterm neonates, melatonin deficiency has been reported. Exogenous melatonin administration appears a promising strategy in the treatment of neonatal morbidities in which OS has a leading role. Objective The aim was to evaluate plasma MEL concentrations and OS biomarkers in preterm newborns after early administration of melatonin. Methods A prospective, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020. Thirty-six preterm newborns were enrolled. Starting from the first day of life, 21 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg once a day, in the morning (MEL group); 15 newborns received an equivalent dose of placebo (placebo group). Samples of 0.2 mL of plasma were collected at 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration. Plasma concentrations of melatonin, non-protein-bound iron (NPBI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and F2-isoprostanes (F2-Isopr) were measured. Babies were clinically followed until discharge. Results At 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration, the MEL concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the placebo group (52759.30 ± 63529.09 vs. 28.57 ± 46.24 pg/mL and 279397.6 ± 516344.2 vs. 38.50 ± 44.01 pg/mL, respectively). NPBI and AOPP did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups both at 24 and 48 hours. At 48 hours, the mean blood concentrations of F2-Isopr were significantly lower in the MEL group than in the placebo group (36.48 ± 33.85 pg/mL vs.89.97 ± 52.01 pg/mL). Conclusions Early melatonin administration in preterm newborns reduces lipid peroxidation in the first days of life showing a potential role to protect high-risk newborns. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with NCT04785183, Early Supplementation of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns: the Effects on Oxidative Stress.
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16
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Vine T, Brown GM, Frey BN. Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2021; 44:342-348. [PMID: 34730672 PMCID: PMC9169489 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2021-2156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of sleep disorders during the perinatal period is high and large health administrative database surveys have shown that the use of exogenous melatonin in pregnant populations is quite common, about 4%. Much of the concern about using melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding stems from animal research. Thus, the objective of this article is to provide a critical review of human studies related to exogenous melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. METHODS The electronic databases Ovid, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched using terms and keywords related to melatonin, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included in this review. Eight focused on melatonin use during pregnancy and seven focused on melatonin use during breastfeeding. There was a variety of study designs, including case reports, cohort studies, and clinical trials. There is a lack of randomized, controlled trials examining the efficacy and safety of melatonin as a treatment for sleep disorders during pregnancy or breastfeeding and, notably, insomnia was not the primary outcome measure in any of the studies included in this review. Clinical trials that used exogenous melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding for other clinical conditions have not suggested major safety concerns or adverse events. CONCLUSION Contrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on sleep disorders, including exogenous melatonin, during pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tya Vine
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory M Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Molecular Brain Science Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic and Mood Disorder Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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17
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Lembo C, Buonocore G, Perrone S. Oxidative Stress in Preterm Newborns. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111672. [PMID: 34829543 PMCID: PMC8614893 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm babies are highly susceptible to oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems. The generation of free radicals (FR) induces oxidative damage to multiple body organs and systems. OS is the main factor responsible for the development of typical premature infant diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, kidney damage, eryptosis, and also respiratory distress syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus. Many biomarkers have been detected to early identify newborns at risk of developing a free radical-mediated disease and to investigate new antioxidant strategies. This review reports the current knowledge on OS in the preterm newborns and the newest findings concerning the use of OS biomarkers as diagnostic tools, as well as in implementing antioxidant therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of these diseases and their sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lembo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neonatology Unit, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Cannavò L, Perrone S, Marseglia L, Viola V, Di Rosa G, Gitto E. Potential benefits of melatonin to control pain in ventilated preterm newborns: An updated review. Pain Pract 2021; 22:248-254. [PMID: 34431588 PMCID: PMC9293012 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units are repeatedly stimulated by painful events, especially if intubated. Preterm infants are known to have greater pain perception than full term infants due to immaturity of descending inhibitory circuits and poor noxious inhibitory modulation. Newborns exposed to repetitive painful stimuli are at high risk of impairments in brain development and cognition. Chronic pain is induced and supported by proinflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species creating a self‐ sustaining vicious circle. Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory functions. This review describes the in‐depth beneficial effects of melatonin for pain control in ventilated preterm newborns. As yet, a minimal amount of literature has been undertaken to consider all its promising bioactivities. The rationale behind the use of melatonin for pain control has also been taken into account in this review. Besides, this review addresses safety concerns and dosages. The potential benefits of melatonin have been assessed against neurological disorders, respiratory distress, microbial infections, and as analgesic adjuvant during ventilation. Additionally, a possible approach for the use of melatonin in ventilated newborns will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cannavò
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Neonatal Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Lucia Marseglia
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Valeria Viola
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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19
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Melatonin and Myo-Inositol: Supporting Reproduction from the Oocyte to Birth. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168433. [PMID: 34445135 PMCID: PMC8395120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy is a sequence of events finely tuned by several molecular interactions that come with a new birth. The precise interlocking of these events affecting the reproductive system guarantees safe embryo formation and fetal development. In this scenario, melatonin and myo-inositol seem to be pivotal not only in the physiology of the reproduction process, but also in the promotion of positive gestational outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that melatonin, beyond the role of circadian rhythm management, is a key controller of human reproductive functions. Similarly, as the most representative member of the inositol’s family, myo-inositol is essential in ensuring correct advancing of reproductive cellular events. The molecular crosstalk mediated by these two species is directly regulated by their availability in the human body. To date, biological implications of unbalanced amounts of melatonin and myo-inositol in each pregnancy step are growing the idea that these molecules actively contribute to reduce negative outcomes and improve the fertilization rate. Clinical data suggest that melatonin and myo-inositol may constitute an optimal dietary supplementation to sustain safe human gestation and a new potential way to prevent pregnancy-associated pathologies.
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20
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Aridas JD, Yawno T, Sutherland AE, Nitsos I, Wong FY, Hunt RW, Ditchfield M, Fahey MC, Malhotra A, Wallace EM, Gunn AJ, Jenkin G, Miller SL. Melatonin augments the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia in lambs following perinatal asphyxia. J Pineal Res 2021; 71:e12744. [PMID: 34032315 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is standard care in high-resource birth settings for infants with neonatal encephalopathy. TH is partially effective and adjuvant therapies are needed. Here, we examined whether the antioxidant melatonin (MLT) provides additive benefit with TH, compared to TH alone or MLT alone, to improve recovery from acute encephalopathy in newborn lambs. Immediately before cesarean section delivery, we induced asphyxia in fetal sheep via umbilical cord occlusion until mean arterial blood pressure fell from 55 ± 3 mm Hg in sham controls to 18-20 mm Hg (10.1 ± 1.5 minutes). Lambs were delivered and randomized to control, control + MLT (60 mg iv, from 30 minutes to 24 hours), asphyxia, asphyxia + TH (whole-body cooling to 35.1 ± 0.8°C vs. 38.3 ± 0.17°C in sham controls, from 4-28 hours), asphyxia + MLT, and asphyxia + TH + MLT. At 72 hours, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was undertaken, and then brains were collected for neuropathology assessment. Asphyxia induced abnormal brain metabolism on MRS with increased Lactate:NAA (P = .003) and reduced NAA:Choline (P = .005), induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death across gray and white matter brain regions (P < .05), and increased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (P < .05). TH and MLT were independently associated with region-specific reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, compared to asphyxia alone. There was an interaction between TH and MLT such that the NAA:Choline ratio was not significantly different after asphyxia + TH + MLT compared to sham controls but had a greater overall reduction in neuropathology than either treatment alone. This study demonstrates that, in newborn lambs, combined TH + MLT for neonatal encephalopathy provides significantly greater neuroprotection than either alone. These results will guide the development of further trials for neonatal encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ds Aridas
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Tamara Yawno
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Amy E Sutherland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Flora Y Wong
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Rod W Hunt
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Michael C Fahey
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Graham Jenkin
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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21
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Melatonin for Neonatal Encephalopathy: From Bench to Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115481. [PMID: 34067448 PMCID: PMC8196955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal encephalopathy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although therapeutic hypothermia (HT) is now standard practice in most neonatal intensive care units in high resource settings, some infants still develop long-term adverse neurological sequelae. In low resource settings, HT may not be safe or efficacious. Therefore, additional neuroprotective interventions are urgently needed. Melatonin’s diverse neuroprotective properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Its strong safety profile and compelling preclinical data suggests that melatonin is a promising agent to improve the outcomes of infants with NE. Over the past decade, the safety and efficacy of melatonin to augment HT has been studied in the neonatal piglet model of perinatal asphyxia. From this model, we have observed that the neuroprotective effects of melatonin are time-critical and dose dependent. Therapeutic melatonin levels are likely to be 15–30 mg/L and for optimal effect, these need to be achieved within the first 2–3 h after birth. This review summarises the neuroprotective properties of melatonin, the key findings from the piglet and other animal studies to date, and the challenges we face to translate melatonin from bench to bedside.
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22
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Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092506. [PMID: 33923028 PMCID: PMC8123278 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a pleotropic molecule with numerous biological activities. Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented that melatonin could inhibit different types of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results showed the involvement of melatonin in different anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell proliferation inhibition, reduction in tumor growth and metastases, reduction in the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, decreasing drug resistance in cancer therapy, and augmentation of the therapeutic effects of conventional anticancer therapies. Clinical trials revealed that melatonin is an effective adjuvant drug to all conventional therapies. This review summarized melatonin biosynthesis, availability from natural sources, metabolism, bioavailability, anticancer mechanisms of melatonin, its use in clinical trials, and pharmaceutical formulation. Studies discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to design and develop new therapies to treat and prevent cancer using melatonin.
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23
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Ahmed J, Pullattayil S AK, Robertson NJ, More K. Melatonin for neuroprotection in neonatal encephalopathy: A systematic review & meta-analysis of clinical trials. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 31:38-45. [PMID: 33601197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Melatonin has shown neuroprotective properties in pre-clinical studies of perinatal asphyxia through antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. Studies have also demonstrated its safety and efficacy in neonatal encephalopathy (NE). However, its role in the current era of therapeutic hypothermia (HT) is unclear. The review aims to describe the currently available clinical evidence for Melatonin as a potential therapy for NE. METHODS Data Sources: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and Cochrane central databases, published journals, and conference proceedings from inception to May 31, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Melatonin for NE in term or late preterm infants reporting neurodevelopmental outcomes, death, or both. The evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE system, while the recommendations were taken according to the quality. RESULTS We included five RCTs involving 215 neonates. Long-term development outcome data is lacking in all except in one small study, reporting significantly higher composite cognition scores at 18 months. One study reported intermediate 6-month favorable development on follow-up. Meta-analysis of mortality in combined HT + Melatonin group vs HT alone (Studies = 2, participants = 54) demonstrated no significant reduction with relative risk (RR) 0.42; 95%CI, 0.99-1.12). The overall GRADE evidence quality was very low for a very small sample size. We did not meta-analyze the data for Melatonin alone therapy without HT, as the included studies were of very low quality. CONCLUSIONS Despite strong experimental data supporting the role of Melatonin as a neuroprotective agent in NE (both alone and as an adjunct with therapeutic hypothermia), the clinical data supporting the neuroprotective effects in neonates is limited. Larger well designed, adequately powered multicentre clinical trials are urgently needed to define the neuroprotective role of Melatonin in optimizing outcomes of NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Ahmed
- Division of Neonatology, Women's Wellness and Research Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | - Nicola J Robertson
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, BioQuarter, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK; The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Kiran More
- Division of Neonatology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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24
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Maternal Melatonin Deficiency Leads to Endocrine Pathologies in Children in Early Ontogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042058. [PMID: 33669686 PMCID: PMC7922827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The review summarizes the results of experimental and clinical studies aimed at elucidating the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of endocrine pathology in children. The modern data on the role of epigenetic influences in the early ontogenesis of unfavorable factors that violate the patterns of the formation of regulatory mechanisms during periods of critical development of fetal organs and systems and contribute to the delayed development of pathological conditions are considered. The mechanisms of the participation of melatonin in the regulation of metabolic processes and the key role of maternal melatonin in the formation of the circadian system of regulation in the fetus and in the protection of the genetic program of its morphofunctional development during pregnancy complications are presented. Melatonin, by controlling DNA methylation and histone modification, prevents changes in gene expression that are directly related to the programming of endocrine pathology in offspring. Deficiency and absence of the circadian rhythm of maternal melatonin underlies violations of the genetic program for the development of hormonal and metabolic regulatory mechanisms of the functional systems of the child, which determines the programming and implementation of endocrine pathology in early ontogenesis, contributing to its development in later life. The significance of this factor in the pathophysiological mechanisms of endocrine disorders determines a new approach to risk assessment and timely prevention of offspring diseases even at the stage of family planning.
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25
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Melatonin: From Pharmacokinetics to Clinical Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031490. [PMID: 33540815 PMCID: PMC7867370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of melatonin has been extensively investigated in pathophysiological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Reduced melatonin secretion has been reported in ASD and led to many clinical trials using immediate-release and prolonged-release oral formulations of melatonin. However, melatonin’s effects in ASD and the choice of formulation type require further study. Therapeutic benefits of melatonin on sleep disorders in ASD were observed, notably on sleep latency and sleep quality. Importantly, melatonin may also have a role in improving autistic behavioral impairments. The objective of this article is to review factors influencing treatment response and possible side effects following melatonin administration. It appears that the effects of exposure to exogenous melatonin are dependent on age, sex, route and time of administration, formulation type, dose, and association with several substances (such as tobacco or contraceptive pills). In addition, no major melatonin-related adverse effect was described in typical development and ASD. In conclusion, melatonin represents currently a well-validated and tolerated treatment for sleep disorders in children and adolescents with ASD. A more thorough consideration of factors influencing melatonin pharmacokinetics could illuminate the best use of melatonin in this population. Future studies are required in ASD to explore further dose-effect relationships of melatonin on sleep problems and autistic behavioral impairments.
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26
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Garofoli F, Longo S, Pisoni C, Accorsi P, Angelini M, Aversa S, Caporali C, Cociglio S, De Silvestri A, Fazzi E, Rizzo V, Tzialla C, Zecca M, Orcesi S. Oral melatonin as a new tool for neuroprotection in preterm newborns: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:82. [PMID: 33482894 PMCID: PMC7820522 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05034-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prevention of neurodevelopmental impairment due to preterm birth is a major health challenge. Despite advanced obstetric and neonatal care, to date there are few neuroprotective molecules available. Melatonin has been shown to have anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory effects and to reduce brain damage, mainly after hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The planned study will be the first aiming to evaluate the capacity of melatonin to mitigate brain impairment due to premature birth. Method In our planned prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized vs placebo study, we will recruit, within 96 h of birth, 60 preterm newborns with a gestational age ≤ 29 weeks + 6 days; these infants will be randomly allocated to oral melatonin, 3 mg/kg/day, or placebo for 15 days. After the administration period, we will measure plasma levels of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation product considered an early biological marker of melatonin treatment efficacy (primary outcome). At term-equivalent age, we will evaluate neurological status (through cerebral ultrasound, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, vision and hearing evaluations, clinical neurological assessment, and screening for retinopathy of prematurity) as well as the incidence of bronchodysplasia and sepsis. We will also monitor neurodevelopmental outcome during the first 24 months of corrected age (using the modified Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence at 4–6 months and standardized neurological and developmental assessments at 24 months). Discussion Preterm birth survivors often present long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae, such as motor, learning, social-behavioral, and communication problems. We aim to assess the role of melatonin as a neuroprotectant during the first weeks of extrauterine life, when preterm infants are unable to produce it spontaneously. This approach is based on the supposition that its anti-oxidant mechanism could be useful in preventing neurodevelopmental impairment. Considering the short- and long-term morbidities related to preterm birth, and the financial and social costs of the care of preterm infants, both at birth and over time, we suggest that melatonin administration could lead to considerable saving of resources. This would be the first study addressing the role of melatonin in very low birth weight preterm newborns, and it could provide a basis for further studies on melatonin as a neuroprotection strategy in this vulnerable population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04235673. Prospectively registered on 22 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Garofoli
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Longo
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Pisoni
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micol Angelini
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aversa
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Camilla Caporali
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cociglio
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology & Biometry, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory and Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chryssoula Tzialla
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Zecca
- Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Kvietkauskas M, Zitkute V, Leber B, Strupas K, Stiegler P, Schemmer P. The role of melatonin in colorectal cancer treatment: a comprehensive review. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920931714. [PMID: 32733605 PMCID: PMC7370547 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920931714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, known as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths annually. Currently, multimodal treatment strategies, including surgical resection, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been used as conventional treatments in patients with CRC. However, clinical outcome of advanced stage disease remains relatively discouraging, due mainly to appearance of CRC chemoresistance, toxicity, and other detrimental side effects. New strategies to overcome these limitations are essential. During the last decades, melatonin (MLT) has been shown to be a potent antiproliferative, anti-metastatic agent with cytotoxic effects on different types of human malignancies, including CRC. Hence, this comprehensive review compiles the available experimental and clinical data analyzing the effects of MLT treatment in CRC patients and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindaugas Kvietkauskas
- General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Viktorija Zitkute
- General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Bettina Leber
- General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Philipp Stiegler
- General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Transplant Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Peter Schemmer
- General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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28
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D’Angelo G, Chimenz R, Reiter RJ, Gitto E. Use of Melatonin in Oxidative Stress Related Neonatal Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9060477. [PMID: 32498356 PMCID: PMC7346173 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of perinatal diseases. Exposure to inflammation, infections, or high oxygen concentrations is frequent in preterm infants, who have high free iron levels that enhance toxic radical generation and diminish antioxidant defense. The peculiar susceptibility of newborns to oxidative stress supports the prophylactic use of melatonin in preventing or decreasing oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Melatonin, an effective direct free-radical scavenger, easily diffuses through biological membranes and exerts pleiotropic activity everywhere. Multiple investigations have assessed the effectiveness of melatonin to reduce the “oxygen radical diseases of newborn” including perinatal brain injury, sepsis, chronic lung disease (CLD), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Further studies are still awaited to test melatonin activity during perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella D’Angelo
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-3100; Fax: +39-090-221-3876
| | - Roberto Chimenz
- Unit of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology with Dialysis, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 40729, USA;
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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29
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Molina-Carballo A, Jerez-Calero AE, Muñoz-Hoyos A. Possible Protective Role of Melatonin in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Pathologies. JOURNAL OF CHILD SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMelatonin, produced in every cell that possesses mitochondria, acts as an endogenous free radical scavenger, and improves energetic metabolism and immune function, by complex molecular crosstalk with other intracellular compounds. There is greatly increasing evidence regarding beneficial effects of acute and chronic administration of high melatonin doses, in infectious, developmental, and degenerative pathologies, as an endothelial cell and every cell protectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Molina-Carballo
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Neurodevelopment, Clínico San Cecilio University Hospital, the Andalusian Health Service, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Emilio Jerez-Calero
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Neurodevelopment, Clínico San Cecilio University Hospital, the Andalusian Health Service, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Hoyos
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Neurodevelopment, Clínico San Cecilio University Hospital, the Andalusian Health Service, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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30
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Newville J, Maxwell JR, Kitase Y, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. Perinatal Opioid Exposure Primes the Peripheral Immune System Toward Hyperreactivity. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:272. [PMID: 32670993 PMCID: PMC7332770 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased incidence of opioid use during pregnancy warrants investigation to reveal the impact of opioid exposure on the developing fetus. Exposure during critical periods of development could have enduring consequences for affected individuals. Particularly, evidence is mounting that developmental injury can result in immune priming, whereby subsequent immune activation elicits an exaggerated immune response. This maladaptive hypersensitivity to immune challenge perpetuates dysregulated inflammatory signaling and poor health outcomes. Utilizing an established preclinical rat model of perinatal methadone exposure, we sought to investigate the consequences of developmental opioid exposure on in vitro activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We hypothesize that PBMCs from methadone-exposed rats would exhibit abnormal chemokine and cytokine expression at baseline, with exaggerated chemokine and cytokine production following immune stimulation compared to saline-exposed controls. On postnatal day (P) 7, pup PMBCs were isolated and cultured, pooling three pups per n. Following 3 and 24 h, the supernatant from cultured PMBCs was collected and assessed for inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression at baseline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation using multiplex electrochemiluminescence. Following 3 and 24 h, baseline production of proinflammatory chemokine and cytokine levels were significantly increased in methadone PBMCs (p < 0.0001). Stimulation with LPS for 3 h resulted in increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) expression by 3.5-fold in PBMCs from methadone-exposed PBMCs compared to PBMCs from saline-exposed controls (p < 0.0001). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell hyperreactivity was still apparent at 24 h of LPS stimulation, evidenced by significantly increased TNF-α, CXCL1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 production by methadone PMBCs compared to saline control PBMCs (p < 0.0001). Together, we provide evidence of increased production of proinflammatory molecules from methadone PBMCs at baseline, in addition to sustained hyperreactivity relative to saline-exposed controls. Exaggerated peripheral immune responses exacerbate inflammatory signaling, with subsequent consequences on many organ systems throughout the body, such as the developing nervous system. Enhanced understanding of these inflammatory mechanisms will allow for appropriate therapeutic development for infants who were exposed to opioids during development. Furthermore, these data highlight the utility of this in vitro PBMC assay technique for future biomarker development to guide specific treatment for patients exposed to opioids during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Newville
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Departments of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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31
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Cardinali DP. An Assessment of Melatonin's Therapeutic Value in the Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy of the Newborn. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2019; 11:34. [PMID: 31920617 PMCID: PMC6914689 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2019.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most frequent causes of brain injury in the newborn. From a pathophysiological standpoint, a complex process takes place at the cellular and tissue level during the development of newborn brain damage in the absence of oxygen. Initially, the lesion is triggered by a deficit in the supply of oxygen to cells and tissues, causing a primary energy insufficiency. Subsequently, high energy phosphate levels recover transiently (the latent phase) that is followed by a secondary phase, in which many of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of neonatal brain damage ensue (i.e., excitotoxicity, massive influx of Ca2+, oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation). This leads to cell death by necrosis or apoptosis. Eventually, a tertiary phase occurs, characterized by the persistence of brain damage for months and even years after the HI insult. Hypothermia is the only therapeutic strategy against HIE that has been incorporated into neonatal intensive care units with limited success. Thus, there is an urgent need for agents with the capacity to curtail acute and chronic damage in HIE. Melatonin, a molecule of unusual phylogenetic conservation present in all known aerobic organisms, has a potential role as a neuroprotective agent both acutely and chronically in HIE. Melatonin displays a remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and is capable to cross the blood-brain barrier readily. Moreover, in many animal models of brain degeneration, melatonin was effective to impair chronic mechanisms of neuronal death. In animal models, and in a limited number of clinical studies, melatonin increased the level of protection developed by hypothermia in newborn asphyxia. This review article summarizes briefly the available therapeutic strategies in HIE and assesses the role of melatonin as a potentially relevant therapeutic tool to cover the hypoxia-ischemia phase and the secondary and tertiary phases following a hypoxic-ischemic insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Cardinali
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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32
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Shimomura ET, Briones AJ, Gordon CJ, Warren WS, Jackson GF. Case report of sudden death in a twin infant given melatonin supplementation: A challenging interpretation of postmortem toxicology. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 304:109962. [PMID: 31610334 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MEL) is a neurohormone in humans produced in a number of locations. Starting with the amino acid tryptophan, MEL is produced through a number of enzymatic steps that includes serotonin as an intermediate compound. The primary production of MEL is in the pineal gland located in the brain. It is directly associated with the the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) located in the hypothalamus. In young and adult humans, the blood levels of MEL are typically in the picogram levels and produced in a cyclic schedule highly regulated by light detected in the retina by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), resulting in production primarily during periods of darkness. During periods of light, MEL levels are typically very low or undetectable. Basal levels of MEL in infants have been observed to be either undetectable or also in the picogram levels, although some medical treatment has involved administration of exogenous MEL resulting in peak levels in the nanogram range. MEL is considered to be well tolerated and there have been limited reports of toxicity. In this case, an infant was found unresponsive and cause of death was ruled as Undetermined. Melatonin was detected in the peripheral blood at a concentration of 1,400ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Shimomura
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE, 19902, United States
| | - Alice J Briones
- Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE, 19902, United States.
| | - Christopher J Gordon
- 71st Medical Group, 527 Gott Road, Building 810, Vance AFB, OK, 73705, United States
| | - Wendy S Warren
- Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE, 19902, United States
| | - George F Jackson
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE, 19902, United States.
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Picone S, Ariganello P, Mondì V, Di Palma F, Martini L, Marziali S, Fariello G, Paolillo P. A solution based on melatonin, tryptophan, and vitamin B6 (Melamil Tripto©) for sedation in newborns during brain MRI. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:122. [PMID: 31547831 PMCID: PMC6757392 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melatonin has been studied and used for several years as a sleep-wake cycle modulator in patients with sleep disorders. Experimental evidence has demonstrated the multiple neuroprotective benefits of this indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin is also used in neurological investigations, for its ability to induce sleep in children. In fact, it favors falling asleep during electroencephalogram, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and during brainstem auditory evoked potentials. Previous studies are focused on infants and children. No investigation have been performed in neonates, before or during instrumental assessments. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred ten newborns (term and preterm) undergoing brain MRI were enrolled in the study. Thirty minutes before the planned time for the examination, we administered a single dose solution of melatonin- tryptophan-vitamin B6. Twenty minutes after the initial administration of 2 mg, a second dose of 1 mg was administered, if the baby was still awake. If after further 15 min the baby was still not sleeping, an additional dose of 1 mg was administered. RESULTS In 106 patients we obtained adequate sedation without adverse events, allowing us to perform an adequate quality MRI, with a median time of 25 min to reach sleeping. Only in three patients MRI could not be performed. In patients having a large weight, higher doses of melatonin were necessary to reach sleeping. Considering the pro kg dose of melatonin, the average dose that induced sleepiness in neonates was 0,64 ± 0.16 mg/Kg. CONCLUSION A solution based on Melatonin- tryptophan-vitamin B6 can be a helpful sedative to administer to neonates undergoing brain MRI, avoiding the use of anesthetics and achieving adequate assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Picone
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina 1069, 00169, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Ariganello
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina 1069, 00169, Rome, Italy
| | - V Mondì
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina 1069, 00169, Rome, Italy
| | - F Di Palma
- Medical School, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - L Martini
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina 1069, 00169, Rome, Italy
| | - S Marziali
- Department of Neuroradiology, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina, 1069, Rome, Italy
| | - G Fariello
- Department of Neuroradiology, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina, 1069, Rome, Italy
| | - P Paolillo
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Department, Policlinico Casilino General Hospital, Via Casilina 1069, 00169, Rome, Italy
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Johnston DL, Zupanec S, Nicksy D, Morgenstern D, Narendran A, Deyell RJ, Samson Y, Wu B, Baruchel S. Phase I dose-finding study for melatonin in pediatric oncology patients with relapsed solid tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27676. [PMID: 30786157 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is a natural health product used for sleep disturbances. In preliminary studies of adults with advanced cancer, 20 mg of melatonin daily was associated with reduction in anorexia and weight loss-symptoms that also impact pediatric oncology patients. High doses of melatonin have not been studied in pediatrics. METHODS This was a multicenter single-arm phase I dose-escalation study utilizing a 3 + 3 design to determine the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of melatonin in pediatric oncology patients with relapsed solid tumors. Melatonin was given for 8 weeks at three dose levels-0.075 mg/kg (maximum 5 mg), 0.15 mg/kg (maximum 10 mg), and 0.3 mg/kg (maximum 20 mg). RESULTS Melatonin was well tolerated at all three dose levels with no significant adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities. The only grade 3/4 toxicities were myelosuppression, which was attributed to the concomitant chemotherapy and occurred at all dose levels. Weight gain occurred in seven of nine patients, with a median increase of 1.1 kg (range -3.3 to 4.5) or 3.4% (range -10.2 to 8.7), with two patients losing weight (one in dose level 1 and one level 3). CONCLUSIONS Melatonin is well tolerated at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg (maximum 20 mg), in the pediatric population. This study provides the background for further study of high-dose melatonin in pediatric oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna L Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Susan Zupanec
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Darcy Nicksy
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Morgenstern
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada
| | - Rebecca J Deyell
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yvan Samson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Ste. Justine Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bing Wu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sylvain Baruchel
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Balduini W, Weiss MD, Carloni S, Rocchi M, Sura L, Rossignol C, Longini M, Bazzini F, Perrone S, Ott D, Wadhawan R, Buonocore G. Melatonin pharmacokinetics and dose extrapolation after enteral infusion in neonates subjected to hypothermia. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12565. [PMID: 30734962 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing hypothermia may benefit from adjunctive therapy with melatonin. However, melatonin safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and dosage in this sensitive population are still unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS This study assessed the PK and safety of melatonin enteral administration to neonates with HIE undergoing hypothermia. Melatonin was infused at 0.5 mg/kg in five neonates with HIE undergoing hypothermia. Infusion started 1 hour after the neonates reached the target temperature of 33.5°C. Blood samples were collected before and at selective times after melatonin infusion. Abdominal complications or clinically significant changes in patients' vital signs were not found during or after melatonin. The peak plasma concentration reached 0.25 µg/mL. The area under the curve in 24 hours was 4.35 µg/mL*h. DISCUSSION Melatonin half-life and clearance were prolonged, and the distribution volume decreased compared to adults. In silico simulation estimated that the steady state can be reached after four infusions. Hypothermia does not affect melatonin PK. In humans high blood concentrations with lower doses can be achieved compared to animal experimentation, although intravenous administration is advised in the neonate population. Our study is a preparatory step for future clinical studies aimed at assessing melatonin efficacy in HIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Michael D Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Rocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Livia Sura
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Candace Rossignol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mariangela Longini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Bazzini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Deborah Ott
- Department of Pediatrics, Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida
| | - Rajan Wadhawan
- Department of Pediatrics, Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Biran V, Decobert F, Bednarek N, Boizeau P, Benoist JF, Claustrat B, Barré J, Colella M, Frérot A, Garnotel R, Graesslin O, Haddad B, Launay JM, Schmitz T, Schroedt J, Virlouvet AL, Guilmin-Crépon S, Yacoubi A, Jacqz-Aigrain E, Gressens P, Alberti C, Baud O. Melatonin Levels in Preterm and Term Infants and Their Mothers. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092077. [PMID: 31035572 PMCID: PMC6540351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of perinatal brain damage following preterm birth remains a public health priority. Melatonin has been shown to be a promising neuroprotectant in neonatal preclinical models of brain damage, but few studies have investigated melatonin secretion in newborns. We hypothesized that melatonin circulating levels would be lower in preterm compared to term infants. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study to assess melatonin, and 6-sulfatoxy-melatonin (aMT6s) concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay. Among 209 neonates recruited, 110 were born before 34 gestational weeks (GW) and 99 born after 34 GW. Plasma melatonin concentrations, measured at birth and on Day 3 were below detectable levels (≤7 pg/mL) in 78% and 81%, respectively, of infants born before 34 GW compared to 57% and 34%, respectively, of infants born after 34 GW. The distribution of plasma melatonin concentrations was found to be correlated with gestational age at both time-points (p < 0.001). Median urine aMT6s concentrations were significantly lower in infants born before 34 GW, both on Day 1 (230 ng/L vs. 533 ng/L, p < 0.0001) and on Day 3 (197 ng/L vs. 359 ng/L, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, melatonin secretion appears very low in preterm infants, providing the rationale for testing supplemental melatonin as a neuroprotectant in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Biran
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 75019 Paris, France.
- PROTECT, Inserm 1141, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75019 Paris, France.
- PremUP Foundation, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Fabrice Decobert
- PremUP Foundation, 75014 Paris, France.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal, 94010 Créteil, France.
| | - Nathalie Bednarek
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, American Memorial Hospital, 51100 Reims, France.
| | - Priscilla Boizeau
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Inserm U1123 and CIC-EC 1426, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Jean-François Benoist
- Biochemistry Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Bruno Claustrat
- Hormonology Department, Groupement hospitalier Est-Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France.
| | - Jérôme Barré
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France.
| | - Marina Colella
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Alice Frérot
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Roselyne Garnotel
- Biochemistry Laboratory, American Memorial Hospital Reims, 51100 Reims, France.
| | - Olivier Graesslin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, American Memorial Hospital Reims, 51100 Reims, France.
| | - Bassam Haddad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- Biochemistry and Molecular Laboratory, Lariboisière Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Thomas Schmitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Robert Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | - Adyla Yacoubi
- UEC CIC 1426, Robert Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Evelyne Jacqz-Aigrain
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Pierre Gressens
- PROTECT, Inserm 1141, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75019 Paris, France.
- PremUP Foundation, 75014 Paris, France.
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, King's Health Partners, St. Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Corinne Alberti
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Inserm U1123 and CIC-EC 1426, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Olivier Baud
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Children's Hospital, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 75019 Paris, France.
- PROTECT, Inserm 1141, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75019 Paris, France.
- PremUP Foundation, 75014 Paris, France.
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children's University Hospital and University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Melatonin as a master regulator of cell death and inflammation: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for newborn care. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:317. [PMID: 30962427 PMCID: PMC6453953 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, more commonly known as the sleep hormone, is mainly secreted by the pineal gland in dark conditions and regulates the circadian rhythm of the organism. Its intrinsic properties, including high cell permeability, the ability to easily cross both the blood–brain and placenta barriers, and its role as an endogenous reservoir of free radical scavengers (with indirect extra activities), confer it beneficial uses as an adjuvant in the biomedical field. Melatonin can exert its effects by acting through specific cellular receptors on the plasma membrane, similar to other hormones, or through receptor-independent mechanisms that involve complex molecular cross talk with other players. There is increasing evidence regarding the extraordinary beneficial effects of melatonin, also via exogenous administration. Here, we summarize molecular pathways in which melatonin is considered a master regulator, with attention to cell death and inflammation mechanisms from basic, translational and clinical points of view in the context of newborn care.
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38
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Paprocka J, Kijonka M, Rzepka B, Sokół M. Melatonin in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Term and Preterm Babies. Int J Endocrinol 2019; 2019:9626715. [PMID: 30915118 PMCID: PMC6402213 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9626715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin may serve as a potential therapeutic free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum antioxidant. It shows neuroprotective properties against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in animal models. The authors review the studies focusing on the neuroprotective potential of melatonin and its possibility of treatment after perinatal asphyxia. Melatonin efficacy, low toxicity, and ability to readily cross through the blood-brain barrier make it a promising molecule. A very interesting thing is the difference between the half-life of melatonin in preterm neonates (15 hours) and adults (45-60 minutes). Probably, the use of synergic strategies-hypothermia coupled with melatonin treatment-may be promising in improving antioxidant action. The authors discuss and try to summarize the evidence surrounding the use of melatonin in hypoxic-ischemic events in term and preterm babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Paprocka
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Kijonka
- Department of Medical Physics, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Poland
| | - Beata Rzepka
- Students' Scientific Society, Department Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Maria Sokół
- Department of Medical Physics, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Poland
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Robinson S, Conteh FS, Oppong AY, Yellowhair TR, Newville JC, Demerdash NE, Shrock CL, Maxwell JR, Jett S, Northington FJ, Jantzie LL. Extended Combined Neonatal Treatment With Erythropoietin Plus Melatonin Prevents Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:322. [PMID: 30319361 PMCID: PMC6167494 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity (PHHP) remains a global challenge. Early preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation), particularly those exposed to chorioamnionitis (CAM), are prone to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and PHHP. We established an age-appropriate, preclinical model of PHHP with progressive macrocephaly and ventriculomegaly to test whether non-surgical neonatal treatment could modulate PHHP. We combined prenatal CAM and postnatal day 1 (P1, equivalent to 30 weeks human gestation) IVH in rats, and administered systemic erythropoietin (EPO) plus melatonin (MLT), or vehicle, from P2 to P10. CAM-IVH rats developed progressive macrocephaly through P21. Macrocephaly was accompanied by ventriculomegaly at P5 (histology), and P21 (ex vivo MRI). CAM-IVH rats showed impaired performance of cliff aversion, a neonatal neurodevelopmental test. Neonatal EPO+MLT treatment prevented macrocephaly and cliff aversion impairment, and significantly reduced ventriculomegaly. EPO+MLT treatment prevented matted or missing ependymal motile cilia observed in vehicle-treated CAM-IVH rats. EPO+MLT treatment also normalized ependymal yes-associated protein (YAP) mRNA levels, and reduced ependymal GFAP-immunolabeling. Vehicle-treated CAM-IVH rats exhibited loss of microstructural integrity on diffusion tensor imaging, which was normalized in EPO+MLT-treated CAM-IVH rats. In summary, combined prenatal systemic inflammation plus early postnatal IVH caused progressive macrocephaly, ventriculomegaly and delayed development of cliff aversion reminiscent of PHHP. Neonatal systemic EPO+MLT treatment prevented multiple hallmarks of PHHP, consistent with a clinically viable, non-surgical treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Fatu S Conteh
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Akosua Y Oppong
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tracylyn R Yellowhair
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jessie C Newville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Nagat El Demerdash
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christine L Shrock
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Stephen Jett
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Frances J Northington
- Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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