A Review on the Effects of Melatonin on Fetal Protection during Pregnancy with Intrauterine Inflammation
10.21896/jksmch.2020.24.4.196
- Author:
Jang Mee KIM
1
;
Ji Yeon LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine, CHA University School of Medicine, Pocheon, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health
2020;24(4):196-203
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Intrauterine inflammation is defined as the inflammation of the chorion, amnion, and placenta. Untreated inflammation increases the risk of fetal inflammatory response syndrome, which may result in multiorgan diseases involving the brain, cardiovascular system, lung, eye, and intestine. Therefore, controlling inflammation is critical in pregnant women to reduce the risk of diseases. However, there are no safe and effective anti-inflammatory drugs for administration during pregnancy. Although the primary function of melatonin is to control circadian rhythms, it has protective effects against cellular insults occurring from hypoxia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. While animal studies support the effective and safe role of melatonin in improving pregnancy-related morbidities, it leaves plenty of opportunities for clinical studies investigating its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective effects against insults induced by intrauterine inflammation. Therefore, it will be worthwhile to investigate antenatal supplementation of melatonin in pregnant women with intrauterine inflammation to reduce the incidence of associated comorbidities.
