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Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
Published on: July 30, 2016
Melatonin level and pattern in postpartum versus nonpregnant nulliparous women
Karen A Thomas1, Robert L Burr
1Department of Family and Child Nursing in the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. kthomas@u.washington.edu
Objective:
To compare 24-hour melatonin level and timing in postpartum and nonpregnant nulliparous women. Melatonin release provides information regarding circadian rhythm timing, which influences health.
Design:
2-group comparison of data derived from intensive within-subject data collection.
Setting:
Participants' typical daily environment.
Participants:
38 postpartum and 20 nonpregnant nulliparous women. Mothers' infants were 4 to 10 weeks of postnatal age.
Main Outcome Measures:
Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin assayed from each voiding and corrected for volume using creatinine.
Results:
Postpartum women had significantly higher baseline, lower maximum, lower percent rise, and differing pattern of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin than nonpregnant nulliparous women.
Conclusion:
Differences in melatonin suggest possible circadian rhythm disruption in the postnatal period.
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