Exploring the antioxidant potential of prolactin

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Prolactin (PRL) is known for lactation but its antioxidant role is not fully understood.
• Oxidative stress markers and thiol-disulfide balance are crucial indicators of cellular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antioxidative role of prolactin.
• To examine the relationship between prolactin levels and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 70 female volunteers with hyperprolactinemia and a control group.
• Serum analysis of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), prolactin, and thyroid hormones.
• Calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI) and various thiol/disulfide ratios.

Main Results:

• Hyperprolactinemia group showed higher TAS, NT, TT, and NT/TT ratio compared to controls.
• The hyperprolactinemia group exhibited lower OSI, TOS, DS/NT, and DS/TT ratios.
• Prolactin positively correlated with TAS, NT, TT, and NT/TT, and negatively with TOS, OSI, and FT4.

Conclusions:

• Prolactin functions as an endogenous antioxidant hormone, promoting thiol-disulfide homeostasis and oxidative balance.
• Elevated prolactin levels may contribute to maternal-infant antioxidant defense during pregnancy and lactation.
• These findings highlight prolactin's significant role beyond lactation in managing oxidative stress.