Antenatal melatonin for cardiovascular deficits in fetal growth restriction
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Antenatal melatonin treatment improved vascular function in lambs with fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, it also increased oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting potential trade-offs for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Area Of Science
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease.
- FGR is associated with placental insufficiency, fetal hypoxemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Current treatments for FGR do not specifically target the developmental programming of cardiovascular disease.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the potential of melatonin (MLT), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, to prevent cardiovascular deficits in FGR.
- To assess the long-term effects of antenatal MLT on vascular function and development in FGR lambs.
Main Methods
- Placental insufficiency was induced in ewes at 89 days gestational age (dGA).
- Ewes were allocated to control, FGR, or FGR+MLT groups; MLT was administered intravenously from 95 dGA to birth.
- Lambs were delivered preterm at 136 dGA and assessed at birth (24h) and 4 weeks old for vascular function and morphology.
Main Results
- Newborn FGR lambs exhibited reduced size and brain sparing.
- Femoral endothelial function declined in FGR lambs postnatally but improved in FGR+MLT lambs by 4 weeks.
- MLT treatment led to elevated oxidative stress and inflammation in FGR lambs' vasculature and disrupted the brain-sparing response.
Conclusions
- Antenatal melatonin partially restored endothelial function in FGR lambs but did not fully mitigate associated vascular oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Melatonin's disruption of the brain-sparing response and increased peripheral vascular inflammation suggest potential systemic maladaptation.
- Further research is crucial to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of melatonin for preventing FGR-induced cardiovascular risks.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is...
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...