Melatonin and stable circadian rhythms optimize maternal, placental and fetal physiology

摘要: BACKGROUND Research within the last decade has shown melatonin to have previously-unsuspected beneficial actions on peripheral reproductive organs. Likewise, numerous investigations documented that stable circadian rhythms are also helpful in maintaining health. The relationship of and rhythmicity maternal fetal health is summarized this review. METHODS Databases were searched for related published English literature up 15 May 2013. search terms used various combinations included melatonin, rhythms, biological clock, suprachiasmatic nucleus, ovary, pregnancy, uterus, placenta, fetus, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, ischemia-reperfusion, chronodisruption, antioxidants, oxidative stress free radicals. results studies uncovered herein. RESULTS Both impact reproduction, especially during pregnancy. Melatonin a multifaceted molecule with direct radical scavenging indirect antioxidant activities. produced both ovary placenta where it protects against molecular mutilation cellular dysfunction arising from oxidative/nitrosative stress. particular, often site excessive generation due less than optimal adhesion uterine wall, which leads either persistent hypoxia or intermittent reoxygenation, processes cause massive organ dysfunction. This may contribute pre-eclampsia other disorders complicate ameliorated damage fetus experiments using non-human mammals. maintenance regular light/dark sleep/wake cycle important stabilize generated by central pacemaker, nuclei. Optimal mother since her directly indirectly via rhythm, programs developing master oscillator fetus. Experimental disturbed referred as perturbed cycles negative consequences maturing oscillators, lead psychological behavioral problems newborn. To optimize prevent disturbances shift work bright light exposure at night should be avoided, trimester Finally, synergizes oxytocin promote delivery Since blood levels normally highest dark period, propensity childbirth occur relate high time concert enhance strength contractions. CONCLUSIONS A number conclusions naturally evolve data review: (i) pineal placental origin, essential functions maturation placenta/uterine homeostasis; (ii) clock genes, components all cells including those organs, roles organismal (fetal maternal) physiology; (iii) potent coupled its virtual absence toxicity, indoleamine utility treatment ischemia/reperfusion, etc. (iv) parturition synergism between nocturnal increase oxytocin.