Effect of melatonin as a therapeutic strategy against intrauterine growth restriction: a mini-review of current state

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or intrauterine growth retardation is a condition that the fetus does not grow as expected. And the biometric profile does not match with the age of fetus. This condition is associated with increased mortality and morbidity of the neonates along with increased risk of cardiovascular, lung, and central nervous system damage. Despite close monitoring of high-risk mothers and the development of new therapeutic approaches, the optimal outcome has not been achieved yet that it indicates the importance of investigations on new therapeutic approaches. Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone mainly produced by the pineal gland and has a wide range of effects on different organs due to the broad dispersion of its receptors. Moreover, melatonin is produced by the placenta and also its receptors have been found on the surface of this organ. Not only studies showed the importance of this neurohormone on growth and development of fetus but also they proved its highly anti-oxidant properties. As in IUGR the oxidative stress and inflammation increased melatonin could counteract these changes and improved organ's function. In this study, we found that use of MLT could be a good clinical approach for the treatment of IUGR as its high anti-oxidant activity and vasodilation could dampen the mechanisms lead to the IUGR development.