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Am J Perinatol 2015; 32(10): 905-909
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1547328
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Oxidative Stress-Mediated Damage in Newborns with Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Possible Role of Melatonin

Lucia Marseglia
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Gabriella D'Angelo
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Sara Manti
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Salvatore Aversa
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Russel J. Reiter
2   Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
,
Pietro Antonuccio
3   Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Antonio Centorrino
3   Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Carmelo Romeo
3   Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Pietro Impellizzeri
3   Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Eloisa Gitto
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 November 2014

15 January 2015

Publication Date:
04 March 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Background Necrotizing enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal surgical emergency in premature neonates. Free radicals have been linked to the development of the disease in infants. Ischemia, hypoxia–reperfusion, infection, and inflammation produce elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, impairing the redox balance and shifting cells into a state of oxidative stress. Melatonin, an effective direct free-radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant agent, exerts pleiotropic action on the human body. Several studies have tested the efficacy of melatonin in counteracting oxidative injury in diseases of newborns. Melatonin has been widely used in newborns including cases of asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis, and no significant toxicity or treatment-related side effects with long-term melatonin therapy have been reported.

Conclusion Therefore, melatonin, besides standard therapies, could be considered as a potentially safe approach to prevent and treat necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. This review summarizes what is known about the role of oxidative stress, and potentially beneficial effects of antioxidants, such as melatonin, in necrotizing enterocolitis.

Keywords

necrotizing enterocolitis - free radicals - neonates - antioxidants - melatonin
 

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