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Am J Perinatol 2004; 21(4): 209-216
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828610
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Oxidative and Inflammatory Parameters in Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Preterm Newborns: Beneficial Effects of Melatonin

Eloisa Gitto1 , Russel J. Reiter2 , Stefania P. Cordaro1 , Mariangela La Rosa1 , Pietro Chiurazzi1 , Giuseppe Trimarchi3 , Placido Gitto1 , Maria P. Calabró1 , Ignazio Barberi1
  • 1Institute of Medical Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Messina, Italy
  • 2Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio Texas
  • 3Department of Statistics, University of Messina, Italy
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Publication Date:
28 May 2004 (online)

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Reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome and its complications. This study was conducted to determine if treatment with the antioxidant melatonin would influence interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor α, and nitrite/nitrate levels in newborns with grade III or IV respiratory distress syndrome (radiographically confirmed) diagnosed within the first 6 hours of life. Prior to treatment, a blood sample was collected from the umbilical cord or a peripheral vein of each newborn. Second, third, and fourth blood samples were collected at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days, respectively, after beginning treatment with melatonin or placebo. Compared with the melatonin-treated respiratory distress syndrome newborns, in the untreated infants the concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly higher at 24 hours, 72 hours, and at 7 days after onset of the study. in addition, nitrite/nitrate levels at all time points were higher in the untreated respiratory distress syndrome newborns than in the melatonin-treated babies. Following melatonin administration, nitrite/nitrate levels decreased significantly, whereas they remained high and increased further in the respiratory distress syndrome infants not given melatonin.

KEYWORDS

Newborns - respiratory distress syndrome - melatonin

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Russel J ReiterPh.D. 

Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Mail Code 7762, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900