Prenatal Melatonin Therapy Enhances Postnatal Lung Development in a Mouse Model of Inflammation-Induced Preterm Birth.

ABSTRACT: Inflammation-induced preterm birth (PTB) significantly impacts neonatal development, particularly due to fetal lung immaturity. The lungs undergo critical development both in utero and postnatally, and PTB disrupts this process, leading to impaired pulmonary function. Current treatments for promoting lung maturation in preterm infants have limited efficacy and safety. Melatonin, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown promise in preventing PTB, but its effects on fetal and postnatal lung maturation remain unclear. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation-induced PTB (IPTB). Pregnant mice (Pregnancy Day 17, [PD17]) were assigned to control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS + melatonin group

SUBMITTER: Park SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12466731 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature