Antenatal melatonin for cardiovascular deficits in fetal growth restriction.

ABSTRACT: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. FGR is linked to placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxemia, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, which collectively influence the developmental programming of cardiovascular disease. This study assessed whether melatonin (MLT), a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, could prevent cardiovascular deficits associated with FGR. Placental insufficiency was induced in ewes at 89 days of gestational age (dGA, term 148 dGA). Ewes were randomly allocated to control, FGR or FGR+MLT (i.v., 15 mg day^-1, from 95 dGA to birth) groups. Lambs were delivered preterm at 136 dGA and assessed as newborn (24 h) and 4-week-old lambs. Vascular function was determined in femoral arteries using in vitro wi

SUBMITTER: Rock CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783961 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature