Melatonin in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia

Abstract

The review presents the results of experimental studies that have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying implantation and placentation controlled by cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, hormones, as well as transcription and growth factors, and have indicated the key regulatory and protective role of melatonin. It has been shown that low production of the hormone and lack of its circadian rhythm underlie the disruption of endogenous antioxidant protection and contribute to oxidative stress leading to the development of preeclampsia. The necessity of using melatonin as a neuroimmunoendocrine marker of pathology is emphasized in this review article, which will allow for developing new approaches to its use for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia, as well as its adverse consequences, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and cardiovascular pathology.