The use of melatonin in oxidative stress diseases of the newborn

Melatonin, (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a naturally occurring hor- mone synthesized primarily by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and has gained increasing attention for its potential therapeutic applications (Reiter, 1991). It has been de.ned as a conductor of large orchestra, due to its pleiotropic eIects: released from white blood cells, it regulates the immune system, protects skin cells against UV damage and regulates skin pigmentation, dilates and contracts blood vessels, regulates hormone release, especially for reproduction and sexual maturation, inhibits the release of prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (Boutin et al., 2005; Luchetti et al., 2010; Von Gall et al., 2002). In neonatology, melatonin has emerged as a promising agent due to its potent antioxidant, antiinfiammatory, and neuroprotective proper- ties (Jan et al., 2007). This review explores its clinical use in neonates, particularly in managing conditions such as neonatal sepsis, preterm birth complications (retinopathy of prematurity, ROP; necrotizing enterocolitis, NEC; bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD; intraventricular hemorrhage, IVH), and in neonates undergoing surgery.