Article

The prevention of neurological disabilities following preterm birth remains a
major public health challenge and efforts are still needed to test the
neuroprotective properties of candidate molecules. Melatonin serves as a
neuroprotectant in adult models of cerebral ischemia through its potent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. An increasing number of preclinical
studies have consistently demonstrated that melatonin protects the damaged
developing brain by preventing abnormal myelination and an inflammatory glial
reaction, a major cause of white matter injury. The main questions asked in this
review are whether preclinical data on the neuroprotective properties of
melatonin are sufficient to translate this concept into the clinical setting, and
whether melatonin can reduce white matter damage in preterm infants. This review
provides support for our view that melatonin is now ready to be tested in human
preterm neonates, and discusses ongoing and planned clinical trials.
CI - (c) 2014 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS