Saliva as a valid alternative in monitoring melatonin concentrations in newborn infants

Abstract: Background and aims: Pineal physiology is not completely elucidated in newborn infants. As melatonin in pharmacological doses has been reported to reduce oxidative stress in neonates with asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, or sepsis, there is the need to better understand the physiological role of melatonin in the neonatal period. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new saliva sampling method suitable for newborn infants and to assess whether salivary melatonin could be used as a reliable, non-invasive, pain-free alternative to serum melatonin to study the pineal physiology in newborn infants.Subjects and methods: In 86 healthy term newborn infants, a serum sample was collected by venipuncture after 36h of life during blood sampling for newborn screening, immediately af…

Related posts:

1. Serum melatonin levels in ankylosing spondilitis: correlation with disease activity
2. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment
3. Different melatonin rhythms and sleep–wake rhythms in patients on peritoneal dialysis, daytime hemodialysis and nocturnal hemodialysis
4. Pineal volume and circadian melatonin profile in healthy volunteers: An interdisciplinary approach
5. Melatonin reverses apoptosis through which menadione inhibits intestinal calcium absorption