Clinical and morphological examination of fetal growth restriction: the study of melatonin receptor expression in the placenta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction is one of the most significant problems in modern obstetrics, associated with a high risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, fetal growth restriction remains a common cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. One of the promising areas of research is the study of the role of melatonin and its receptors in the regulation of placental function.

AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters in women with or without fetal growth restriction, including evaluating the expression of melatonin receptors (MT1A and MT1B) in the placenta.

METHODS: The study included women with fetal growth restriction and women in the control group. Immunohistochemical examination of placental tissue was performed using antibodies against MT1A and MT1B receptors, with clinical data analyzed. Confocal microscopy was used to quantify receptor expression.

RESULTS: We found a decrease in the expression of MT1A and MT1B receptors in the placenta of women with fetal growth restriction compared to the control group. The optical density of fluorescent signals was also lower in the fetal growth restriction group.

CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that decreased expression of melatonin receptors may play an important role in the development of fetal growth restriction. This opens up prospects for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting placental function and improving pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords

fetal growth restriction / melatonin / melatonin receptors / placenta / immunohistochemistry / confocal microscopy

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