Melatonin in pregnancy (MEL-P)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Circulating melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin levels during pregnancy
IRAS ID
213110
Contact name
Helen Galley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 14 days
Research summary
Melatonin is well known for its role in the sleep-wake cycle but it is less well known as an effective antioxidant. It has been reported to be synthesised in the placenta and may have both receptor mediated and non-receptor mediated protective functions during pregnancy. Severe pre-eclampsia has been reported to be associated with low levels of melatonin in the placenta although it is not known if the placental melatonin contributes to circulating levels. There is little reported on the circulating levels of melatonin or oxidative stress at different stages of normal pregnancy. More information on the role of melatonin and metabolism of melatonin in pregnancy as well as any significant association with adverse pregnancy outcomes would inform planning of larger research studies to investigate the potential role for melatonin as a biomarker for obstetric disease and potentially as a therapeutic agent in future.
This observational pilot study aims to measure serum melatonin levels and 6-hydroxymelatonin sulphate (the major metabolite of melatonin) during each trimester of pregnancy. This study will form the project component for an intercalated BSc project for a medical student.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0412
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion