The transition to extrauterine life presents newborns with significant physiological challenges, including exposure to increased oxidative stress. Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is gaining recognition for its potential to protect vulnerable neonates.

Newborns, especially preterm infants, are susceptible to oxidative damage due to their immature antioxidant defense systems. This vulnerability can contribute to various neonatal morbidities, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy, and neurological injuries. Melatonin's ability to scavenge free radicals and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes offers a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate this oxidative burden.

Research suggests that melatonin can cross biological barriers, including the placenta and blood-brain barrier, making it accessible to developing tissues. Its protective effects have been investigated in models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition that can lead to severe brain damage. Studies indicate that melatonin administration can reduce neuronal injury by combating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with HIE.

Furthermore, melatonin is being explored for its role in managing neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. As an adjunctive therapy, melatonin may help improve clinical outcomes by reducing inflammatory biomarkers and protecting vital organs from damage. While more extensive clinical trials are needed, the accumulating evidence points towards melatonin as a valuable agent in neonatal care, potentially enhancing protection against oxidative stress and inflammation.