Elisa Furlan

Dr. Elisa Furlan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 August 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FCFrancesco Cipriani
Francesco Cipriani
EFElisa Furlan
Elisa Furlan
LLLuisa Lonoce
Luisa Lonoce
ELElisa Laschi
Elisa Laschi
MMMichele Minerva
Michele Minerva
SGSalvatore Grosso
Salvatore Grosso
Oxidative stress is a central mechanism linking placental dysfunction, fetal injury, and neonatal disease, supporting the concept of a perinatal oxidative stress continuum that begins during abnormal placentation and may persist after birth. This narrative review explores the biological rationale and current experimental and clinical evidence for melatonin as a potential multitarget intervention across this continuum. Melatonin combines direct antioxidant activity with mitochondrial protection, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, and modulation of endogenous antioxidant defenses and redox homeostasis. Evidence from placental, fetal, and neonatal studies suggests potential protective effects in pregnancy complications and in neonatal conditions characterized by oxidative injury, including hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal sepsis, and retinopathy of prematurity. The review was informed by a non-systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for relevant literature published up to 2026, including preclinical and clinical studies, systematic reviews, and relevant clinical trial registrations. Overall, although preclinical evidence is encouraging and early clinical studies suggest potential safety and biological activity, translation into clinical practice remains limited by heterogeneous study designs, dosing and timing regimens, and the lack of adequately powered randomized trials. Further research is needed to establish optimal dosing, timing, patient selection, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationships, and long-term safety and efficacy.