Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2025)                   J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025, 12(3): 2020-2031 | Back to browse issues page

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Motamedi S, Hasanshahi A, Ghazanfarabadi M, Dehghani R, Mortazavi M, Mohammadi M et al . Agmatine and Pregnancy Maintenance: A Narrative Review of Molecular Mechanisms in the Regulation of Fetal Growth. J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025; 12 (3) :2020-2031
URL: http://journal.jmu.ac.ir/article-1-868-en.html
Agmatine and Pregnancy Maintenance: A Narrative Review of Molecular Mechanisms in the Regulation of Fetal Growth
Sina Motamedi1 , Abolfazl Hasanshahi2 , Mahboubeh Ghazanfarabadi3 , Reza Dehghani4 , Mojtaba Mortazavi1 , Mola Mohammadi5 , Amin Hasanshahi raviz6
1- Clinical Research Development Unit, Pasteur Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
2- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3- Research Center, Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
4- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
5- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
6- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran , hassanshahiamin@gmail.com
Abstract:   (13 Views) 
Introduction: Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and stress-modulating properties through the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and calcium channels. Although its role in polyamine metabolism and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been well-established, the specific role of agmatine in pregnancy maintenance and its underlying molecular mechanisms has not been comprehensively investigated. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms of agmatine in maintaining pregnancy, with a particular focus on polyamine metabolism, mTOR signaling, interferon tau (IFN-τ) secretion, and stress modulation.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2000 and 2025 using relevant keywords. Experimental, animal, and human studies investigating the role of agmatine in pregnancy and embryonic development were included.
Results: Evidence from experimental studies indicates that agmatine and its metabolizing enzyme, agmatinase, contribute to early pregnancy by promoting interferon tau (IFN-τ) secretion and activating the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, thereby supporting trophoblast development and conceptus survival. Furthermore, the arginine–agmatine pathway enhances embryonic growth through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway and stimulation of cellular proliferation. Chronic stress has been associated with reduced agmatine levels and impaired arginine decarboxylase activity, which may increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
Conclusion: Agmatine may function as a key molecular mediator linking maternal stress, nutrition, and fetal development. However, the available evidence is derived predominantly from experimental and animal studies, while human data remain limited. Therefore, well-designed clinical studies are required to establish the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of agmatine for improving pregnancy outcomes.
Keywords: Agmatine, Pregnancy, Polyamines, Arginine, Fetal development
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Type of Study: Review | Subject: Medical Sciences / Physiology
Received: 2025/10/17 | Accepted: 2026/06/2 | Published: 2025/12/1
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