Insights on Melatonin as an Active Pharmacological Molecule in Cancer Prevention: What’s New?

Abstract

Along with playing an important role in circadian rhythm, melatonin is thought to play a significant role in preventing cells from damage, as well as in the inhibition of growth and in triggering of apoptosis in malignant cells. Its relationship with circadian rhythms, energetic homeostasis, diet, and metabolism, is fundamental to achieve a better comprehension of how melatonin has been considered a chemopreventive molecule, though very few papers dealt with this issue. In this article, we tried to review the most recent evidence regarding the protective as well as the antitumoral mechanisms of melatonin, as related to diet and metabolic balance. From different studies, it was evident that an intracellular antioxidant defense mechanism is activated by upregulating an antioxidant gene battery in the presence of high-dose melatonin in malignant cells. Like other broad-spectrum antioxidant molecules, melatonin plays a vital role in killing tumor cells, preventing metastasis, and simultaneously keeping normal cells protected from oxidative stress and other types of tissue damage.

Alterations in Oral Cancer Gene Expression in Response to Melatonin

“…In addition, the upregulation of the pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory NFKB has also been observed in pancreatic cells under MLT administration [22]. These data may, therefore, suggest that some common mechanisms for MLT-induced cancer inhibition may exist between differing tissues and cell types [23,24]. However, based upon the paucity of evidence to date regarding these mechanisms and the lack of uniform cellular responses between these oral cancer cell linesit is clear that more research will be needed to uncover the common and disparate mechanisms associated with MLT-induced oral cancer inhibition.…”

The Instigation of the Associations Between Melatonin, Circadian Genes, and Epileptic Spasms in Infant Rats

“…Melatonin is an amine hormone synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, which is regulated by the circadian rhythm and can also exert effects upon the circadian rhythm. The secreted levels of melatonin during the night can be 5-10 times higher than that during the daytime; consequently, melatonin can be used as a drug for sleep disorders to regulate circadian rhythms in patients with insomnia (16)(17)(18). Previous studies have shown that epilepsy is associated with melatonin levels.…”