Melatonin: A new inhibitor agent for cervical cancer treatment

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers between women and is known as the third leading cause of female cancer related deaths annually. Its detection in early stages allows it to be a preventable and generally treatable disease. Increasing evidence revealed, a variety of internal and external factors are associated with initiation and progression of cervical cancer pathogenesis. Human papilloma virus infection is found as a major cause of cervical cancer. Other molecular and biochemical alterations as well as genetic and epigenetic changes are related cervical cancer progression. Current treatment options often have severe side effects and toxicities thus, new adjuvant agents having synergistic effects and ability to decrease different side effects and toxicities are needed. Melatonin is an indolamine compound secreted from the pineal gland which shows wide range anticancer activities. A large amount of studies indicated inhibitory effects of melatonin against various types of cancers. In addition, experimental evidence reports inhibitory effects of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy on cervical cancer by targeting a sequence of different molecular mechanisms. Herein, for first time, we summarized anticervical cancer effects of melatonin and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Functional activities of beta-glucans in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer

“…Cervical cancer is known as the fourth cancer among women and the eighth common cancer worldwide [1,2]. Cervical cancer is a result of being infected by some types of human papillomavirus or HPV, which are effective on the mucosa [3,4]. Findings indicated that HPV is a necessary cause of cervical cancer; this means that the other risk factors can increase the risk of cervical cancer, but they are not able to develop this kind of cancer in the absence of HPV [5].…”

Melatonin: A promising agent targeting leukemia

“…Melatonin exhibits anticancer features through many functions including inhibition of fatty acids and growth factor uptake by tumor cells, suppression of the activity of telomerase (via decreasing the length of telomere), induction of apoptosis, inhibition of endothelin‐1 synthesis (which is an angiogenic factor), increased growth of blood vessels, and regulation of some tumor suppressors’ expression, such as TP53 . A large number of in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the antitumor properties of melatonin . In the rat model, it was observed that melatonin at physiological concentrations could suppress the primary phase of carcinogenesis .…”

“…69,70 A large number of in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the antitumor properties of melatonin. 15,71 In the rat model, it was observed that melatonin at physiological concentrations could suppress the primary phase of carcinogenesis. 72 Melatonin suppresses DNA damage and alterations such as mutations and amplifications resulting from carcinogens and thereby inhibit neoplastic transformation.…”

“…Melatonin, a circadian hormone, is naturally produced in the pineal gland. Melatonin has an indoleamine structure and its precursor is tryptophane . Its production complies with a specific rhythm as the peak of its production is at night.…”

“…Melatonin has an indoleamine structure and its precursor is tryptophane. 14,15 Its production complies with a specific rhythm as the peak of its production is at night. The primary task of melatonin is circadian rhythm regulation.…”