Usefulness of Melatonin and Other Compounds as Antioxidants and Epidrugs in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic alterations are the initiators of head and neck cancer carcinogenesis. Currently, several drugs are being developed to correct these epigenetic alterations, known as epidrugs. Some compounds with an antioxidant effect have been shown to be effective in preventing these malignant lesions and in minimizing the complications derived from cytotoxic treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show a promising role in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is the case of supplements with DNA methylation inhibitory function (DNMTi), such as epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, and folic acid; histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), such as sodium butyrate and melatonin or histone acetyltransferase inhibitors (HATi), such as curcumin. The objective of this review is to describe the role of some antioxidants and their epigenetic mechanism of action, with special emphasis on melatonin and butyric acid given their organic production, in the prevention and treatment of HNSCC.

Melatonin and Related Compounds: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Actions

“…This work was further corroborated by Guerra et al, who highlighted the oncoprotective, drug/radiotherapy-sensitising, and anti-tumour properties of melatonin in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. These were attributed to the antioxidant and epigenetic effects of melatonin [12].…”

Hydrogen Ion Dynamics as the Fundamental Link between Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer: Its Application to the Therapeutics of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Special Emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis

“…In addition to its known anticancer effects as an antioxidant, MT may act on tumors epigenetically, thus increasing its therapeutic possibilities [ 290 ].…”

“…Another alternative, not incompatible with what has been already described, is the oral administration of vitamin A in the diet, preferably as beta-carotenes, given its intestinal metabolization towards retinoic acid, and vitamin D (4.000 IU/day), given its immunomodulatory properties. Finally, sodium butyrate can also be useful as an adjuvant treatment in some cancers due to its antioxidant and epigenetics properties [ 290 ].…”

Hydrogen Ion Dynamics as the Fundamental Link Between Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer. Its Application to the Therapeutics of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Special Emphasis in Multiple Sclerosis

“…In addition to its known anti-cancer effects as antioxidant, MT may act on tumors epigenetically, thus increasing its therapeutic possibilities [274].…”

“…Another alternative, not incompatible with what has been already described, is the oral administration of vitamin A in the diet, preferably as beta-carotenes, given its intestinal metabolization towards retinoic acid, and vitamin D (4.000 IU/day), given its immunomodulatory properties. Finally, sodium butyrate can also be useful as an adjuvant treatment in some cancers, given its antioxidant and epigenetics properties [274].…”