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The light-dark regimen and cancer development
1Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, Pesochny-2, St. Petersburg 197758, Russia. aging@mail.ru
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|August 7, 2002
Summary
The pineal gland regulates cancer development. Inhibiting pineal function and constant light exposure promote mammary cancer, while light deprivation and melatonin inhibit it.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone influencing circadian rhythms.
- Disruptions in circadian rhythms and melatonin production are linked to various health issues, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of pineal gland function modulation in cancer development.
- To explore the impact of light exposure and melatonin on carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies involving pinealectomy and light regimen alterations in rodents.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on cancer risk in human populations with altered light exposure patterns.
Main Results:
- Inhibition of pineal function (pinealectomy) or constant light exposure stimulates mammary carcinogenesis in rodents.
- Light deprivation inhibits carcinogenesis.
- Epidemiological studies show increased breast cancer risk in night shift workers and decreased risk in blind women.
- Melatonin treatment inhibits carcinogenesis in experimental models.
Conclusions:
- Pineal gland function and melatonin are critical in regulating cancer development, particularly mammary carcinogenesis.
- Disruption of the pineal gland's function, often due to light-at-night or shift work, is associated with increased cancer risk.
- Melatonin may have a protective role against cancer development.