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Basic mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer effects of melatonin

M D Mediavilla1, E J Sanchez-Barcelo, D X Tan

  • 1Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain. mediavid@unican.es

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|November 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin, a pineal hormone, exhibits oncostatic properties against various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent types. This review details its diverse mechanisms, including antioxidant effects and immune system activation, in combating tumor growth.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a key pineal hormone with recognized oncostatic effects.
  • Its efficacy is particularly noted in hormone-dependent cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted mechanisms underlying melatonin's anti-cancer actions.
  • To consolidate current data supporting melatonin's role in tumor growth inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and data synthesis.
  • Analysis of published studies on melatonin's effects on various cancer types and cellular processes.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin exerts oncostatic effects through antioxidant properties, regulation of estrogen receptors and synthesis, cell cycle modulation, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of metastasis.
  • Additional mechanisms include telomerase inhibition, circadian rhythm regulation, antiangiogenesis, epigenetic modulation, stimulation of cell differentiation, and immune system activation.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin possesses a broad spectrum of anti-cancer activities, acting through numerous interconnected pathways.
  • The presented mechanisms highlight melatonin's potential as a therapeutic agent in oncology, though further research may reveal additional actions.

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