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Related Concept Videos

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
The Pineal Gland01:02

The Pineal Gland

The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
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Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
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mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
11:56

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells

Published on: September 28, 2017

Melatonin, immune function and cancer.

Venkatramanujam Srinivasan1, Seithikurippu R Pandi-Perumal, Amnon Brzezinski

  • 1Sri Sathya Sai Medical Educational and Research Foundation, Prasanthi Nilayam, 40-Kovai Thirunagar Coimbatore-641014, India. sainivasan@yahoo.com

Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery
|November 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melatonin, a natural antioxidant, enhances immune response and suppresses tumor growth. Its decline with age contributes to cancer and immune system aging, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
11:56

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells

Published on: September 28, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Melatonin is a ubiquitous natural compound found across species, synthesized in various mammalian tissues beyond the pineal gland.
  • Cellular distribution of melatonin spans membrane, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and nuclear compartments.
  • Age-related decline in melatonin production is linked to immunosenescence and increased neoplastic disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of melatonin in the context of cancer.
  • To explore melatonin's antioxidant and immunoenhancing properties.
  • To summarize recent advancements in melatonin and cancer research, including patent reviews.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of melatonin's biological functions.
  • Analysis of melatonin's impact on cellular processes and immune responses.
  • Review of recent patents related to melatonin and cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin exhibits antioxidant and immunoenhancing effects, notably boosting T-helper cell responses via cytokine release (IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ).
  • Melatonin demonstrates efficacy in suppressing the growth of various cancers, including melanoma, breast, prostate, ovarian, and colorectal.
  • Melatonin shows promise as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin's decline with age is associated with increased cancer risk and immune dysfunction.
  • Melatonin possesses significant oncostatic and immunomodulatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent.
  • Recent patents highlight ongoing research and development in melatonin-based cancer treatments.