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Related Experiment Videos

Melatonin and human cancer.

L Dogliotti1, A Berruti, T Buniva

  • 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Italy.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|December 20, 1990
PubMed
Summary
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This study found that advanced cancer patients have higher serum melatonin levels than healthy individuals. Melatonin levels did not change after breast cancer surgery, but a normal circadian rhythm was observed in advanced cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Chronobiology

Background:

  • Previous in vitro and animal studies suggest the pineal gland inhibits tumor growth.
  • Human data on the relationship between melatonin and cancer are limited and conflicting.
  • This study investigates serum melatonin (MT), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) in cancer patients and controls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure serum melatonin, prolactin, and growth hormone levels in cancer patients and healthy controls.
  • To compare melatonin levels between different cancer stages and types.
  • To assess the effect of mastectomy on melatonin levels and evaluate the circadian rhythm of melatonin in advanced cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • Serum concentrations of melatonin (MT), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) were measured at 08:00 and 24:00.

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  • Participants included 132 cancer patients (breast, lung, gastrointestinal) stratified by stage and 58 healthy controls.
  • Melatonin levels were also measured in breast cancer patients before and after mastectomy, and the circadian rhythm was evaluated in advanced cancer patients.

    • Main Results:

    • Patients with advanced tumors exhibited significantly higher serum MT levels compared to controls, irrespective of PRL and GH values.
    • Stage III-IV breast cancer patients showed significantly higher MT levels than stage I-II patients.
    • Mastectomy did not alter MT levels, and advanced cancer patients maintained a significant circadian rhythm of MT, comparable to controls.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated serum melatonin levels are associated with advanced cancer, particularly in breast cancer.
    • Melatonin's circadian rhythm appears preserved even in advanced stages of cancer.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the role of melatonin in human cancer progression and its potential therapeutic implications.