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[Inhibitory effects of melatonin on breast cancer]

Zhou Jiang1, Fang Ma1

  • 1Department of Oncology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical Sciences
|April 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin inhibits breast cancer by suppressing estrogen receptor activity and tumor metabolism. Disrupted melatonin signaling worsens cancer growth and treatment resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Melatonin exhibits significant inhibitory effects on various cancers, particularly breast cancer.
  • Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer is a key area where melatonin's effects are studied.
  • Disruption of circadian melatonin signaling is linked to increased breast cancer growth and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which melatonin exerts anti-cancer effects in ER-positive human breast cancer.
  • To investigate melatonin's regulation of nuclear receptors, estrogen metabolism, and related gene expression.
  • To examine melatonin's impact on tumor metabolism, cell signaling pathways, and drug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated melatonin's effects on ER mRNA expression and transcriptional activity via the MT1 receptor.
  • Analyzed melatonin's regulation of nuclear receptor superfamily members and estrogen metabolizing enzymes.
  • Assessed melatonin's influence on tumor aerobic metabolism and cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, survival, metastasis, and drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin suppresses ER mRNA expression and transcriptional activity in ER-positive breast cancer cells and tumors through the MT1 receptor.
  • Melatonin regulates other nuclear receptors, estrogen metabolizing enzymes, and associated gene expression.
  • Melatonin inhibits tumor aerobic metabolism and key cell-signaling pathways, demonstrating both cytostatic and cytotoxic activity.
  • Disruption of nocturnal melatonin signaling promotes breast cancer growth and leads to resistance to hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin possesses significant anti-cancer properties against breast cancer, primarily through ER pathway modulation and metabolic regulation.
  • Melatonin's therapeutic potential is evident, but circadian disruption negatively impacts its efficacy and promotes treatment resistance.
  • Understanding melatonin's role in breast cancer highlights the importance of circadian rhythm in cancer progression and treatment outcomes.

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