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Melatonin as a Pleiotropic Molecule with Therapeutic Potential for Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer

Marzena Wojcik1, Michal Krawczyk1, Pawel Wojcik2

  • 1Department of Structural Biology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Education, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|July 20, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Melatonin (MLT) shows promise for treating type 2 diabetes and cancer by reducing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and tumor growth. Clinical use of MLT has demonstrated safety and potential synergistic effects with conventional therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Rising global incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cancer presents significant health challenges.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for T2DM and cancer are often inadequate.
  • Melatonin (MLT) demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits for both conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic and anticancer effects of MLT.
  • To explore future research directions for MLT as a therapeutic agent.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on MLT's effects.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo research findings.
  • Incorporation of expert knowledge.

Main Results:

  • MLT improves T2DM by reducing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  • MLT exhibits multi-targeted anticancer effects by modulating cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis pathways.
  • MLT shows synergistic effects with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with no reported adverse clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • MLT holds potential as a beneficial agent for human health, particularly in managing T2DM and cancer.
  • Further research into MLT's therapeutic applications is warranted.
Keywords:
Cancerinflammationinsulin resistancemelatoninoxidative stresstype 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

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