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Insights on Melatonin as an Active Pharmacological Molecule in Cancer Prevention: What's New?
Geir Bjørklund1, Samiul Alam Rajib2, Nadia Saffoon3
1Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
Abstract:
Along with playing an important role in circadian rhythm, melatonin is thought to play a significant role in preventing cells from damage, as well as in the inhibition of growth and in triggering apoptosis in malignant cells. Its relationship with circadian rhythms, energetic homeostasis, diet, and metabolism, is fundamental to achieve a better comprehension of how melatonin has been considered a chemopreventive molecule, though very few papers dealing with this issue. In this article, we tried to review the most recent evidence regarding the protective as well as the antitumoral mechanisms of melatonin, as related to diet and metabolic balance. From different studies, it was evident that an intracellular antioxidant defense mechanism is activated by upregulating an antioxidant gene battery in the presence of high-dose melatonin in malignant cells. Like other broad-spectrum antioxidant molecules, melatonin plays a vital role in killing tumor cells, preventing metastasis, and simultaneously keeping normal cells protected from oxidative stress and other types of tissue damage.
Insights
Melatonin, a molecule crucial for circadian rhythms, also protects cells from damage and inhibits malignant cell growth. Its chemopreventive potential is linked to diet and metabolic balance, offering antioxidant defense against cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Melatonin plays a role in circadian rhythm and cellular protection.
- Its chemopreventive properties and relationship with metabolism are under investigation.
- Understanding melatonin's mechanisms is key to its therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence on melatonin's protective and anti-tumoral mechanisms.
- To explore the link between melatonin, diet, and metabolic balance.
- To elucidate melatonin's role in cancer chemoprevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on melatonin's biological effects.
- Analysis of research focusing on melatonin's interaction with cellular pathways.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding melatonin's antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.
Main Results:
- Melatonin activates intracellular antioxidant defense mechanisms in malignant cells.
- High-dose melatonin upregulates an antioxidant gene battery.
- Melatonin demonstrates protective effects on normal cells against oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin exhibits significant anti-tumoral effects, including inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis.
- It protects normal cells from damage while targeting cancer cells.
- Melatonin's role in chemoprevention is supported by its antioxidant and metabolic regulatory functions.