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Melatonin as an Oncostatic Molecule Based on Its Anti-Aromatase Role in Breast Cancer

Yunho Jin1, Yoo Jin Choi1, Kyu Heo1

  • 1Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Korea.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin may inhibit aromatase activity, reducing estrogen biosynthesis in breast cancer. This pineal hormone also enhances radiation therapy and mitigates chemotherapy side effects, suggesting its potential as an oncostatic agent.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is the most common malignancy, with estrogens playing a key role in its development.
  • Estrogen synthesis is primarily regulated by the enzyme aromatase.
  • Targeting aromatase is a recognized therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the inhibitory role of melatonin on aromatase activity.
  • To explore melatonin's potential as an oncostatic agent in breast cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on melatonin and aromatase.
  • Analysis of studies investigating melatonin's effects on aromatase promoters and associated genes.
  • Examination of melatonin's interactions with radiation and chemotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin may suppress aromatase activity, leading to decreased estrogen biosynthesis.
  • Evidence suggests melatonin can reduce the expression of aromatase promoters and related genes.
  • Melatonin enhances radiation-induced anti-aromatase effects and counteracts chemotherapy-related adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin exhibits inhibitory effects on aromatase.
  • Melatonin demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent in breast cancer, possibly by reducing estrogen levels and augmenting conventional treatments.
Keywords:
aromatasebreast cancerestrogenmelatoninoncostatic

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