Melatonin: A Potential Antineoplastic Agent in Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Melatonin, synthesized in the pineal gland, regulates circadian rhythms and possesses physiological roles including immune function and anticarcinogenic effects.
• Disruptions in melatonin rhythm due to circadian deregulation, light exposure, shift work, or jet lag are linked to increased cancer risk, particularly breast cancer.
• Melatonin exerts its effects through MT1 and MT2 G protein-coupled receptors.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on the antineoplastic activity of melatonin in breast cancer.
• Focuses on melatonin's mechanisms of action against breast cancer cells, including metabolic suppression, cell signaling regulation, and apoptosis induction.
• Examines melatonin's interaction with estrogen receptor alpha and aromatase activity, as well as its antioxidant properties and impact on chemoresistance.

Key Points:

• Melatonin acts as an anticancer agent in breast tissue by suppressing metabolic activity, blocking proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting inflammation and metastasis.
• It restricts estrogen receptor alpha function and inhibits aromatase activity, crucial pathways in breast cancer development.
• Melatonin's potent antioxidant capacity reduces chemoresistance in breast cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin demonstrates significant antineoplastic activity against breast cancer through multiple mechanisms.
• Therapeutic use of melatonin may enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents while mitigating their adverse effects.
• Further research into melatonin's role in breast cancer treatment is warranted.