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Yi YJ, Tang H, Pi PL, Zhang HW, Du SY, Ge WY, Dai Q, Zhao ZY, Li J, Sun Z. Melatonin in cancer biology: pathways, derivatives, and the promise of targeted delivery. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:62-79. [PMID: 38226647 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2305764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, historically recognized for its primary role in regulating circadian rhythms, has expanded its influence particularly due to its wide range of biological activities. It has firmly established itself in cancer research. To highlight its versatility, we delved into how melatonin interacts with key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways, which play foundational roles in tumor development and progression. Notably, melatonin can intricately modulate these pathways, potentially affecting various cellular functions such as apoptosis, metastasis, and immunity. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current clinical studies provides a dual perspective. These studies confirm melatonin's potential in cancer management but also underscore its inherent limitations, particularly its limited bioavailability, which often relegates it to a supplementary role in treatments. Despite this limitation, there is an ongoing quest for innovative solutions and current advancements include the development of melatonin derivatives and cutting-edge delivery systems. By synthesizing the past, present, and future, this review provides a detailed overview of melatonin's evolving role in oncology, positioning it as a potential cornerstone in future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Yi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Peng-Lai Pi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Si-Yu Du
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei-Ye Ge
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Dai
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zi-Yan Zhao
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Ma ZQ, Feng YT, Guo K, Liu D, Shao CJ, Pan MH, Zhang YM, Zhang YX, Lu D, Huang D, Zhang F, Wang JL, Yang B, Han J, Yan XL, Hu Y. Melatonin inhibits ESCC tumor growth by mitigating the HDAC7/β-catenin/c-Myc positive feedback loop and suppressing the USP10-maintained HDAC7 protein stability. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:54. [PMID: 36163081 PMCID: PMC9513894 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00412-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin, a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been reported to exhibit antitumor properties through diverse mechanisms of action. However, the oncostatic function of melatonin on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains elusive. This study was conducted to investigate the potential effect and underlying molecular mechanism of melatonin as single anticancer agent against ESCC cells. METHODS ESCC cell lines treated with or without melatonin were used in this study. In vitro colony formation and EdU incorporation assays, and nude mice tumor xenograft model were used to confirm the proliferative capacities of ESCC cells. RNA-seq, qPCR, Western blotting, recombinant lentivirus-mediated target gene overexpression or knockdown, plasmids transfection and co-IP were applied to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism by which melatonin inhibited ESCC cell growth. IHC staining on ESCC tissue microarray and further survival analyses were performed to explore the relationship between target genes' expression and prognosis of ESCC. RESULTS Melatonin treatment dose-dependently inhibited the proliferative ability and the expression of histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7), c-Myc and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) in ESCC cells (P < 0.05). The expressions of HDAC7, c-Myc and USP10 in tumors were detected significantly higher than the paired normal tissues from 148 ESCC patients (P < 0.001). Then, the Kaplan-Meier survival analyses suggested that ESCC patients with high HDAC7, c-Myc or USP10 levels predicted worse overall survival (Log-rank P < 0.001). Co-IP and Western blotting analyses further revealed that HDAC7 physically deacetylated and activated β-catenin thus promoting downstream target c-Myc gene transcription. Notably, our mechanistic study validated that HDAC7/β-catenin/c-Myc could form the positive feedback loop to enhance ESCC cell growth, and USP10 could deubiquitinate and stabilize HDAC7 protein in the ESCC cells. Additionally, we verified that inhibition of the HDAC7/β-catenin/c-Myc axis and USP10/HDAC7 pathway mediated the anti-proliferative action of melatonin on ESCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings elucidate that melatonin mitigates the HDAC7/β-catenin/c-Myc positive feedback loop and inhibits the USP10-maintained HDAC7 protein stability thus suppressing ESCC cell growth, and provides the reference for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ying-Tong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the 71th Group Army Hospital of PLA, the Affiliated Huaihai Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Chang-Jian Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ming-Hong Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yi-Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yu-Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Xiao-Long Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Qiu Q, Song X, Sun C, Tan Y, Xu Y, Huang G, Zhang N, Li Z, Wei W. [Effect of general anesthesia on postoperative melatonin secretion in 4-to 6-year-old children with snoring]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:128-134. [PMID: 33509765 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.01.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of general anesthesia on postoperative melatonin secretion in 4-to 6-year-old children with snoring. METHODS Twenty children with snoring aged 4-6 years of either gender (ASA grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ) were selected for adenoidectomy.Before, during and 3 days after the operation, salivary melatonin levels of the children were measured at 11 selected time points (T1-T11).The illumination intensity and body temperature of the children were recorded at each time point of measurement.The sleep time of the children in 3 days after the operation was recorded, and postoperative pain scores (FLACC) and Riker and Rehabilitation Quality Rating Scale-15(QoR-15) scores were assessed.Sleep Apnea Life Quality Evaluation Questionnaire (OSA-18) was used to evaluate postoperative recovery of the children at 28 days after the operation.The incidence of major adverse events of the children during hospitalization was recorded. RESULTS No significant difference was found in baseline salivary melatonin level among the 20 children before the operation.Salivary melatonin level at 7 am after the operation (T8) was significantly lowered as compared with that before the surgery (T4)(P < 0.05) but recovered at 7 am on the second day after the surgery (T11);salivary melatonin levels at T4, T8, and T11 exceeded 3 pg/mL on the third day.No significant difference was found in illumination intensity or body temperature across the time points when melatonin level was measured.The children showed no significant changes in FLACC score, Riker score or QOR- 15 score after the operation, but the OSA-18 score was significantly lowered after the operation (P < 0.05).None of the 20 children had such adverse events as respiratory depression, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, nausea or vomiting during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS In preschool children with snoring, general anesthesia affects but does not inhibit melatonin secretion on the first night after surgery, and minor surgeries under general anesthesia in the morning do not cause significant changes in melatonin secretion to cause disturbance of the circadian rhythm in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqi Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Xingrong Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Changzhi Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Yonghong Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Yingyi Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Guiliang Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Zhengke Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
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Gil-Martín E, Egea J, Reiter RJ, Romero A. The emergence of melatonin in oncology: Focus on colorectal cancer. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2239-2285. [PMID: 30950095 DOI: 10.1002/med.21582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Within the last few decades, melatonin has increasingly emerged in clinical oncology as a naturally occurring bioactive molecule with substantial anticancer properties and a pharmacological profile optimal for joining the currently available pharmacopeia. In addition, extensive experimental data shows that this chronobiotic agent exerts oncostatic effects throughout all stages of tumor growth, from initial cell transformation to mitigation of malignant progression and metastasis; additionally, melatonin alleviates the side effects and improves the welfare of radio/chemotherapy-treated patients. Thus, the support of clinicians and oncologists for the use of melatonin in both the treatment and proactive prevention of cancer is gaining strength. Because of its epidemiological importance and symptomatic debut in advanced stages of difficult clinical management, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a preferential target for testing new therapies. In this regard, the development of effective forms of clinical intervention for the improvement of CRC outcome, specifically metastatic CRC, is urgent. At the same time, the need to reduce the costs of conventional anti-CRC therapy results is also imperative. In light of this status quo, the therapeutic potential of melatonin, and the direct and indirect critical processes of CRC malignancy it modulates, have aroused much interest. To illuminate the imminent future on CRC research, we focused our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the multiple oncostatic actions displayed by melatonin in the onset and evolution of CRC and summarized epidemiological evidence, as well as in vitro, in vivo and clinical findings that support the broadly protective potential demonstrated by melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Gil-Martín
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO, 'Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia'), University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Javier Egea
- Molecular Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Plasticity Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Li T, Jiang S, Lu C, Yang W, Yang Z, Hu W, Xin Z, Yang Y. Melatonin: Another avenue for treating osteoporosis? J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12548. [PMID: 30597617 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is a signal molecule that modulates the biological circadian rhythms of vertebrates. Melatonin deficiency is thought to be associated with several disorders, including insomnia, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has also indicated that melatonin may be involved in the homeostasis of bone metabolism. Age-related reductions in melatonin are considered to be critical factors in bone loss and osteoporosis with aging. Thus, serum melatonin levels might serve as a biomarker for the early detection and prevention of osteoporosis. Compared to conventional antiosteoporosis medicines, which primarily inhibit bone loss, melatonin both suppresses bone loss and promotes new bone formation. Mechanistically, by activating melatonin receptor 2 (MT2), melatonin upregulates the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), BMP6, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin to promote osteogenesis while inhibiting the receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) pathway to suppress osteolysis. In view of the distinct actions of melatonin on bone metabolism, we hypothesize that melatonin may be a novel remedy for the prevention and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenwen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenlong Xin
- Graduate School, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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Wei X, Qi Y, Jia N, Zhou Q, Zhang S, Wang Y. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment sensitizes gastric cancer cells to melatonin-induced apoptosis through multiple pathways. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6723-6731. [PMID: 29665051 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although extensive efforts have been made in recent decades to treat advanced gastric cancer with comprehensive therapy based on chemotherapy, effective anti-gastric cancer therapeutics are still lacking in the clinics. Therefore, potent novel anti-gastric cancer ways are greatly needed. Here, we explored hyperbaric oxygen treatment as a novel and effective adjuvant treatment method which has anti-gastric cancer effects when used together with melatonin. When performed together with MLT, HBO effectively inhibited tumorigenicity of gastric cancer through selectively inducing a robust tumor suppressive apoptosis response. Mechanistic studies revealed that the sensitizing effect of hyperbaric oxygen is due to decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, increased level of p53, cleaved Caspase3, GRP78, CHOP, and LC3. These results give a vivid picture that classic apoptosis pathways including mitochondrial pathway, tumor suppressive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and autophagy are all involved in the process. From the preliminary results got from the current study, we identified that HBO sensitizes human gastric cancer cells to MLT-induced apoptosis through a variety of complicated molecular mechanisms. HBO may provide a novel candidate supplemental treatment method for further development of potential anti-gastric cancer therapeutics. The combination of HBO and MLT could be a promising treatment for advanced gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,General Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yinliang Qi
- General Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Ning Jia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.,General Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Key Laboratory of Gene Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
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