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Stępniak J, Karbownik-Lewińska M. Protective Effects of Melatonin against Carcinogen-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Thyroid. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1646. [PMID: 38730600 PMCID: PMC11083294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, primarily synthesized in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and possesses significant antioxidative properties. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, melatonin emerges as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of many different disorders, including cancer. This paper reviews the relationship between the thyroid gland and melatonin, presenting experimental evidence on the protective effects of this indoleamine against oxidative damage to macromolecules in thyroid tissue caused by documented carcinogens (as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC) or caused by potential carcinogens. Furthermore, the possible influence on cancer therapy in humans and the overall well-being of cancer patients are discussed. The article highlights melatonin's essential role in maintaining thyroid health and its contribution to management strategies in patients with thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stępniak
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, Rzgowska St. 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
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Dündar G, Günaydın Ö, Yazıcı G, Kurtulan O, Öğüş E, Şahin İ. Investigation of the protective effects of intraperitoneal melatonin in rats receiving laryngeal radiotherapy. Auris Nasus Larynx 2022; 50:395-402. [PMID: 35995648 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the protective effects of melatonin on laryngeal radiation damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS 31 rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: 1) the control (C) group (n=7), was only injected with intraperitoneal ethanol solution; 2) the melatonin (M) group (n=8), was injected intraperitoneal melatonin solution with 5 mg/kg; 3) the radiotherapy (RT) group (n=8) was given laryngeal radiation after intraperitoneal injection of ethanol solution; 4) the M + RT group (n=8), RT was given 30 minutes after 5 mg/kg dose of melatonin solution was injected. Drug and radiation applications were continued for 5 days. The weight changes of the rats were recorded. At the end of the study, inflammation, neutrophil migration and lymphoid aggregates, collagen distribution, laryngeal glandular structures and biochemical analysis of laryngeal tissues [malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS)] were determined. RESULTS In the M+RT group, the first day and the 30th weight differences were significantly increased when compared with the RT group (p=0.050). Inflammation, neutrophil migration, lymphoid aggregate, disorganized collagen distribution and loss of glandular tissues were found statistically more in the RT group than in the C group (p<0.05). MDA and TOS levels were in the M + RT group exhibited better values than they did in the RT group (p<0.05). TAS levels was markedly increased in the M + RT group than in the RT group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Administration of melatonin to rats prior receiving laryngeal radiation, decreases the level of oxidative stress markers and increases the level of anti-oxidative markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Görkem Dündar
- Dr Nafiz Körez Sincan State Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Önder Günaydın
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gözde Yazıcı
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology Ankara, Turkey
| | - Olcay Kurtulan
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pathology Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elmas Öğüş
- Ankara Training and Research Hospital Department of Medical Biochemistry Ankara, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Şahin
- Bursa Uludağ University Institute of Health Sciences Department of Biostatistics Bursa, Turkey
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Hsiao CC, Hou YS, Liu YH, Ko JY, Lee CT. Combined Melatonin and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Enhances Podocyte Protection and Ameliorates Kidney Function in a Diabetic Nephropathy Rat Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050733. [PMID: 34066452 PMCID: PMC8148201 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is common complication of diabetes. Current therapy for DN does not include promotion of podocyte protection. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic effect of melatonin (Mel) combined extracorporeal shock wave (SW) therapy on a DN rat model. (2) Methods: The DN rats were treated with Mel (5 mg/kg) twice a week for 6 weeks and SW treatment once a week (0.13 mJ/mm2) for 6 weeks. We assessed urine microalbumin, albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular fibrosis, podocyte markers (Wilm’s tumor protein-1, synaptopodin and nephrin), cell proliferation, cell survival, cell apoptosis, renal inflammation and renal oxidative stress. (3) Results: The Mel combined SW therapy regimen significantly reduced urine microalbumin excretion (3.3 ± 0.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001), ACR (65.2 ± 8.3 mg/g, p < 0.001), glomerular hypertrophy (3.1 ± 0.1 × 106 μm3, p < 0.01) and glomerular fibrosis (0.9 ± 0.4 relative mRNA fold, p < 0.05). Moreover, the Mel combined SW therapy regimen significantly increased podocyte number (44.1 ± 5.0% area of synaptopodin, p < 0.001) in the Mel combined SW group. This is likely primarily because Mel combined with SW therapy significantly reduced renal inflammation (753 ± 46 pg/mg, p < 0.01), renal oxidative stress (0.6 ± 0.04 relative density, p < 0.05), and apoptosis (0.3 ± 0.03 relative density, p < 0.001), and also significantly increased cell proliferation (2.0 ± 0.2% area proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p < 0.01), cell survival, and nephrin level (4.2 ± 0.4 ng/mL, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Mel combined SW therapy enhances podocyte protection and ameliorates kidney function in a DN rat model. Mel combined SW therapy may serve as a novel noninvasive and effective treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Chun Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (Y.-H.L.)
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - You-Syuan Hou
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (Y.-H.L.)
| | - Yu-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (Y.-H.L.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Yang Ko
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Te Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7731-7123 (ext. 8306)
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Wang D, Wu X, Lu D, Li Y, Zhang P. The Melatonin and Enriched Environment Ameliorated Low Protein-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation by IGF-1 And mtor Signaling Pathway and Autophagy Inhibition in Rats. Curr Mol Med 2021; 21:246-256. [PMID: 32713334 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666200726221735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CDATA[Aim: The present study investigated whether melatonin (MEL) and enriched environment (EE) might protect against intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in rats. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups: control (C), model (M) and EE+MEL group. Animals were housed in an enriched environment (EE+MEL group) or remained in a standard environment (C group, M group). IUGR rat model was built by feeding a low protein diet during pregnancy. MEL was administered by gavaging. At day 1 post-birth, the baseline characteristics and serum biochemical parameters, morphology of liver and small intestine, enzyme activities, and mRNA expression levels of fetal rats were determined. The autophagy marker LC3 and Beclin1 were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS EE+MEL markedly improved the baseline characteristics, hepatic and intestinal morphology of IUGR fetuses. In addition, the lactase activities in the fetal intestine were markedly increased by the EE+MEL. The levels of serum somatostatin (SST), Growth hormone (GH), GH releasing hormone (GHRH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) were found to be recovered by EE+MEL. In addition, the EE+MEL significantly ameliorated the mRNA expression of SST, GHRH, and GHRH receptor (GHRHR), GH, GHR, IGF-1, and IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) in fetuses. In IUGR fetal livers, LC3 and Beclin1 were found to be increased at birth, while LC3 and Beclin1 were observed to be significantly decreased in the EE+MEL group. CONCLUSION EE+MEL could improve fetal rats' baseline characteristics, serum biochemical parameters, birth weight, intestinal and hepatic morphology and enzyme activities. These effects could be explained by the activation of the IGF-1/IGFBP1 and IGF-1/mTOR/S6K1/4EBP1 signaling pathway and autophagy inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- College of Human Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, 36 Jinqiansong East Road Sujiatun District, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of basic medical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
| | - Dan Lu
- College of clinical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
| | - Yan Li
- Experimental Teaching Center of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang , Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of basic medical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
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Aras S, Tanzer İO, Can Ü, Sümer E, Baydili KN. The role of melatonin on acute thyroid damage induced by high dose rate X-ray in head and neck radiotherapy. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.109206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Aras S, Tanzer İO, Sayir N, Keleş MS, Özgeriş FB. Radiobiological comparison of flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) beam in rat laryngeal tissue. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:249-255. [PMID: 33320739 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1857457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of melatonin by analyzing histopathological changes and serum biochemical levels on experimental rat models exposed to flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) beam. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. The control (Group 1) was given no treatment, the melatonin (Group 2) was given 10 mg/kg melatonin only, the FF (Group 3) and FFF (Group 5) were given fractionated dose (Total 32 Gy, 5 consecutive days) radiotherapy only, and the FF plus melatonin (Group 4) and FFF plus melatonin (Group 6) were given 10 mg/kg melatonin 15 minutes prior to irradiation. Rats were examined for histopathology and biochemical analysis 10 days after irradiation. RESULTS When results of FF and FFF radiotherapy only groups are compared to control group, statistically significant difference in histopathological and biochemical parameters are observed; however, melatonin administration in radiotherapy plus melatonin groups improved these parameters (p <.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between FF and FFF beams (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS The effect of low- and high-dose beams on the rat larynx and serum samples were investigated histopathologically and biochemically for the first time. We observed that melatonin supplemented before FF and FFF radiotherapy protected early period radiotherapy-induced laryngeal mucosal damage. Since the radiobiological results of FF and FFF beams are similar, FFF beams can be safely applied in laryngeal irradiation. However, more experimental rat and clinical studies are needed to clarify the radiobiological uncertainy concerning dose rate on cancerous and healthy tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat Aras
- Medical Imaging Techniques Programme, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İhsan Oğuz Tanzer
- Biomedical Technology Programme, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Finland
| | - Neslihan Sayir
- Pathology Laboratory Techniques Programme, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mevlüt Sait Keleş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fatma Betül Özgeriş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Tajabadi E, Javadi A, Azar NA, Najafi M, Shirazi A, Shabeeb D, Musa AE. Radioprotective effect of a combination of melatonin and metformin on mice spermatogenesis: A histological study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:1073-1080. [PMID: 33426418 PMCID: PMC7778753 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v18i12.8029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatogenesis system includes highly radiosensitive cells. Hence, this system is a potential target for toxic effects of ionizing radiation during radiotherapy of abdomen and pelvis cancers, as well as after accidental radiation events. Accordingly, metformin and melatonin are two important radioprotectors that have shown an ability to prevent cell death through neutralization of free radicals and stimulating DNA damage responses. Objective To evaluate the radioprotective effects of melatonin and metformin on mice spermatogenesis when administered alone or as a combination. Materials and Methods In this histological Study, 40 (6-8 wk, 30 gr) NMRI mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 5/each) as control, metformin, melatonin, melatonin + metformin, radiation, radiation + melatonin, radiation + metformin, and radiation + melatonin + metformin. 37 days after the irradiation, the testicular tissues were collected for histological evaluation. Results Single administration of melatonin could ameliorate effectively radiation toxicity in mice testis. Metformin showed radioprotective effects on some parameters such as the numbers of spermatogonia and mature sperms. Interestingly, the melatonin and metformin combination reversed the reduced number of sperms rather than single drug administration. Conclusion The combination of melatonin with metformin can protect mice spermatogenesis against ionizing radiation more effectively compared to the single forms of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Tajabadi
- Department of Medical Radiation Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Javadi
- Department of Pathology, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Ahmadi Azar
- Department of Medical Radiation Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alireza Shirazi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Radiation Oncology Department, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dheyauldeen Shabeeb
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran
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Groves AM, Williams JP. Saving normal tissues - a goal for the ages. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:920-935. [PMID: 30822213 PMCID: PMC7183326 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1589654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Almost since the earliest utilization of ionizing radiation, many within the radiation community have worked toward either preventing (i.e. protecting) normal tissues from unwanted radiation injury or rescuing them from the downstream consequences of exposure. However, despite over a century of such investigations, only incremental gains have been made toward this goal and, with certainty, no outright panacea having been found. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the International Journal of Radiation Biology and to chronicle the efforts that have been made to date, we undertook a non-rigorous survey of the articles published by normal tissue researchers in this area, using those that have appeared in the aforementioned journal as a road map. Three 'snapshots' of publications on normal tissue countermeasures were taken: the earliest (1959-1963) and most recent (2013-2018) 5-year of issues, as well as a 5-year intermediate span (1987-1991). Limiting the survey solely to articles appearing within International Journal of Radiation Biology likely reduced the number of translational studies interrogated given the basic science tenor of this particular publication. In addition, by taking 'snapshots' rather than considering the entire breadth of the journal's history in this field, important papers that were published during the interim periods were omitted, for which we apologize. Nonetheless, since the journal's inception, we observed that, during the chosen periods, the majority of studies undertaken in the field of normal tissue countermeasures, whether investigating radiation protectants, mitigators or treatments, have focused on agents that interfere with the physical, chemical and/or biological effects known to occur during the acute period following whole body/high single dose exposures. This relatively narrow approach to the reduction of normal tissue effects, especially those that can take months, if not years, to develop, seems to contradict our growing understanding of the progressive complexities of the microenvironmental disruption that follows the initial radiation injury. Given the analytical tools now at our disposal and the enormous benefits that may be reaped in terms of improving patient outcomes, as well as the potential for offering countermeasures to those affected by accidental or mass casualty exposures, it appears time to broaden our approaches to developing normal tissue countermeasures. We have no doubt that the contributors and readership of the International Journal of Radiation Biology will continue to contribute to this effort for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Groves
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Jacqueline P. Williams
- Departments of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
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An investigation of the effects of N-acetylcysteine on radiotherapy-induced testicular injury in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2018; 392:147-157. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-018-1581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Farhood B, Goradel NH, Mortezaee K, Khanlarkhani N, Salehi E, Nashtaei MS, Mirtavoos-Mahyari H, Motevaseli E, Shabeeb D, Musa AE, Najafi M. Melatonin as an adjuvant in radiotherapy for radioprotection and radiosensitization. Clin Transl Oncol 2018; 21:268-279. [PMID: 30136132 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than half of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy during the course of their treatment. Despite its beneficial therapeutic effects on tumor cells, exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is associated with several side effects. Although improvements in radiotherapy techniques and instruments could reduce these side effects, there are still important concerns for cancer patients. For several years, scientists have been trying to modulate tumor and normal tissue responses to IR, leading to an increase in therapeutic ratio. So far, several types of radioprotectors and radiosensitizers have been investigated in experimental studies. However, high toxicity of chemical sensitizers or possible tumor protection by radioprotectors creates a doubt for their clinical applications. On the other hand, the protective effects of these radioprotectors or sensitizer effects of radiosensitizers may limit some type of cancers. Hence, the development of some radioprotectors without any protective effect on tumor cells or low toxic radiosensitizers can help improve therapeutic ratio with less side effects. Melatonin as a natural body hormone is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that shows some anti-cancer properties. It is able to neutralize different types of free radicals produced by IR or pro-oxidant enzymes which are activated following exposure to IR and plays a key role in the protection of normal tissues. In addition, melatonin has shown the ability to inhibit long-term changes in inflammatory responses at different levels, thereby ameliorating late side effects of radiotherapy. Fortunately, in contrast to classic antioxidants, some in vitro studies have revealed that melatonin has a potent anti-tumor activity when used alongside irradiation. However, the mechanisms of its radiosensitive effect remain to be elucidated. Studies suggested that the activation of pro-apoptosis gene, such as p53, changes in the metabolism of tumor cells, suppression of DNA repair responses as well as changes in biosynthesis of estrogen in breast cancer cells are involved in this process. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms for radioprotection and radiosensitizer effects of melatonin. Furthermore, some other proposed mechanisms that may be involved are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - N H Goradel
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - K Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - N Khanlarkhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Salehi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M S Nashtaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Mirtavoos-Mahyari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Motevaseli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - D Shabeeb
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Amarah, Iraq
| | - A E Musa
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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