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Samanta S. Melatonin: an endogenous miraculous indolamine, fights against cancer progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1893-1922. [PMID: 32583237 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melatonin is an amphipathic indolamine molecule ubiquitously present in all organisms ranging from cyanobacteria to humans. The pineal gland is the site of melatonin synthesis and secretion under the influence of the retinohypothalamic tract. Some extrapineal tissues (skin, lens, gastrointestinal tract, testis, ovary, lymphocytes, and astrocytes) also enable to produce melatonin. Physiologically, melatonin regulates various functions like circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, gonadal activity, redox homeostasis, neuroprotection, immune-modulation, and anticancer effects in the body. Inappropriate melatonin secretion advances the aging process, tumorigenesis, visceral adiposity, etc. METHODS: For the preparation of this review, I had reviewed the literature on the multidimensional activities of melatonin from the NCBI website database PubMed, Springer Nature, Science Direct (Elsevier), Wiley Online ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to search relevant articles. Specifically, I focused on the roles and mechanisms of action of melatonin in cancer prevention. RESULTS The actions of melatonin are primarily mediated by G-protein coupled MT1 and MT2 receptors; however, several intracellular protein and nuclear receptors can modulate the activity. Normal levels of the melatonin protect the cells from adverse effects including carcinogenesis. Therapeutically, melatonin has chronomedicinal value; it also shows a remarkable anticancer property. The oncostatic action of melatonin is multidimensional, associated with the advancement of apoptosis, the arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of metastasis, and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION The present review has emphasized the mechanism of the anti-neoplastic activity of melatonin that increases the possibilities of the new approaches in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptadip Samanta
- Department Physiology, Midnapore College, Paschim Medinipur, Midnapore, West Bengal, 721101, India.
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Dana PM, Sadoughi F, Mobini M, Shafabakhsh R, Chaichian S, Moazzami B, Chamani M, Asemi Z. Molecular and Biological Functions of Melatonin in Endometrial Cancer. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:519-526. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190927123746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the fifth leading cancer among women. This rate is higher in developed countries and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and arteriosclerosis are major risk factors for endometrial cancer. Melatonin is a hormone synthesized in the pineal and extra-pineal organs such as the digestive tract, bone marrow, retina and more. Evidence shows the potential effects of melatonin in endometrial cancer inhibition. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to review this outstanding evidence and to summarize the molecular and biological mechanisms of melatonin for the inhibition of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Maleki Dana
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Moein Mobini
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rana Shafabakhsh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shala Chaichian
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Moazzami
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Chamani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Menéndez-Menéndez J, Martínez-Campa C. Melatonin: An Anti-Tumor Agent in Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:3271948. [PMID: 30386380 PMCID: PMC6189685 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3271948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland mainly during the night, since light exposure suppresses its production. Initially, an implication of this indoleamine in malignant disease was described in endocrine-responsive breast cancer. Data from several clinical trials and multiple experimental studies performed both in vivo and in vitro have documented that the pineal hormone inhibits endocrine-dependent mammary tumors by interfering with the estrogen signaling-mediated transcription, therefore behaving as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Additionally, melatonin regulates the production of estradiol through the control of the enzymes involved in its synthesis, acting as a selective estrogen enzyme modulator (SEEM). Many more mechanisms have been proposed during the past few years, including signaling triggered after activation of the membrane melatonin receptors MT-1 and MT-2, or else intracellular actions targeting molecules such as calmodulin, or binding intranuclear receptors. Similar results have been obtained in prostate (regulation of enzymes involved in androgen synthesis and modulation of androgen receptor levels and activity) and ovary cancer. Thus, tumor metabolism, gene expression, or epigenetic modifications are modulated, cell growth is impaired and angiogenesis and metastasis are inhibited. In the last decade, many more reports have demonstrated that melatonin is a promising adjuvant molecule with many potential beneficial consequences when included in chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocols designed to treat endocrine-responsive tumors. Therefore, in this state-of-the-art review, we aim to compile the knowledge about the oncostatic actions of the indoleamine in hormone-dependent tumors, and the latest findings concerning melatonin actions when administered in combination with radio- or chemotherapy in breast, prostate, and ovary cancers. As melatonin has no toxicity, it may be well deserve to be considered as an endogenously generated agent helpful in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Menéndez-Menéndez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
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Mutalik S, Tadinada A. Prevalence of pineal gland calcification as an incidental finding in patients referred for implant dental therapy. Imaging Sci Dent 2017; 47:175-180. [PMID: 28989900 PMCID: PMC5620462 DOI: 10.5624/isd.2017.47.3.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pineal gland calcification has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. This study evaluated the prevalence and extent of pineal gland calcification in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients referred for dental implant therapy who could possibly be a vulnerable group for this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective evaluation of 500 CBCT scans was conducted. Scans that showed the area where the pineal gland was located were included. The scans were initially screened by a single observer to record the prevalence and extent of calcification. Six weeks following the completion of the study, another investigator randomly reviewed and selected 50 scans to investigate inter-observer variation, which was evaluated using reliability analysis statistics. The prevalence and measurements of the calcifications were reported using descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence between males and females. RESULTS The prevalence of pineal gland calcification was 58.8%. There was no statistically significant correlation between age and the extent of the calcification. The prevalence of calcification was 58.6% in females and 59.0% in males. The average anteroposterior measurement was 3.73±1.63 mm, while the average mediolateral measurement was 3.47±1.31 mm. The average total calcified area was 9.79±7.59 mm2. CONCLUSION The prevalence of pineal gland calcification was high in patients undergoing implant therapy. While not all pineal gland calcifications lead to neurodegenerative disorders, they should be strongly considered in the presence of any symptoms as a reason to initiate further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Mutalik
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Aditya Tadinada
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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Mohammed KA, Adjei Boakye E, Ismail HA, Geneus CJ, Tobo BB, Buchanan PM, Zelicoff AP. Pineal Gland Calcification in Kurdistan: A Cross-Sectional Study of 480 Roentgenograms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159239. [PMID: 27415622 PMCID: PMC4945046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The goal of this study was to compare the incidence of Pineal Gland Calcification (PGC) by age group and gender among the populations living in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Methods This prospective study examined skull X-rays of 480 patients between the ages of 3 and 89 years who sought care at a large teaching public hospital in Duhok, Iraq from June 2014 to November 2014. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression were used for analysis. Results The overall incidence rate of PGC among the study population was 26.9% with the 51–60 age group and males having the highest incidence. PGC incidence increased after the first decade and remained steady until the age of 60. Thereafter the incidence began to decrease. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both age and gender significantly affected the risk of PGC. After adjusting for age, males were 1.94 (95% CI, 1.26–2.99) times more likely to have PGC compared to females. In addition, a one year increase in age increases the odds of developing PGC by 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01–1.03) units after controlling for the effects of gender. Conclusion Our analysis demonstrated a close relationship between PGC and age and gender, supporting a link between the development of PGC and these factors. This study provides a basis for future researchers to further investigate the nature and mechanisms underlying pineal gland calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahee A. Mohammed
- Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan–Iraq
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Center for Outcomes Research (SLUCOR), Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Honer A. Ismail
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan–Iraq
| | - Christian J. Geneus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Betelihem B. Tobo
- Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Paula M. Buchanan
- Center for Outcomes Research (SLUCOR), Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Zelicoff
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Laudon M, Frydman-Marom A. Therapeutic effects of melatonin receptor agonists on sleep and comorbid disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15924-50. [PMID: 25207602 PMCID: PMC4200764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several melatonin receptors agonists (ramelteon, prolonged-release melatonin, agomelatine and tasimelteon) have recently become available for the treatment of insomnia, depression and circadian rhythms sleep-wake disorders. The efficacy and safety profiles of these compounds in the treatment of the indicated disorders are reviewed. Accumulating evidence indicates that sleep-wake disorders and co-existing medical conditions are mutually exacerbating. This understanding has now been incorporated into the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Therefore, when evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of sleep drugs, it is pertinent to also evaluate their effects on wake and comorbid condition. Beneficial effects of melatonin receptor agonists on comorbid neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and metabolic symptomatology beyond sleep regulation are also described. The review underlines the beneficial value of enhancing physiological sleep in comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Laudon
- Neurim Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 27 Habarzel St. Tel-Aviv 6971039, Israel.
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Slominski RM, Reiter RJ, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N, Ostrom RS, Slominski AT. Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: distribution and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 351:152-66. [PMID: 22245784 PMCID: PMC3288509 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 468] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many of melatonin's actions are mediated through interaction with the G-protein coupled membrane bound melatonin receptors type 1 and type 2 (MT1 and MT2, respectively) or, indirectly with nuclear orphan receptors from the RORα/RZR family. Melatonin also binds to the quinone reductase II enzyme, previously defined the MT3 receptor. Melatonin receptors are widely distributed in the body; herein we summarize their expression and actions in non-neural tissues. Several controversies still exist regarding, for example, whether melatonin binds the RORα/RZR family. Studies of the peripheral distribution of melatonin receptors are important since they are attractive targets for immunomodulation, regulation of endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular functions, modulation of skin pigmentation, hair growth, cancerogenesis, and aging. Melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists have an exciting future since they could define multiple mechanisms by which melatonin modulates the complexity of such a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular & Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States
| | - Natalia Schlabritz-Loutsevitch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Rennolds S. Ostrom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 5000, Memphis, TN 38163, United States. Tel.: +1 901 448 3741. (A.T. Slominski)
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Turgut AT, Karakaş HM, Ozsunar Y, Altın L, Ceken K, Alıcıoğlu B, Sönmez I, Alparslan A, Yürümez B, Celik T, Kazak E, Geyik PÖ, Koşar U. Age-related changes in the incidence of pineal gland calcification in Turkey: A prospective multicenter CT study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 15:41-8. [PMID: 18420391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2008] [Accepted: 02/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the incidence of pineal gland calcification (PGC), to investigate the interaction of PGC and aging, and to compare the incidence of PGC among the populations living in Turkey. In a prospective study the rate of PGC on CT scans of 1376 individuals in six referral centers from different regions of Turkey was investigated, with emphasis on effects of climatological parameters and aging on PGC. It was found that the incidence of PGC increased rapidly after first decade and the increase remains gradual thereafter, higher in males than in females for all age groups. There was a significant difference for incidence and degree of PGC between different clinics and between both sexes (p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference for the degree of PGC between the clinics in low altitude group and those in high altitude group (p<0.001 for each). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, altitude and intensity of sunlight exposure significantly affected the risk of PGC (odds ratios (OR) 1.335, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.261-1.414, p<0.001; OR 1.900, 95% CI 1.486-2.428, p<0.001; OR 0.715, 95% CI 0.517-0.990, p<0.05; OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.994-0.999, p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, by multiple linear regression analysis, high altitude and increased intensity of sunlight exposure were found to affect the degree of PGC (beta=0.003, p<0.001). It is concluded that there is a close relationship between PGC and the aforementioned parameters, supporting a link between the development of PGC and these. This study provides some reference data for new clinical studies on the putative role of pineal gland in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Tuncay Turgut
- Department of Radiology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Garfinkel D, Zorin M, Wainstein J, Matas Z, Laudon M, Zisapel N. Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin in insomnia patients with diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2011; 4:307-13. [PMID: 21887103 PMCID: PMC3160855 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s23904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a major comorbidity in insomnia patients. The efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg in the treatment of glucose, lipid metabolism, and sleep was studied in 36 type 2 diabetic patients with insomnia (11 men, 25 women, age 46-77 years). METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, the subjects were treated for 3 weeks (period 1) with prolonged-release melatonin or placebo, followed by a one-week washout period, and then crossed over for another 3 weeks (period 2) of treatment with the other preparation. All tablets were taken 2 hours before bedtime for a period of 3 weeks. In an extension period of 5 months, prolonged-release melatonin was given nightly to all patients in an open-label design. Sleep was objectively monitored in a subgroup of 22 patients using wrist actigraphy. Fasting glucose, fructosamine, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and some antioxidants, as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. All concomitant medications were continued throughout the study. RESULTS No significant changes in serum glucose, fructosamine, insulin, C-peptide, antioxidant levels or blood chemistry were observed after 3 weeks of prolonged-release melatonin treatment. Sleep efficiency, wake time after sleep onset, and number of awakenings improved significantly with prolonged-release melatonin as compared with placebo. Following 5 months of prolonged-release melatonin treatment, mean HbA1c (±standard deviation) was significantly lower than at baseline (9.13% ± 1.55% versus 8.47% ± 1.67%, respectively, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep maintenance in type 2 diabetic patients with insomnia without affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. Long-term prolonged-release melatonin administration has a beneficial effect on HbA1c, suggesting improved glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Garfinkel
- Geriatric Palliative Department, Shoham Geriatric Medical Center, Pardes Hana, Israel
| | | | | | - Zipora Matas
- Biochemistry Laboratory, The E Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | | | - Nava Zisapel
- Neurim Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Correspondence: Nava Zisapel, Department of Neurobiology, The George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel, Tel +972 3640 9611, Fax +972 3640 7643, Email
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Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trakht I, Cardinali DP. Therapeutic Actions of Melatonin in Cancer: Possible Mechanisms. Integr Cancer Ther 2008; 7:189-203. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735408322846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a phylogenetically well-preserved molecule with diverse physiological functions. In addition to its well-known regulatory control of the sleep/wake cycle, as well as circadian rhythms generally, melatonin is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoiesis, and antioxidative processes. Recent human and animal studies have now shown that melatonin also has important oncostatic properties. Both at physiological and pharmacological doses melatonin exerts growth inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell lines. In hepatomas, through its activation of MT 1 and MT2 receptors, melatonin inhibits linoleic acid uptake, thereby preventing the formation of the mitogenic metabolite 1,3-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid. In animal model studies, melatonin has been shown to have preventative action against nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver cancer. Melatonin also inhibits the growth of prostate tumors via activation of MT1 receptors thereby inducing translocation of the androgen receptor to the cytoplasm and inhibition of the effect of endogenous androgens. There is abundant evidence indicating that melatonin is involved in preventing tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. The anticarcinogenic effect of melatonin on neoplastic cells relies on its antioxidant, immunostimulating, and apoptotic properties. Melatonin's oncostatic actions include the direct augmentation of natural killer (NK) cell activity, which increases immunosurveillance, as well as the stimulation of cytokine production, for example, of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-γ. In addition to its direct oncostatic action, melatonin protects hematopoietic precursors from the toxic effect of anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Melatonin secretion is impaired in patients suffering from breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or colorectal cancer. The increased incidence of breast cancer and colorectal cancer seen in nurses and other night shift workers suggests a possible link between diminished secretion of melatonin and increased exposure to light during nighttime. The physiological surge of melatonin at night is thus considered a “natural restraint” on tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkataramanujan Srinivasan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - D Warren Spence
- Sleep and Alertness Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ilya Trakht
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, College for Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
| | - Daniel P. Cardinali
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,
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Kothari A, Borges A, Ingle A, Kothari L. Combination of melatonin and tamoxifen as a chemoprophylaxis against N-nitroso-N-methylurea-induced rat mammary tumors. Cancer Lett 1997; 111:59-66. [PMID: 9022128 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(96)04493-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of melatonin (Mel) and or tamoxifen (Tam) was evaluated on a mammary tumor model induced in 50 day old female Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a direct carcinogen, N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) (50 mg/kg b.wt./rat). These animals were treated with either Mel 200 microg/rat per day, orally in drinking water and/or Tam (s.c.) 60 microg/rat per week or 180 microg/rat per week. The total observation period was 300 days post-NMU administration in all the animals. The mean latency period of tumor appearance and tumor incidence was recorded. The mean latency period was significantly lengthened in all the treated groups as compared to that in the only NMU-administered rats (P < 0.001). Highly significant suppression of tumor incidence was observed in Mel + Tam180 group (P < 0.001). The other two groups i.e. Mel + Tam60, and Tam180 also showed significant suppression of tumor incidence (P < 0.01). Eight weeks after the initiation of treatment regimen, we observed marked reduction in [3H]thymidine incorporation into mammary gland DNA of Mel- and/or Tam-treated groups of animals as compared to the age-matched controls and NMU-administered rats, which correlated positively with the sparse mammary gland development seen in the whole mount preparations. The result of the combined therapy is highly promising and warrants clinical evaluation in the prophylaxis of breast carcinogenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kothari
- Cell Biology Division, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India
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