Perspective - Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2
The role of melatonin in cancer prevention and treatment.
Guo Comino*
Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- *Corresponding Author:
- Guo Comino
Department of Urology
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA, USA
E-mail:guo.comino84@partners.edu.org
Received:30-Mar-2023,Manuscript No. AAJCIT-23-97342; Editor assigned: 03-Apr-2023, PreQC No. AAJCIT-23-97342(PQ); Reviewed:17-Apr-2023, QC No. AAJCIT-23-97342; Revised:21-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-23-97342(R); Published:28-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aapmt- 6.2.144
Citation: Comino G. The role of melatonin in cancer prevention and treatment. J Cancer Immunol Ther. 2023;6(2):144
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. However, recent research has revealed that it also possesses significant anti-cancer properties. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm, which melatonin regulates, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Melatonin helps to prevent cancer by acting as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. It can also enhance the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments while reducing their side effects. Further research is required to explore its mechanisms of action and clinical applications, but melatonin shows great promise as a tool for cancer prevention and treatment.
Keywords
Melatonin, Circadian rhythm, Antioxidant, Immune system, Apoptosis, Chemotherapy.
Introduction
Melatonin is a hormone that is primarily secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a critical role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and also has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in recent years, research has uncovered that melatonin also has important anti-cancer properties. Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It is estimated that one in three people will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. While there are many factors that contribute to the development of cancer, including genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors, there is growing evidence that disruptions to the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock, can also play a role.[1].
Melatonin plays a critical role in regulating the circadian rhythm. It is secreted in response to darkness and helps to promote sleep and relaxation. In addition to its sleep-promoting effects, melatonin also has important anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in a variety of ways.[2].
One of the key ways that melatonin prevents cancer is by acting as an antioxidant. It helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage DNA and contribute to the development of cancer. Additionally, melatonin has been shown to boost the immune system, which plays an important role in fighting off cancer cells.[3].
Studies have also found that melatonin can help to regulate cell growth and division. It has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and promote apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This means that melatonin can help to prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading throughout the body. There is also evidence to suggest that melatonin may help to enhance the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It has been shown to sensitize cancer cells to these treatments, making them more vulnerable to their effects. Additionally, melatonin may help to reduce some of the side effects of these treatments, such as fatigue and nausea.[4].
Overall, the evidence suggests that melatonin plays an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications, it is clear that melatonin has important anti-cancer properties. Incorporating strategies to support healthy circadian rhythms, such as getting adequate exposure to natural light during the day and minimizing exposure to artificial light at night, may also help to promote melatonin production and reduce the risk of cancer.[5].
Conclusion
Melatonin has emerged as a promising tool for cancer prevention and treatment. The hormone plays a critical role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and helps to prevent cancer by acting as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Melatonin also has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments while reducing their side effects. While further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and clinical applications, incorporating strategies to support healthy circadian rhythms may be an important step in reducing the risk of cancer. Melatonin shows great promise as a natural and safe approach to cancer prevention and treatment, and its potential merits continued exploration.
References
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- Reiter RJ.Pineal melatonin: Cell biology of its synthesis and of its physiological interactions.Endocr Rev. 1991;12(2):151-80.
- Stevens RG, Brainard GC, Blask DE, et al.Breast cancer and circadian disruption from electric lighting in the modern world.CA Cancer J Clin. 2014;64(3):207-18.
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