Why melatonin is a powerful anticancer indolamine
By michellesimmons // 2019-02-27
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A team of researchers from Iran suggests that melatonin has powerful anticancer properties. In their study, which was published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, they looked at the molecular anti-angiogenesis pathways mediated by melatonin and the responsible mechanisms in different forms of cancers both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that has been reported to possess diverse biological activities, including antitumor action.
  • Melatonin exerts its anticancer effects by inhibiting angiogenesis.
  • Increased angiogenesis is a primary feature of tumor progression.
  • For this reason, angiogenesis inhibition is a critical step in treating cancer.
  • Melatonin targets nutrients and oxygen supply to cancer cells.
  • The main targets of melatonin for inhibition of angiogenesis are hypoxia-induced factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and the genes under its control, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  • Melatonin inhibits HIF-1alpha translocation and endothelial cell migration, invasion, and tube formation.
In conclusion, the findings of the study indicate that melatonin fights cancer in various ways. To read more studies on potential anticancer treatments, visit AntiCancer.news. Journal Reference: Goradel NH, Asghari MH, Moloudizargari M, Negahdari B, Haghi-Aminjan H, Abdollahi M. MELATONIN AS AN ANGIOGENESIS INHIBITOR TO COMBAT CANCER: MECHANISTIC EVIDENCE. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 15 November 2017; 335: 56-63. DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.09.022
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