03/14/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is best known for its sleep-promoting effect. But did you know that it also has potential cancer-fighting effects? Researchers from Iran reviewed the anticancer properties of melatonin and concluded that melatonin has powerful cancer-fighting properties.
Published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, the review looked at the molecular anti-angiogenesis pathways brought about by melatonin and the responsible processes in different forms of cancers both in animal studies and laboratory testing.
Melatonin has been reported to have multiple biological activities, including antitumor action. As a supplement, melatonin exerts its cancer-protective effects by inhibiting angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a process where new blood vessels are formed from old ones; it is naturally connected to organism development and life. This process plays a huge part in the progression of tumors. Regulation of angiogenesis is considered to be a potential cure when growth and deformation of cells occur, as increased angiogenesis is a primary feature of tumor progression.
Researchers found that melatonin inhibits angiogenesis by targeting the nutrients and oxygen supply of cancer cells. It primarily targets 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.
With these findings, the researchers conclude that melatonin inhibits angiogenesis to fight cancer.
Often called as the “pacemaker” of the body, melatonin is a hormone that works together with the pineal gland to help regulate the internal clock of the body, informing the body what time of the day and what time of the year it is. Melatonin and the pineal gland help in regulating circadian rhythms and the sleep-cycle. Melatonin also affects almost every cell in the body. Melatonin has also been reported to be a tumor suppressor for different forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Different researchers have studied how melatonin protects against breast cancer, and here are some of their findings:
Read more news stories and studies on potential anticancer treatments by going to AntiCancer.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, angiogenesis, anticancer, Cancer Cells, cancer treatment, melatonin, natural cures, prevention, supplements