Melatonin and pancreatic cancer: Current knowledge and future perspectives.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to summarize the known effects of melatonin on pancreatic cancer and the mechanisms involved.
Results Summary
Melatonin shows potential as a therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through regulation of oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and vascular endothelial growth factor. However, clinical studies evaluating its role in pancreatic cancer are limited.
Population
Pancreatic cancer (in vivo and in vitro studies, with limited clinical data).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin supplementation | neutral | pancreatic cancer | in vivo and in vitro studies | - | is an appropriate therapeutic approach | #1 |
melatonin | increase | cancer cells | - | - | may be an effective apoptosis inducer | #2 |
Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to the absence of early symptoms and subsequent late diagnosis; additionally, pancreatic cancer has a high resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Multiple inflammatory pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer. Melatonin an indoleamine produced in the pineal gland mediated and receptor-independent action is the pancreas and other where has both receptors. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and tissue protector against inflammation and oxidative stress. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that melatonin supplementation is an appropriate therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer. Melatonin may be an effective apoptosis inducer in cancer cells through regulation of a large number of molecular pathways including oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Limited clinical studies, however, have evaluated the role of melatonin in pancreatic cancer. This review summarizes what is known regarding the effects of melatonin on pancreatic cancer and the mechanisms involved.