Melatonin as a therapeutic agent for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor progression: A description of possible mechanisms involved

Bastani S, Akbarzadeh M, Rezaei YR, Farzane A, Nouri M, Sisakht MM, Fattahi A, Akbarzadeh M, Reiter RJ (2021)


Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 22

Article Number: 10874

Journal Issue: 19

DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910874

Abstract

Hypoxia has an important role in tumor progression via the up-regulation of growth factors and cellular adaptation genes. These changes promote cell survival, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism in favor of cancer development. Hypoxia also plays a central role in determining the resistance of tumors to chemotherapy. Hypoxia of the tumor microenvironment provides an opportunity to develop new therapeutic strategies that may selectively induce apoptosis of the hypoxic cancer cells. Melatonin is well known for its role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and seasonal reproduction. Numerous studies have also documented the anti-cancer properties of melatonin, including anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, and apoptosis promotion. In this paper, we hypothesized that melatonin exerts anti-cancer effects by inhibiting hypoxia-induced pathways. Considering this action, co-administration of melatonin in combination with other therapeutic medications might increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we discussed the possible signaling pathways by which melatonin inhibits hypoxia-induced cancer cell survival, invasion, migration, and metabolism, as well as tumor angiogenesis.

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Bastani, S., Akbarzadeh, M., Rezaei, Y.R., Farzane, A., Nouri, M., Sisakht, M.M.,... Reiter, R.J. (2021). Melatonin as a therapeutic agent for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor progression: A description of possible mechanisms involved. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms221910874

MLA:

Bastani, Sepideh, et al. "Melatonin as a therapeutic agent for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor progression: A description of possible mechanisms involved." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22.19 (2021).

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