Light at night and melatonin have opposite effects on breast cancer tumors in mice assessed by growth rates and global DNA methylation

Chronobiol Int. 2014 Feb;31(1):144-50. doi: 10.3109/07420528.2013.842925. Epub 2013 Oct 16.

Abstract

Light-at-night (LAN) is a worldwide problem co-distributed with breast cancer prevalence. We hypothesized that exposure to LAN is coincided with a decreased melatonin (MLT) secretion level, followed by epigenetic modifications and resulted in higher breast cancer tumors growth-rate. Accordingly, we studied the effect of LAN exposure and exogenous MLT on breast cancer tumors growth-rate. 4T1 cells were inoculated into BALB/c short day-acclimated mice, resulting in tumors growth. Growth rates were followed under various light exposures and global DNA methylations were measured. Results demonstrated the positive effect of LAN on tumors growth-rate, reversed by MLT through global DNA methylation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Light*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / etiology
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology*
  • Melatonin / analogs & derivatives
  • Melatonin / biosynthesis*
  • Melatonin / urine
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Photoperiod*
  • Pineal Gland / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • 6-sulfatoxymelatonin
  • Melatonin