Molecular and Biological Functions of Melatonin in Endometrial Cancer

Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(5):519-526. doi: 10.2174/1389450120666190927123746.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the fifth leading cancer among women. This rate is higher in developed countries and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and arteriosclerosis are major risk factors for endometrial cancer. Melatonin is a hormone synthesized in the pineal and extra-pineal organs such as the digestive tract, bone marrow, retina and more. Evidence shows the potential effects of melatonin in endometrial cancer inhibition. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to review this outstanding evidence and to summarize the molecular and biological mechanisms of melatonin for the inhibition of endometrial cancer.

Keywords: Melatonin; apoptosis; bone marrow; endometrial cancer; obesity; pregnancy..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Melatonin / physiology*
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Melatonin