Melatonin and cell death: differential actions on apoptosis in normal and cancer cells |
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Authors: | R?M?Sainz J?C?Mayo C?Rodriguez D?X?Tan S?Lopez-Burillo Email author" target="_blank">R?J?ReiterEmail author |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, Mail Code 7762, University of Texas, Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, 78229-3900 San Antonio, Texas, USA;(2) Departamento de Morfologia y Biologia Celular, Instituto Universitario de Oncologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo,, C/Julian Claveria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain |
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Abstract: | Melatonin is a natural compound synthesized by a variety of organs. It has been shown to
function as a cell-protective agent. Since 1994, when the first paper was published documenting
the role of melatonin in apoptosis, the number of reports in this area has increased rapidly. Much
of the research conducted falls into three major categories: first, the role of melatonin in
inhibiting apoptosis in immune cells; second, the role of melatonin in preventing neuronal
apoptosis and finally, the role of melatonin in increasing apoptotic cell death in cancer
cells. The mechanisms whereby melatonin influences apoptosis have not clarified, although a number
of mechanistic options have been suggested. Apoptotic cell death is a physiological phenomenon
related to homeostasis and proper functioning of tissues and organs; however, a failure in the
apoptotic program is related to a number of diseases. The participation of melatonin in apoptosis
in numerous cell types and its potential importance in a variety of diseases such as
immunodeficiency, neurodegeneration and cancer is summarized in this review.Received 14 November 2002; received after revision 16 January 2003; accepted 10 February 2003 |
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Keywords: | Melatonin apoptosis free radicals neuroprotection immune system cancer cells |
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