Melatonin Suppresses the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines (OVCAR-429 and PA-1) and Potentiates the Effect of G1 Arrest by Targeting CDKs
Abstract
Melatonin is found in animals as well as plants. In animals, it is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness and regulates physiological functions, such as sleep timing, blood pressure, and reproduction.
Melatonin has also been found to have anti-tumor properties.
Malignant cancers are the most common cause of death, and the mortality rate of ovarian tumor is the highest among gynecological diseases.
This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of melatonin on the ovarian cancer lines, OVCAR-429 and PA-1.
We observed the accumulation of melatonin-treated cells in the G₁ phase due to the down-regulation of CDK 2 and 4.
Our results suggest that in addition to the known effects on prevention, melatonin may also provide anti-tumor activity in established ovarian cancer.
See also About Melatonin.