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Melatonin (MLT) is an endogenous hormone produced by pineal gland which possess promising anti-tumor effects. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of MLT, along with its immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, and anti-angiogenic properties, are often referred to the main mechanisms of its anti-tumor effects. Recent evidence has suggested that epigenetic alterations are also involved in the anti-tumor properties of MLT. Among these MLT-induced epigenetic alterations is modulation of the expression of several oncogenic and tumor suppressor microRNAs(miRNAs). MiRNAs are among the most promising and potential therapeutic and diagnostic tools in different diseases and enhanced the development of better therapeutic drugs. Suppression of oncomicroRNAs such as microRNA-21, - 20a, and - 27a as well as, up-regulation of microRNA-34 a/c are among the most important effects of MLT on microRNAs homeostasis. Recently, miR-21 has attracted the attention of scientists due to the its wide range of effects on different cancers and diseases. Regulation of this RNA may be a key to the development of better therapeutic targets. The present review will summarize the findings of in vitro and experimental studies of MLT-induced impacts on the expression of microRNAs which are involved in different models and numerous stages of tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and chemo-resistance., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

In recent years, substantial advances have been made in cancer treatment modalities. Yet, within the last three decades, neither cancer incidence nor the cancer-induced mortality rate has changed. Available anti-cancer chemotherapeutics possess remarkably restricted effectiveness and often have severe adverse effects. Hence, the identification of novel pharmaceutical agents that do not exhibit these major disadvantages is imperative. Melatonin, an important endogenous molecule synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, is a promising chemical agent that has been comprehensively assessed over the last decades for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Melatonin is reportedly a significant inhibitor of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. The anti-- cancer potential of melatonin is principally mediated by reversing the up-regulated amounts of different transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other oncogenic agents. Also, melatonin often has signifcant inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation through either promoting apoptosis or inducing cell cycle arrest. The current review provides an insight into melatonin-induced effects against various human cancers with a particular focus on the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Endometriosis, the very serious disease in women creates a huge financial burden worldwide, which is comparable to diabetes mellitus. In addition to the typical pelvic pain, endometriosis is related to low life quality and decreased work efficiency; clinical consequences include mood complaints, metabolic impairments, inflammation, immunologic problems, and elevated malignancy risks. Several risk factors are correlated with endometriosis including elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress, long-lasting inflammation, raised immune tolerance, as well as autoimmunity. Melatonin is a natural molecule present throughout both the plant and animal kingdoms. It has numerous functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Due to the anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-invasive features of melatonin, it performances as a beneficial agent to limit endometriosis; this involves several pathways including antiestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects, as well as reducing the growth of E2-induced endometriotic tissue. Moreover, melatonin can favor sleep quality and decrease the unwanted signs in the patients. However, most of the data on melatonin accured from experimental works and additional clinical trials are needed. This review summarizes what is currently known regarding the influence of melatonin on endometriosis. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL: Not applicable., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Currently, cancer is ranked among the top ten causes of death worldwide. Despite the advances made in the field of cancer treatment, 5-year survival rates of various types of cancer are still low due to the recurrence of the disease and/or metastasis. Dissemination of cancer cells, infiltration into the blood vessels, migration to the targeted organs, extravasation, and colonization are the main steps of metastasis. Various factors and signaling pathways are involved in each of these steps. Melatonin (MLT) is a hormone derived from tryptophan and secreted by the pineal gland. This hormone has shown a variety of anti-tumor effects, including anti-oxidative activities, inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis. Due to these extensive effects, several studies have been conducted on the applications of MLT in treating different types of cancer. Herein, we review the mechanisms of MLT's effects on the metastasis inhibition of the most lethal types of cancer including the cancer of lung, breast, stomach, kidney, colon, liver, bladder, and pancreas. We discuss how MLT targets different molecules and signaling pathways in each step of the metastasis, such as angiogenesis, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.)

Background and purpose: Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (CisIN) remains the most dose-limiting adverse effect of its clinical use. The protective effects of melatonin on CisIN have been addressed in several non- clinical and animal studies. This study aimed at investigating the potential effects of melatonin on the prevention of CisIN in human. Experimental approach: Our study was a randomized controlled clinical trial, performed on 66 eligible patients in two groups of melatonin or control (no intervention). Melatonin was administrated daily at a dose of 20 mg for 5 days to the patients receiving cisplatin-containing regimens along with the standard protocol of CisIN prevention. Patient demographic information, blood and urinary indices of nitrogen, creatinine, and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium as well as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured in both groups at the baseline, 24 h and five days after melatonin administration. Findings/Results: Cisplatin administration resulted in significant magnesium and potassium loss in patients with cancer. In comparison with the control group, the prevalence of acute renal injury and the rate of urinary magnesium and potassium loss improved with melatonin administration; however, the results were not statistically significant. Tolerable side effects such as daytime drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting were reported in the melatonin group. Conclusion and implications: Although pretreatment with melatonin led to amelioration in urinary electrolyte loss due to CisIN, it failed to show a positive result on acute renal injury prevention. Future well-designed studies with a longer duration of follow-up, larger sample sizes, and higher doses of melatonin are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]