Distribution Patterns of Melatonin Receptors in Different Histological Types of Breast Cancer and Precancerous Breast Lesions
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Melatonin is a multifunctional hormone involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and antitumor activity. Increasing evidence suggests that melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) play a significant role in breast cancer biology, influencing tumor progression, hormonal regulation, and therapeutic responsiveness.
Available evidence indicates that MT1 and MT2 receptors are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastatic processes. Melatonin receptor expression is generally higher in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, particularly luminal subtypes, whereas triple-negative breast cancers frequently demonstrate reduced receptor expression. Melatonin signaling is associated with suppression of estrogen receptor activity, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of tumor progression. Furthermore, melatonin receptors have been identified in atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ, suggesting their potential value as prognostic biomarkers during early breast carcinogenesis.
Melatonin receptors represent promising biological and clinical targets in breast cancer and precancerous breast lesions. Assessment of their expression may improve prognostic stratification, facilitate personalized therapeutic approaches, and contribute to a better understanding of breast cancer heterogeneity.
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