首页 | 本学科首页   官方微博 | 高级检索  
     


Alterations of pineal gland and of T lymphocyte subsets in metastatic cancer patients: preliminary results
Authors:P Lissoni  G Tancini  S Barni  S Viviani  C Archili  G Cattaneo  G Fiorelli
Affiliation:Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
Abstract:Melatonin (MLT), the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, has been seen to play a role in antineoplastic activity either by exerting a direct inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth, or by stimulating the immune system. Moreover, MLT blood levels have been shown to be often increased in cancer patients. On the basis of these data, a study was started to evaluate what relation exists between MLT levels and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with metastatic solid neoplasm. The study included 28 patients (breast: 10; non-small cell lung: 18). None of the patients was previously treated for their metastatic disease. Abnormally high MLT levels and a low T helper/suppressor ratio (CD4/CD8) were seen in 10/28 and in 11/28 patients, respectively. Serum mean levels of MLT were significantly higher in patients with low CD4/CD8 ratio than in those with a normal ratio. These results would suggest that immune dysfunctions may represent a signal for MLT release from the pineal in patients with metastatic solid neoplasm.
Keywords:
设为首页 | 免责声明 | 关于勤云 | 加入收藏

Copyright©北京勤云科技发展有限公司  京ICP备09084417号