Investigation of the anticancer effect of Ramelteon on different human cancers: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: To describe the various methods used to treat cancer, one of the diseases with the highest mortality rates worldwide. Among these methods, the use of agents exhibiting antioxidant activity has increased significantly. Ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, stands out for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Ramelteon in different human cancer cell lines.

Materials and Methods: In the study, Ramelteon was applied at concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 µM to human ovarian (A2780), breast (MCF-7), colon (Caco-2), and prostate (LNCaP) cancer cell lines, which were exposed and incubated for 24 hours. The MTT assay was used to measure changes in viability. After obtaining data on dose-dependent effects, inhibitory concentration values were determined. Genotoxicity was examined using the Comet assay at the determined effective dose. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. When statistically significant differences were found between groups, multiple comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05).

Results: Ramelteon significantly reduced cell viability (p<0.05) and exhibited genotoxic effects in the A2780, MCF-7, Caco-2, and LNCaP cell lines (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Research findings indicate that Ramelteon exhibits anticancer potential in A2780, MCF-7, Caco-2, and LNCaP cell lines, suggesting that the drug may be considered a promising candidate for the development of new cancer treatment strategies.