LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Melatonin: Cells
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Melatonin is a very powerful anti-oxidant. Unlike VitaminC or glutathione, which are only active in aqueous (watery) phase and VitaminE, which is only active in lipid (oily) phase, melatonin is effective in both aqueous and lipid phases. Melatonin concentrations are particularly high in mitochondria and the cell nucleus. Unlike VitaminE and VitaminC, which cannot readily cross the blood-brain barrier, melatonin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier[EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE; Reiter, RJ; 230:104-117 (2005)].
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Melatonin is a primary regulator of the immune system and is a powerful anti-oxidant (free-radical fighter). Melatonin inhibits cancer cell growth, and can kill directly many different types of human tumor cells.
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When rats are treated with the chemical carcinogen safrole, this agent induces the generation of free radicals which in turn extensively damage nuclear DNA; this damage is almost totally eliminated if the animals are co-treated with melatonin. Also, damage to DNA in human lymphocytes due to ionizing radiation, another treatment which is known to induce free radical formation, is greatly reduced if the cells are treated with melatonin prior to radiation. Cytosolic protein seems ... to be protected from free radical damage when melatonin is present.
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