104-117 F sfs 463 Draft editorial Aug 11 1052.fm

Rao and Thakur have shown that the antioxidants melatonin and alma (Emblica officinales, Indian gooseberry) are effective, both individually and in combination, against fluoride-induced genotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cells, which was first described in humans in 1994. Some animal and human work also suggests that fluoride (F) can impair the defensive response to genotoxicity by being deposited in high concentrations in the pineal gland and, through an enzyme-inhibiting action, reducing the secretion of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant able to eliminate free radicals and protect DNA. In having the capacity to be both genotoxic and impair melatonin secretion, F is similar to electromagnetic radiation, at power line frequencies and above, and both have very low or zero thresholds for causing toxicity. In view of the seriousness of neoplasia, the effect of fluoride on melatonin secretion warrants further research.