Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Rudzinska, Pola Juchaniuk, Jakub Oberda, Jolanta Wisniewska, Witold Wojdan, Katarzyna Szklener, Slawomir Mandziuk
Summary: Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances found in plants that contribute to flavor and color. They have potential health benefits in preventing diseases, including cancer. This review explores the therapeutic benefits of dietary phytochemicals in cancer treatment and prevention using epidemiological studies and clinical trials. However, while epidemiological studies show positive effects, clinical trials often fail to replicate these effects due to a lack of evidence and potential risks.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Reyhaneh Farghadani, Rakesh Naidu
Summary: Breast cancer, in particular triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, and lacks targeted therapies. Polyphenols, found in plants, have shown potential as therapeutic strategies for TNBC. This review provides an overview of the anticancer effects of various polyphenols in TNBC, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and suppression of migration and invasion. The molecular mechanisms involve modulation of several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, STATT, and NF-KB pathways. Clinical trials exploring the use of polyphenols, individually or in combination therapy, against breast cancer are also highlighted. This review enhances our understanding of the mechanism of action of different polyphenols and offers valuable insights into their potential as therapeutic strategies for TNBC.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Teresa Rocchetti, Francesco Bellanti, Mariia Zadorozhna, Daniela Fiocco, Domenica Mangieri
Summary: Luteolin is a flavonoid derived from plants and fruits, and it has been used in Asian medicine for centuries to treat various human diseases. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory properties, and also shows anti-cancer/anti-metastatic effects. This review aims to explore the mechanisms by which luteolin inhibits tumor progression in metastasis, including affecting EMT, repressing angiogenesis and lysis of ECM, as well as inducing apoptosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ling Lu, Bei Chen, XinYi Zhang, Yumeng Xu, Longtao Jin, Hui Qian, Zhao feng Liang
Summary: Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor with a low early diagnosis rate, and N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG) is one of the main risk factors. Phytochemicals derived from plants have promising effects in preventing and treating gastric cancer induced by MNNG. Multiple studies have shown that phytochemicals can protect against MNNG-induced gastric cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, enhancing immunity, suppressing invasion and migration, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, blocking angiogenesis, inhibiting H. pylori infection, and regulating metabolism and microbiota. Understanding the intervention and therapeutic effects of phytochemicals in MNNG-induced gastric cancer is of great importance.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Dacil Marrero, Ana R. Quesada, Beatriz Martinez-Poveda, Miguel Angel Medina
Summary: Despite our extensive knowledge of cancer, the high incidence of the disease necessitates new approaches to complement clinical tumor intervention. Interestingly, many cancers are closely tied to dietary habits associated with the Western lifestyle, such as low fruit and vegetable intake. Recent advances in the concept of chemoprevention highlight the role of phytochemicals as potential candidates for cancer prevention or treatment, due to their ability to inhibit angiogenesis. This review focuses on the antitumoral potential of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, and anthraquinones from Aloe vera, with a particular emphasis on their antiangiogenic effects, based on in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as available clinical data. Although clinical trials have not fully evaluated the preventive role of these compounds, promising preclinical data support the effectiveness of dietary phytochemicals in cancer prevention and treatment, with a need for a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action and better designed clinical trials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arianna Pani, Francesco Baratta, Daniele Pastori, Mattia Coronati, Francesco Scaglione, Maria del Ben
Summary: This narrative review explores the role of polyphenols in treating and preventing complications of diabetes. Polyphenols have shown potential in combating endothelial damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory states associated with diabetes complications. However, more clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of these compounds.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Naoko Honma, Yoko Matsuda, Tetuo Mikami
Summary: TNBC lacks an effective treatment target and is usually associated with a poor clinical outcome due to hormone unresponsiveness. Besides ER-alpha, other sex steroid receptors like AR, ER-beta, and GPER are frequently expressed in TNBC, highlighting the importance of understanding their biological and clinical significance in TNBC. A comprehensive viewpoint on the role of sex steroid hormones in TNBC is crucial for correctly understanding the association between the carcinogenic mechanism or pathobiology of TNBC and sex steroid hormones.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xinping Li, Linyue Zhou, Yonghui Yu, Jingjie Zhang, Jing Wang, Baoguo Sun
Summary: Oats, classified as a whole grain, contain various nutrients and phytochemicals, and have been studied for their potential in reducing the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The natural products of oats have shown promising effects in cancer prevention, as they can interact with multiple cellular targets to combat the complex nature of cancer pathogenesis. The study of the cancer prevention activity and potential mechanism of oat nutrients and phytochemicals has become a research hotspot.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Taylor E. Collignon, Kassidy Webber, Josh Piasecki, Austin S. W. Rahman, Arijit Mondal, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Anupam Bishayee
Summary: Avocado has shown anticancer properties and contains various phytochemicals that can induce cytotoxicity, reduce tumor size and volume, making it a potential option for cancer prevention and treatment. However, more research is needed before avocado-derived phytochemicals can be developed as cancer preventive agents.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Emanuele Perrone, Riccardo Tudisco, Pia Clara Pafundi, Davide Guido, Alessandra Ciucci, Enrica Martinelli, Gian Franco Zannoni, Alessia Piermattei, Saveria Spadola, Giulia Ferrante, Claudia Marchetti, Giovanni Scambia, Anna Fagotti, Daniela Gallo
Summary: This study explored the relationship between hormone receptor status and BRCA1/2 mutation in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients. The results showed interesting differences in receptor expression patterns and their association with outcomes between BRCA-mutated and BRCA wild-type women. The findings suggest a potential role of estrogen-mediated pathways in BRCA1/2-associated HGSOC tumorigenesis, revealing a possible therapeutic potential for targeting this interaction.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Rebecca A. Haber, Reicelle D. Garcia, Jamie N. Hernandez, Sarah Jamieson, Arijit Mondal, Anupam Bishayee
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the cancer-preventive potential of Carica papaya extracts, fractions, and isolated phytochemicals. It discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles of these phytochemicals, as well as the limitations, challenges, and future directions of research.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takeshi Iwasa, Hiroki Noguchi, Risa Tanano, Erika Yamanaka, Asuka Takeda, Kou Tamura, Hidenori Aoki, Tatsuro Sugimoto, Hikari Sasada, Takaaki Maeda, Saki Minato, Shota Yamamoto, Hiroaki Inui, Tomohiro Kagawa, Atsuko Yoshida, Ayuka Mineda, Mari Nii, Riyo Kinouchi, Kanako Yoshida, Yuri Yamamoto, Takashi Kaji
Summary: Recent studies have revealed the effects of androgens on metabolic and body weight regulation systems in females and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Excess androgens can negatively impact metabolic functioning, appetite, and body weight regulation, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders. These effects are caused by changes in hypothalamic appetite-regulatory factors, decreased energy expenditure, skeletal muscle insulin resistance, and beta-cell dysfunction. Interestingly, these adverse effects of androgens are not observed in ovariectomized animals and post-menopausal women, suggesting a potential dependence on the estrogen milieu. The findings may provide novel strategies for sex- and age-specific treatment of metabolic diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengping Long, Chong You, Qianqian Song, Lina X. J. Hu, Zhaorong Guo, Qian Yao, Wei Hou, Wei Sun, Baosheng Liang, Xiaohua Zhou, Yiqiang Liu, Taobo Hu
Summary: This study analyzed the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in both estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer, and its association with clinicopathological and molecular features. The results showed that AR negativity was associated with different characteristics in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer. AR-positive breast cancer had better clinicopathological features, especially in the ER-negative subtype. These findings suggest a distinctive role of AR in ER-negative breast cancer compared to ER-positive breast cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jack T. Burcher, Lindsay K. DeLiberto, Andrea M. Allen, Kaitlyn L. Kilpatrick, Anupam Bishayee
Summary: The high incidence of oral cancer and excessive treatment cost highlight the need for new oral cancer prevention and treatment options. The value of natural agents, including plant secondary metabolites, in preventing cancer and providing a wide range of anticancer drugs has been established. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of current preclinical and clinical results on the use of phytochemicals for oral cancer prevention and treatment. Phytochemicals exert their anticancer effects by modulating various signaling pathways and show promising effects in clinical trials. However, concerns about bioavailability may limit their clinical application. Future research should focus on in-depth mechanistic studies, novel formulations of phytochemicals, adjuvant use with conventional treatment, and randomized clinical trials.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Charles Dai, Leif W. Ellisen
Summary: Aberrant estrogen receptor (ER) signaling plays a key role in the development of many breast cancers. The androgen receptor (AR), similar to ER, is frequently expressed in breast cancer and has been considered as a potential therapeutic target. However, the understanding of androgen signaling in breast cancer is incomplete and there are conflicting findings regarding the role of AR. This article summarizes the current understanding of AR biology and recent investigations into AR-directed therapies in breast cancer.
