Flavonoids Synergistically Enhance the Anti-Glioblastoma Effects of Chemotherapeutic Drugs

Biomolecules

Lenka Koklesova¹  Alena Mazurakova¹  Peter Kubatka²  Dietrich Büsselberg³  Kevin Zhai³ 

[1] Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar;

关键词: glioblastoma;    glioma;    brain cancer;    flavonoids;    synergy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/biom11121841

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Flavonoids are polyphenolic plant secondary metabolites with pleiotropic biological properties, including anti-cancer activities. These natural compounds have potential utility in glioblastoma (GBM), a malignant central nervous system tumor derived from astrocytes. Conventional GBM treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical tumor resection are beneficial but limited by extensive tumor invasion and drug/radiation resistance. Therefore, dietary flavonoids—with demonstrated anti-GBM properties in preclinical research—are potential alternative therapies. This review explores the synergistic enhancement of the anti-GBM effects of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs by flavonoids. Primary studies published between 2011 and 2021 on flavonoid–chemotherapeutic synergy in GBM were obtained from PubMed. These studies demonstrate that flavonoids such as chrysin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), formononetin, hispidulin, icariin, quercetin, rutin, and silibinin synergistically enhance the effects of canonical chemotherapeutics. These beneficial effects are mediated by the modulation of intracellular signaling mechanisms related to apoptosis, proliferation, autophagy, motility, and chemoresistance. In this light, flavonoids hold promise in improving current therapeutic strategies and ultimately overcoming GBM drug resistance. However, despite positive preclinical results, further investigations are necessary before the commencement of clinical trials. Key considerations include the bioavailability, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and safety of flavonoids; optimal dosages of flavonoids and chemotherapeutics; drug delivery platforms; and the potential for adverse interactions.

【 授权许可】

Unknown