An overview on the role of dietary phenolics for the treatment of cancers

Nutrition Journal

Review

SubbaRao V. Madhunapantula¹  Preethi G. Anantharaju¹  Manjunatha G. Vimalambike²  Prathima C. Gowda³ 

[1] Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS University, 570 015, Mysore, Karnataka, India;Department of Pathology, JSS Medical College, JSS University, 570 015, Mysore, Karnataka, India;Department of Pharmacology, JSS Medical College, JSS University, 570 015, Mysore, Karnataka, India;

关键词: Tumor growth;    Phenolic compounds;    Anti-cancer activity;    Cinnamic acid;    Benzoic acid;    Gallic acid;    Caffeic acid;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12937-016-0217-2

 received in 2016-09-06, accepted in 2016-11-21,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Plant derived phenolic compounds have been shown to inhibit the initiation and progression of cancers by modulating genes regulating key processes such as: (a) oncogenic transformation of normal cells; (b) growth and development of tumors; and (c) angiogenesis and metastasis. Recent studies focusing on identifying the molecular basis of plant phenolics-induced cancer cell death have demonstrated down-regulation of: (a) oncogenic survival kinases such as PI3K and Akt; (b) cell proliferation regulators that include Erk1/2, D-type Cyclins, and Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs); (c) transcription factors such as NF-kβ, NRF2 and STATs; (d) histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2; and (e) angiogenic factors VEGF, FGFR1 and MIC-1. Furthermore, while inhibiting oncogenic proteins, the phenolic compounds elevate the expression of tumor suppressor proteins p53, PTEN, p21, and p27. In addition, plant phenolic compounds and the herbal extracts rich in phenolic compounds modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells thereby regulate cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that phenolic compounds undergo transformation in gut microbiota thereby acquire additional properties that promote their biological activities. In vitro observations, preclinical and epidemiological studies have shown the involvement of plant phenolic acids in retarding the cancer growth. However, to date, there is no clinical trial as such testing the role of plant phenolic compounds for inhibiting tumor growth in humans. More over, several variations in response to phenolic acid rich diets-mediated treatment among individuals have also been reported, raising concerns about whether phenolic acids could be used for treating cancers. Therefore, we have made an attempt to (a) address the key structural features of phenolic acids required for exhibiting potent anti-cancer activity; (b) review the reported findings about the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds and their transformation by gut microbiota; and (c) update the toxicological aspects and anti-tumor properties of phenolic compounds and extracts containing phenolic compounds in animals.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016