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Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 49546

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
Interests: cell death and diseases; natural compounds and natural extracts with anticancer effects
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Dear Colleagues,

The development of new cancer treatment strategies involving multiple compounds targeting different pathways is the current focus of research. Importantly, targeting metabolic, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial pathways could provide cancer-selective natural compounds. Natural compounds and their interaction with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens are necessary to clarify if natural compounds can be given as supplement to the conventional treatmnet for effective treatment of cancers. This Special Issue of IJMS invites research articles, reviews, and opinion reviews on fascinating advancements in the area of natural compounds with cancer-selective toxicity.

Prof. Dr. Siyaram Pandey
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 19636 KiB  
Article
Mechanistic Insights of Anti-Immune Evasion by Nobiletin through Regulating miR-197/STAT3/PD-L1 Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cells
by Nipin Sp, Dong Young Kang, Jin-Moo Lee and Kyoung-Jin Jang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22189843 - 11 Sep 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
Tumor immune escape is a common process in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells where programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression, playing a vital role in immunosuppression activity. Additionally, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation activates Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) and signal [...] Read more.
Tumor immune escape is a common process in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells where programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression, playing a vital role in immunosuppression activity. Additionally, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation activates Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) and signal transduction, thus activating transcription 3 (STAT3) to results in the regulation of PD-L1 expression. Chemotherapy with commercially available drugs against NSCLC has struggled in the prospect of adverse effects. Nobiletin is a natural flavonoid isolated from the citrus peel that exhibits anti-cancer activity. Here, we demonstrated the role of nobiletin in evasion of immunosuppression in NSCLC cells by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods for molecular signaling analysis supported by gene silencing and specific inhibitors. From the results, we found that nobiletin inhibited PD-L1 expression through EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. We also demonstrated that nobiletin exhibited p53-independent PD-L1 suppression, and that miR-197 regulates the expression of STAT3 and PD-L1, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Further, we evaluated the combination ability of nobiletin with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in NSCLC co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Similarly, we found that nobiletin assisted the induction of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, which is a key factor for the immune escape mechanism. Altogether, we propose nobiletin as a modulator of tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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26 pages, 14600 KiB  
Article
The Regulatory Network of Sturgeon Chondroitin Sulfate on Colorectal Cancer Inhibition by Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis
by Ruiyun Wu, Qian Shen, Guangyue Li, Pinglan Li and Nan Shang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179395 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2966
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a food-derived bioactive substance with multiple biological functions, which exists in animal cartilage and/or bone. Sturgeon, a type of cartilaginous fish, is rich in CS. Our recent study demonstrated the effect of sturgeon chondroitin sulfate (SCS) on reducing colorectal [...] Read more.
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a food-derived bioactive substance with multiple biological functions, which exists in animal cartilage and/or bone. Sturgeon, a type of cartilaginous fish, is rich in CS. Our recent study demonstrated the effect of sturgeon chondroitin sulfate (SCS) on reducing colorectal cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anticancer activity remain unknown. In this study, the cell proliferation assay and flow cytometric analysis were used to examine the cell viability and apoptosis of colon cancer cell HT-29 cells and normal colonic epithelial cell NCM460 cells. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies were used to identify the main targets of SCS. SCS showed little effect on the genes/proteins expression profile of NCM460 cells but more sensitive to HT-29, in which 188 genes and 10 proteins were differentially expressed after SCS treatment. Enrichment analysis of those genes/proteins showed that the majority of them are involved in DNA replication, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine essential genes/proteins and networks targeted by SCS to exert inhibiting the development of colorectal cancer function. This study provided great insights into developing food-derived novel therapeutics for colorectal cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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17 pages, 42542 KiB  
Article
Eugenol-Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells via PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a Pathway Inhibition
by Mashan L. Abdullah, Othman Al-Shabanah, Zeinab K. Hassan and Mohamed M. Hafez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179243 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4740
Abstract
The use of natural compounds is promising in approaches to prevent and treat cancer. The long-term application of most currently employed chemotherapy techniques has toxic side effects. Eugenol, a phenolic phytochemical extracted from certain essential oils, has an anti-cancer effect. The modulation of [...] Read more.
The use of natural compounds is promising in approaches to prevent and treat cancer. The long-term application of most currently employed chemotherapy techniques has toxic side effects. Eugenol, a phenolic phytochemical extracted from certain essential oils, has an anti-cancer effect. The modulation of autophagy can promote either the survival or apoptosis of cancer cells. Triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) and HER2 positive (SK-BR-3) breast cancer cell lines were treated with different doses of eugenol. Apoptosis was detected by a flow-cytometry technique, while autophagy was detected by acridine orange. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays were applied to investigate the effect of eugenol on the gene and protein expression levels of autophagy and apoptotic genes. Treating cells with different concentrations of eugenol significantly inhibited cell proliferation. The protein levels of AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a), cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p27), and Caspase-3 and -9 increased significantly in Eugenol-treated cells. Eugenol also induced autophagy by upregulating the expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and downregulating the expression of nucleoporin 62 (NU p62). Eugenol is a promising natural anti-cancer agent against triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer. It appears to work by targeting the caspase pathway and by inducing autophagic cell death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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35 pages, 4621 KiB  
Article
Metabolomic Identification of Anticancer Metabolites of Australian Propolis and Proteomic Elucidation of Its Synergistic Mechanisms with Doxorubicin in the MCF7 Cells
by Muhammad A. Alsherbiny, Deep J. Bhuyan, Ibrahim Radwan, Dennis Chang and Chun-Guang Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 7840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22157840 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5556
Abstract
The combination of natural products with standard chemotherapeutic agents offers a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy or reduce the side effects of standard chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX), a standard drug for breast cancer, has several disadvantages, including severe side effects and the development [...] Read more.
The combination of natural products with standard chemotherapeutic agents offers a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy or reduce the side effects of standard chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX), a standard drug for breast cancer, has several disadvantages, including severe side effects and the development of drug resistance. Recently, we reported the potential bioactive markers of Australian propolis extract (AP-1) and their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. In the present study, we explored the synergistic interactions between AP-1 and DOX in the MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells using different synergy quantitation models. Biochemometric and metabolomics-driven analysis was performed to identify the potential anticancer metabolites in AP-1. The molecular mechanisms of synergy were studied by analysing the apoptotic profile via flow cytometry, apoptotic proteome array and measuring the oxidative status of the MCF7 cells treated with the most synergistic combination. Furthermore, label-free quantification proteomics analysis was performed to decipher the underlying synergistic mechanisms. Five prenylated stilbenes were identified as the key metabolites in the most active AP-1 fraction. Strong synergy was observed when AP-1 was combined with DOX in the ratio of 100:0.29 (w/w) as validated by different synergy quantitation models implemented. AP-1 significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of DOX against MCF7 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with significant inhibition of the reactive oxygen species (p < 0.0001) compared to DOX alone. AP-1 enabled the reversal of DOX-mediated necrosis to programmed cell death, which may be advantageous to decline DOX-related side effects. AP-1 also significantly enhanced the apoptotic effect of DOX after 24 h of treatment with significant upregulation of catalase, HTRA2/Omi, FADD together with DR5 and DR4 TRAIL-mediated apoptosis (p < 0.05), contributing to the antiproliferative activity of AP-1. Significant upregulation of pro-apoptotic p27, PON2 and catalase with downregulated anti-apoptotic XIAP, HSP60 and HIF-1α, and increased antioxidant proteins (catalase and PON2) may be associated with the improved apoptosis and oxidative status of the synergistic combination-treated MCF7 cells compared to the mono treatments. Shotgun proteomics identified 21 significantly dysregulated proteins in the synergistic combination-treated cells versus the mono treatments. These proteins were involved in the TP53/ATM-regulated non-homologous end-joining pathway and double-strand breaks repairs, recruiting the overexpressed BRCA1 and suppressed RIF1 encoded proteins. The overexpression of UPF2 was noticed in the synergistic combination treatment, which could assist in overcoming doxorubicin resistance-associated long non-coding RNA and metastasis of the MCF7 cells. In conclusion, we identified the significant synergy and highlighted the key molecular pathways in the interaction between AP-1 and DOX in the MCF7 cells together with the AP-1 anticancer metabolites. Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted on this synergistic combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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14 pages, 2506 KiB  
Article
Trichodermin Induces G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest by Inhibiting c-Myc in Ovarian Cancer Cells and Tumor Xenograft-Bearing Mice
by Ying Gao, Sarah L. Miles, Piyali Dasgupta, Gary O. Rankin, Stephen Cutler and Yi Charlie Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 5022; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22095022 - 9 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3286
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecological cancer because of a lack of early diagnosis, which often relapses as chemoresistant. Trichodermin, a trichothecene first isolated from Trichoderma viride, is an inhibitor of eukaryotic protein synthesis. However, whether trichodermin is able to suppress ovarian [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecological cancer because of a lack of early diagnosis, which often relapses as chemoresistant. Trichodermin, a trichothecene first isolated from Trichoderma viride, is an inhibitor of eukaryotic protein synthesis. However, whether trichodermin is able to suppress ovarian cancer or not was unclear. In this study, trichodermin (0.5 µM or greater) significantly decreased the proliferation of two ovarian cancer cell lines A2780/CP70 and OVCAR-3. Normal ovarian IOSE 346 cells were much less susceptible to trichodermin than the cancer cell lines. Trichodermin predominantly inhibited ovarian cancer cells by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis. Trichodermin decreased the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK2, retinoblastoma protein, Cdc25A, and c-Myc but showed little effect on the expression of p21Waf1/Cip1, p27Kip1, or p16Ink4a. c-Myc was a key target of trichodermin. Trichodermin regulated the expression of Cdc25A and its downstream proteins via c-Myc. Overexpression of c-Myc attenuated trichodermin’s anti-ovarian cancer activity. In addition, trichodermin decelerated tumor growth in BALB/c nude mice, proving its effectiveness in vivo. These findings suggested that trichodermin has the potential to contribute to the treatment of ovarian cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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17 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
Regulatory Role of Sugars on the Settlement Inducing Activity of a Conspecific Cue in Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas
by Mary Grace Sedanza, Hee-Jin Kim, Xerxes Seposo, Asami Yoshida, Kenichi Yamaguchi and Cyril Glenn Satuito
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(6), 3273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22063273 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3363
Abstract
This study evaluated the larval settlement inducing effect of sugars and a conspecific cue from adult shell extract of Crassostrea gigas. To understand how the presence of different chemical cues regulate settlement behavior, oyster larvae were exposed to 12 types of sugars, [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the larval settlement inducing effect of sugars and a conspecific cue from adult shell extract of Crassostrea gigas. To understand how the presence of different chemical cues regulate settlement behavior, oyster larvae were exposed to 12 types of sugars, shell extract-coated and non-coated surfaces, and under varied sugar exposure times. Lectin-glycan interaction effects on settlement and its localization on oyster larval tissues were investigated. The results showed that the conspecific cue elicited a positive concentration dependent settlement inducing trend. Sugars in the absence of a conspecific cue, C. gigas adult shell extract, did not promote settlement. Whereas, in the presence of the cue, showed varied effects, most of which were found inhibitory at different concentrations. Sugar treated larvae exposed for 2 h showed significant settlement inhibition in the presence of a conspecific cue. Neu5Ac, as well as GlcNAc sugars, showed a similar interaction trend with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin. WGA-FITC conjugate showed positive binding on the foot, velum, and mantle when exposed to GlcNAc sugars. This study suggests that a WGA lectin-like receptor and its endogenous ligand are both found in the larval chemoreceptors and the shell Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extract that may complementarily work together to allow the oyster larva greater selectivity during site selection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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17 pages, 5771 KiB  
Article
Chronic Sulforaphane Administration Inhibits Resistance to the mTOR-Inhibitor Everolimus in Bladder Cancer Cells
by Saira Justin, Jochen Rutz, Sebastian Maxeiner, Felix K.-H. Chun, Eva Juengel and Roman A. Blaheta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(11), 4026; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21114026 - 4 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3435
Abstract
Progressive bladder cancer growth is associated with abnormal activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, but treatment with an mTOR inhibitor has not been as effective as expected. Rather, resistance develops under chronic drug use, prompting many patients to lower [...] Read more.
Progressive bladder cancer growth is associated with abnormal activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, but treatment with an mTOR inhibitor has not been as effective as expected. Rather, resistance develops under chronic drug use, prompting many patients to lower their relapse risk by turning to natural, plant-derived products. The present study was designed to evaluate whether the natural compound, sulforaphane (SFN), combined with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, could block the growth and proliferation of bladder cancer cells in the short- and long-term. The bladder cancer cell lines RT112, UMUC3, and TCCSUP were exposed short- (24 h) or long-term (8 weeks) to everolimus (0.5 nM) or SFN (2.5 µM) alone or in combination. Cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and cell cycle regulating proteins were evaluated. siRNA blockade was used to investigate the functional impact of the proteins. Short-term application of SFN and/or everolimus resulted in significant tumor growth suppression, with additive inhibition on clonogenic tumor growth. Long-term everolimus treatment resulted in resistance development characterized by continued growth, and was associated with elevated Akt-mTOR signaling and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1 phosphorylation and down-regulation of p19 and p27. In contrast, SFN alone or SFN+everolimus reduced cell growth and proliferation. Akt and Rictor signaling remained low, and p19 and p27 expressions were high under combined drug treatment. Long-term exposure to SFN+everolimus also induced acetylation of the H3 and H4 histones. Phosphorylation of CDK1 was diminished, whereby down-regulation of CDK1 and its binding partner, Cyclin B, inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, the addition of SFN to the long-term everolimus application inhibits resistance development in bladder cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, sulforaphane may hold potential for treating bladder carcinoma in patients with resistance to an mTOR inhibitor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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20 pages, 2525 KiB  
Article
Heterobasidion annosum Induces Apoptosis in DLD-1 Cells and Decreases Colon Cancer Growth in In Vivo Model
by Anna Sadowska, Ewa Zapora, Diana Sawicka, Katarzyna Niemirowicz-Laskowska, Arkadiusz Surażyński, Katarzyna Sułkowska-Ziaja, Katarzyna Kała, Marcin Stocki, Marek Wołkowycki, Sławomir Bakier, Anna Pawlik, Magdalena Jaszek, Bożena Muszyńska and Halina Car
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(10), 3447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21103447 - 13 May 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5256
Abstract
Application of substances from medicinal mushrooms is one of the interesting approaches to improve cancer therapy. In this study, we commenced a new attempt in the field of Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. sensu lato to further extend our knowledge on this basidiomycete fungus. [...] Read more.
Application of substances from medicinal mushrooms is one of the interesting approaches to improve cancer therapy. In this study, we commenced a new attempt in the field of Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. sensu lato to further extend our knowledge on this basidiomycete fungus. For this purpose, analysis of the active substances of Heterobasidion annosum methanolic extract and also its influence on colorectal cancer in terms of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. In vivo studies on mice were conducted to verify its acute toxicity and to further affirm its anticancer potential. Results indicated that all the most common substances of best known medicinal mushrooms that are also responsible for their biological activity are present in tested extracts. In vitro tests showed a high hemocompatibility and a significant decrease in viability and proliferation of DLD-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner of Heterobasidion annosum extract. The studies performed on xenograft model of mice showed lower tendency of tumor growth in the group of mice receiving Heterobasidion annosum extract as well as mild or moderate toxicity. Obtained results suggest beneficial potential of Heterobasidion annosum against colon cancer as cytotoxic agent or as adjuvant anticancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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Review

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30 pages, 2807 KiB  
Review
Anti-Cancer Activity of Phytochemicals Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha
by Ba Da Yun, Seung Wan Son, Soo Young Choi, Hyo Jeong Kuh, Tae-Jin Oh and Jong Kook Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22189819 - 10 Sep 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4370
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in cancer, leading to a poor prognosis in patients. Diverse cellular factors are able to regulate HIF-1α expression in hypoxia and even in non-hypoxic conditions, affecting its progression and malignant characteristics by regulating the expression of the [...] Read more.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in cancer, leading to a poor prognosis in patients. Diverse cellular factors are able to regulate HIF-1α expression in hypoxia and even in non-hypoxic conditions, affecting its progression and malignant characteristics by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α target genes that are involved in cell survival, angiogenesis, metabolism, therapeutic resistance, et cetera. Numerous studies have exhibited the anti-cancer effect of HIF-1α inhibition itself and the augmentation of anti-cancer treatment efficacy by interfering with HIF-1α-mediated signaling. The anti-cancer effect of plant-derived phytochemicals has been evaluated, and they have been found to possess significant therapeutic potentials against numerous cancer types. A better understanding of phytochemicals is indispensable for establishing advanced strategies for cancer therapy. This article reviews the anti-cancer effect of phytochemicals in connection with HIF-1α regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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21 pages, 3008 KiB  
Review
The Green Anti-Cancer Weapon. The Role of Natural Compounds in Bladder Cancer Treatment
by Paulina Wigner, Michal Bijak and Joanna Saluk-Bijak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 7787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22157787 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5414
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common genitourinary cancer. In 2018, 550,000 people in the world were diagnosed with BC, and the number of new cases continues to rise. BC is also characterized by high recurrence risk, despite therapies. Although in the [...] Read more.
Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common genitourinary cancer. In 2018, 550,000 people in the world were diagnosed with BC, and the number of new cases continues to rise. BC is also characterized by high recurrence risk, despite therapies. Although in the last few years, the range of BC therapy has considerably widened, it is associated with severe side effects and the development of drug resistance, which is hampering treatment success. Thus, patients are increasingly choosing products of natural origin as an alternative or complementary therapeutic options. Therefore, in this article, we aim to elucidate, using the available literature, the role of natural substances such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, quercetin, 6-gingerol, delphinidin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate and gossypol in the BC treatment. Numerous clinical and preclinical studies point to their role in the modulation of the signaling pathways, such as cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and cell death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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32 pages, 1964 KiB  
Review
Natural Health Products (NHP’s) and Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Cancer; Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Activity of Natural Compounds and Overall Trends
by Benjamin Scaria, Siddhartha Sood, Christopher Raad, Jana Khanafer, Rahul Jayachandiran, Alaina Pupulin, Sahibjot Grewal, Michael Okoko, Mansi Arora, Lauren Miles and Siyaram Pandey
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(22), 8480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228480 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5741
Abstract
Most cancer therapeutics, such as tubulin-targeting chemotherapy drugs, cause cytotoxic, non-selective effects. These harmful side-effects drastically reduce the cancer patient’s quality of life. Recently, researchers have focused their efforts on studying natural health products (NHP’s) which have demonstrated the ability to selectively target [...] Read more.
Most cancer therapeutics, such as tubulin-targeting chemotherapy drugs, cause cytotoxic, non-selective effects. These harmful side-effects drastically reduce the cancer patient’s quality of life. Recently, researchers have focused their efforts on studying natural health products (NHP’s) which have demonstrated the ability to selectively target cancer cells in cellular and animal models. However, the major hurdle of clinical validation remains. NHP’s warrant further clinical investigation as a therapeutic option since they exhibit low toxicity, while retaining a selective effect. Additionally, they can sensitize cancerous cells to chemotherapy, which enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, indicating that they can be utilized as supplemental therapy. An additional area for further research is the investigation of drug–drug interactions between NHP’s and chemotherapeutics. The objectives of this review are to report the most recent results from the field of anticancer NHP research, and to highlight the most recent advancements in possible supplemental therapeutic options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds with Cancer-Selective Toxicity)
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