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The roles of polyphenols in cancer chemoprevention

Ki Won Lee1, Hyong Joo Lee

  • 1Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.

Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|July 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. While polyphenols show antioxidant promise, their efficacy and safety, including potential toxicity and carcinogenicity, require careful consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the development of neoplasia, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • ROS induce cancer through epigenetic alterations and DNA mutations.
  • Naturally occurring phenolic phytochemicals are investigated for their antioxidant properties to mitigate ROS levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review intracellular signaling pathways responding to oxidative stress.
  • To examine how naturally occurring polyphenols modulate these pathways.
  • To discuss the potential toxicity and carcinogenicity of polyphenols.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on oxidative stress, ROS, polyphenols, and associated diseases.
  • Analysis of intracellular signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress response.
  • Evaluation of evidence regarding the efficacy, toxicity, and carcinogenicity of polyphenols.

Main Results:

  • Antioxidant therapies have shown equivocal efficacy in managing ROS-related diseases.
  • Some antioxidants can exhibit prooxidant activity and potential carcinogenicity.
  • High-dose supplementation with single antioxidants may pose health risks.

Conclusions:

  • Polyphenols modulate intracellular signaling in response to oxidative stress.
  • The therapeutic benefits of polyphenols are complex and context-dependent.
  • Careful evaluation of polyphenol safety, including toxicity and carcinogenicity, is essential.

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