Apoptosis by dietary agents for prevention and treatment of cancer
Naghma Khan1, Vaqar Mustafa Adhami, Hasan Mukhtar
1Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Abstract:
The role of apoptosis or programmed cell death in the regulation of development and maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms is well established. During the last decade, naturally occurring dietary agents known to produce chemopreventive effects in experimental models have been shown to target signaling intermediates in apoptosis-inducing pathways. Apoptosis is triggered by two different signals, one extrinsic, which responds mainly to extracellular stimuli, and the other intrinsic, activated by modulators within the cell itself. Proapoptotic compounds could protect against cancer by enhancing elimination of initiated, precancerous cells, and antiapoptotic compounds could promote tumor formation by inhibiting apoptosis in genetically damaged cells. In this brief review, we explore the potential mechanistic interactions of various dietary cancer chemopreventive components within the context of apoptosis.
Insights
Dietary cancer chemopreventive agents can influence apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Understanding these interactions is key to cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is crucial for development and homeostasis.
- Dietary agents show chemopreventive effects by targeting apoptosis pathways.
- Apoptosis can be triggered by extrinsic or intrinsic signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic interactions of dietary chemopreventive components with apoptosis.
- To explore how these agents affect cancer cell elimination or survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on dietary agents and apoptosis.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in apoptosis induction and inhibition.
- Exploration of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic effects of dietary compounds.
Main Results:
- Dietary agents can modulate apoptosis signaling pathways.
- Proapoptotic compounds may enhance elimination of precancerous cells.
- Antiapoptotic compounds might promote tumor formation by preventing apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Dietary chemopreventive components have significant interactions with apoptosis.
- Targeting apoptosis pathways with dietary agents offers potential cancer prevention strategies.
- Further research into these mechanisms can refine cancer chemoprevention approaches.
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