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Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
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Dietary flavonoids as cancer-preventive and therapeutic biofactors

Shin Nishiumi1, Shingo Miyamoto, Kyuichi Kawabata

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|May 31, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Dietary flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, and catechins, show promise as plant-based anticarcinogens. Further research is needed to understand their molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, and safe use for cancer prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Flavonoids are abundant polyphenolic compounds found in plants and derived foods.
  • These compounds are recognized for their potential as anticarcinogens, prompting extensive research into their mechanisms and bioavailability.
  • This review specifically examines flavones, flavonols, and flavan-3-ols (catechins) within the context of cancer prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of major dietary flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, catechins) in cancer prevention.
  • To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticarcinogenic effects.
  • To discuss the bioavailability and potential side effects of flavonoids for chemopreventive applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on dietary flavonoids, their absorption, metabolism, and transport.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms including aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonism and regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes (Phase I, II) and transporters (Phase III).
  • Examination of evidence for flavonoid modulation of signal transduction pathways involved in carcinogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Flavonoids are absorbed and transported to target organs, exerting anticarcinogenic activity.
  • Key mechanisms include AhR antagonism and modulation of drug metabolism and transport systems.
  • Flavonoids influence multiple stages of carcinogenesis by affecting signal transduction pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary flavonoids possess significant potential for cancer prevention through various molecular mechanisms.
  • Further in vivo studies are crucial to identify specific molecular targets and understand interactions with biomolecules.
  • Comprehensive investigation into potential side effects and establishment of safe intake levels are necessary before widespread use as chemopreventive agents.

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