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Overcoming multidrug resistance in human cancer cells by natural compounds

Tomohiro Nabekura1

  • 1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Higashi-jima, Akiha-ku, Niigata 956-8603, Japan. nabe@nupals.ac.jp

Toxins
|November 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug resistance in tumors is often caused by P-glycoprotein, which removes anticancer drugs. Natural compounds like EGCG and curcumin show promise in overcoming this drug efflux.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy, where tumors become resistant to structurally unrelated anticancer drugs.
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, actively extrudes various anticancer agents like vinblastine, daunorubicin, and paclitaxel from cancer cells, contributing to MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • This review summarizes research on natural compounds that can inhibit P-glycoprotein and other anticancer drug efflux transporters.
  • To explore the potential of natural products as chemosensitizers in overcoming multidrug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the effects of natural compounds on P-glycoprotein activity and expression.
  • Analysis of data on the efficacy of natural compounds in reversing drug resistance in cancer models.

Main Results:

  • Several natural compounds, including (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, capsaicin, and guggulsterone, have demonstrated inhibitory effects on P-glycoprotein.
  • These natural compounds show potential in restoring cancer cells' sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Natural compounds represent a promising therapeutic strategy for overcoming P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer.
  • Further research into these natural inhibitors could lead to novel adjuvant therapies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ABC transporterP-glycoproteinanticancer drugcancer chemopreventionmultidrug resistancephytochemical

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