Targeting NADPH oxidases for the treatment of cancer and inflammation

Michael Y Bonner1, Jack L Arbiser

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Insights

NADPH oxidases (nox) generate reactive oxygen species. This review explores targeting nox enzymes with inhibitors for inflammatory and malignant disorders, discussing clinical experiences.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • NADPH oxidases (nox) are enzymes utilizing molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide and superoxide.
  • These reactive species have crucial physiological roles, but their dysregulation is implicated in disease.
  • The nox family (Nox1-5, Duox1-2) exhibits complex regulation, subunit composition, localization, and expression patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the targeting of NADPH oxidases in disease states.
  • To discuss specific inflammatory and malignant disorders amenable to nox inhibition.
  • To summarize clinical experiences with nox inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of NADPH oxidase function and regulation.
  • Analysis of studies investigating nox inhibitors in disease models.
  • Compilation of clinical trial data and case reports on nox inhibitor use.

Main Results:

  • NADPH oxidases play roles in various inflammatory and malignant conditions.
  • The complexity of the nox family allows for specific therapeutic targeting.
  • Clinical data on nox inhibitors, while emerging, shows potential.

Conclusions:

  • NADPH oxidases represent promising therapeutic targets for inflammatory and malignant diseases.
  • Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize nox inhibitor therapies.
  • Targeting nox enzymes offers a potential strategy for novel disease treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Peroxisomes01:24

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles present in fungi, plant, and animal cells. It can vary in number, size, morphology, and activity depending on the type of tissue and the nutritional state of the cell. For example, cells with active lipid metabolism, such as adipocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes, have more peroxisomes than other cells in the body. Besides their primary role in breaking down complex organic molecules, peroxisomes can also synthesize specific macromolecules and participate in...