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Published on: July 5, 2017
Anti-cancer activities of pH- or heat-modified pectin
Lionel Leclere1, Pierre Van Cutsem, Carine Michiels
1Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur Namur, Belgium.
Abstract:
Despite enormous efforts that have been made in the search for novel drugs and treatments, cancer continues to be a major public health problem. Moreover, the emergence of resistance to cancer chemotherapy often prevents complete remission. Researchers have thus turned to natural products mainly from plant origin to circumvent resistance. Pectin and pH- or heat-modified pectin have demonstrated chemopreventive and antitumoral activities against some aggressive and recurrent cancers. The focus of this review is to describe how pectin and modified pectin display these activities and what are the possible underlying mechanisms. The failure of conventional chemotherapy to reduce mortality as well as serious side effects make natural products, such as pectin-derived products, ideal candidates for exerting synergism in combination with conventional anticancer drugs.
Insights
Pectin and modified pectin show anticancer and chemopreventive effects, offering a natural alternative to combat cancer drug resistance and potentially enhance conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Chemotherapy resistance limits treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
- Natural products are explored as alternatives to overcome drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemopreventive and antitumoral activities of pectin and modified pectin.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying pectin's anticancer effects.
- To assess the potential of pectin derivatives in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pectin and modified pectin in cancer.
- Analysis of research on the biological activities and mechanisms of pectin.
- Evaluation of pectin's role in cancer chemoprevention and treatment.
Main Results:
- Pectin and modified pectin exhibit significant chemopreventive and antitumoral properties.
- These natural compounds show potential against aggressive and recurrent cancers.
- Mechanisms involve various pathways contributing to anticancer effects.
Conclusions:
- Pectin-derived products demonstrate promising anticancer activities.
- They offer a potential strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance.
- Pectin holds promise for synergistic use with conventional anticancer drugs.
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