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Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
Flavonoids in oral cancer prevention and therapy
Daniele Maggioni1, Luisa Biffi, Gabriella Nicolini
1Departments of aSurgery and Translational Medicine bOtorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
Abstract:
Oral cancer, representing all the malignancies arising in the oral cavity, is the eighth most diffused neoplasm worldwide. Despite therapeutic improvements, its survival rate has not changed significantly over the past few decades, with a 5-year survival rate slightly above 50%. In this context, a search for new therapeutic strategies is mandatory. Flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds derived from plants, have a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer. They have been proved to counteract the growth of several types of cancer through multiple mechanisms including the inhibition of cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, and the modulation of intracellular pathways. Because of their multiple biological activities and their safe toxicological profile, flavonoids have been studied widely in the last decade as potential leads for anticancer therapy. Several studies have reported different flavonoid effects according to cancer cell type. In the present review, therefore, we have evaluated the data available on the effect of flavonoids on oral cancer, with the aim of identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential anticancer properties.
Insights
Flavonoids show promise as natural anticancer agents against oral cancer. This review explores their mechanisms, offering hope for new therapeutic strategies to combat this widespread malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Oral cancer is a significant global health concern with poor survival rates.
- Current therapies have limited impact on oral cancer survival.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer effects of flavonoids on oral cancer.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid action in oral cancer.
- To evaluate flavonoids as potential leads for oral cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on flavonoids and oral cancer.
- Analysis of reported biological activities of flavonoids.
- Evaluation of molecular mechanisms, including cell cycle, apoptosis, and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Flavonoids exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties.
- They can inhibit oral cancer cell growth through various mechanisms.
- Specific flavonoid effects vary depending on the oral cancer cell type.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids demonstrate significant potential as natural therapeutic agents for oral cancer.
- Understanding their molecular mechanisms is key to developing new treatments.
- Further research into flavonoids could lead to improved oral cancer therapies.
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