Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Microalgae in Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Marine Biotechnology
• Chemoprevention

Background:

• Chronic inflammation is a key driver in cancer development, linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and actinic keratosis.
• Tumorigenic signals such as NF-κB and MAPK activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, ROS, inflammasomes, autophagy, and sirtuins are implicated in chronic inflammatory states.
• Chemoprevention strategies aim to reduce cancer risk or recurrence using drugs, vitamins, or supplements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the chemopreventive potential of marine-derived substances, particularly from microalgae, against colon and skin cancers.
• To summarize the mechanisms by which these marine compounds exert their anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on in vitro and animal studies.
• Analysis of compounds from marine environments, including microalgae and their derived products (carotenoids, fatty acids, etc.).

Main Results:

• Marine substances, especially from microalgae, demonstrate significant potential for colon and skin cancer chemoprevention.
• These compounds exhibit multiple anti-cancer mechanisms, including suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
• They also stimulate anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic responses, alongside enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusions:

• Marine-derived compounds, particularly from microalgae, represent a promising source for novel chemopreventive agents against colon and skin cancers.
• Their multifaceted mechanisms of action offer a robust strategy for cancer risk reduction.