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Targeting AMPK signaling in combating ovarian cancers: opportunities and challenges

Mingo M H Yung1, Hextan Y S Ngan1, David W Chan2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica Sinica
|January 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators show promise in enhancing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Research is exploring natural compounds as safer alternatives to pharmaceutical AMPK activators to overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Drug resistance, particularly in ovarian cancer, limits the effectiveness of current anticancer therapies.
  • Targeting cancer cell metabolism via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation is a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • Existing pharmaceutical AMPK activators often cause toxic side effects, necessitating the search for safer alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators in overcoming drug resistance in human cancers, with a focus on ovarian cancer.
  • To investigate natural compounds, including nutraceuticals and traditional medicines, as potential AMPK-activating agents for anticancer therapy.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of natural AMPK activators.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on AMPK activators and their role in cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of studies investigating specific AMPK activators like metformin and bitter melon extract.
  • Exploration of research focusing on nutraceuticals and traditional medicines as sources of novel AMPK activators.

Main Results:

  • AMPK activators can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, in ovarian cancer.
  • Natural compounds like bitter melon extract exhibit AMPK-activating properties with potential anticancer benefits.
  • Pharmaceutical AMPK activators have shown limitations due to toxicity and undesirable side effects in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Natural AMPK activators derived from nutraceuticals and traditional medicines offer a promising avenue for developing safer and more effective anticancer therapies.
  • Further research into the functional characterization and regulatory mechanisms of natural AMPK activators is crucial for pharmaceutical development.
  • Understanding these mechanisms could lead to improved interventions for ovarian cancer and other human malignancies, addressing the challenge of drug resistance.
Keywords:
AMPKcell metabolismchemoresistancenutraceuticalsovarian cancer

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