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Updated: Jan 19, 2026

Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ
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Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ

Published on: May 8, 2020

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Downregulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Apoptosis

Chul-Ho Jeong1, Sang Hoon Joo2

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, Gyeongsan, Korea.

Journal of Cancer Prevention
|April 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Phytochemicals can modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent cancer or induce apoptosis. This review details compounds like metformin and curcumin that regulate ROS via cellular pathways, aiding cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by anti-cancer drugs and phytochemicals is linked to apoptosis induction in cancer.
  • ROS downregulation by certain compounds can inhibit carcinogenesis.
  • Modulating ROS is a key mechanism for cancer prevention and therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review selected chemical compounds and cellular components that modulate ROS during apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the role of ROS modulation by phytochemicals in cancer therapy and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on chemical compounds and cellular components involved in ROS modulation.
  • Analysis of the relationship between compounds, cellular components, and ROS in apoptotic cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • Metformin, quercetin, curcumin, and vitamin C were identified as compounds that downregulate ROS.
  • Some of these compounds also induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • Key cellular components mediating ROS downregulation include Nrf2 pathway, thioredoxin, catalase, glutathione, HO-1, and uncoupling proteins.

Conclusions:

  • Phytochemicals and compounds like metformin play a crucial role in regulating ROS for cancer apoptosis and prevention.
  • Understanding the interplay between these compounds and cellular antioxidant pathways is vital for developing novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
ApoptosisNeoplasmsReactive oxygen species

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