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Mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer chemoprevention by phytochemicals from dietary and medicinal plants
Anuradha Sehrawat1, Ruchi Roy1, Subrata K Pore1
1Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer chemoprevention, a scientific term coined by Dr. Sporn in the late seventies, implies use of natural or synthetic chemicals to block, delay or reverse carcinogenesis. Phytochemicals derived from edible and medicinal plants have been studied rather extensively for cancer chemoprevention using preclinical models in the past few decades. Nevertheless, some of these agents (e.g., isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and watercress) have already entered into clinical investigations. Examples of widely studied and highly promising phytochemicals from edible and medicinal plants include cruciferous vegetable constituents (phenethyl isothiocyanate, benzyl isothiocyanate, and sulforaphane), withaferin A (WA) derived from a medicinal plant (Withania somnifera) used heavily in Asia, and an oriental medicine plant component honokiol (HNK). An interesting feature of these structurally-diverse phytochemicals is that they target mitochondria to provoke cancer cell-selective death program. Mechanisms underlying cell death induction by commonly studied phytochemicals have been discussed rather extensively and thus are not covered in this review article. Instead, the primary focus of this perspective is to discuss experimental evidence pointing to mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer chemoprevention by promising phytochemicals.
Insights
Phytochemicals from plants show promise in blocking cancer development by targeting mitochondria. These natural compounds, including sulforaphane and honokiol, are being investigated for their chemopreventive effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer chemoprevention involves using chemicals to inhibit or reverse cancer development.
- Phytochemicals from plants are extensively studied for their potential chemopreventive properties.
- Some phytochemicals, like isothiocyanates, have advanced to clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental evidence on mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer chemoprevention by phytochemicals.
- To highlight promising phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action.
- To focus on the role of mitochondria in phytochemical-induced cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on phytochemicals for cancer chemoprevention.
- Analysis of experimental data linking phytochemicals to mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Focus on specific phytochemicals like isothiocyanates, withaferin A, and honokiol.
Main Results:
- Structurally diverse phytochemicals target mitochondria to induce cancer cell-selective death.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key mechanism in the chemopreventive effects of promising phytochemicals.
- Examples include sulforaphane, withaferin A, and honokiol.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals offer a promising avenue for cancer chemoprevention.
- Targeting mitochondria is a crucial strategy for phytochemical-based cancer therapies.
- Further research into these mechanisms can lead to novel cancer prevention and treatment approaches.
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