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The Application of Natural Products in Cancer Therapy by Targeting Apoptosis Pathways

Yan Wang1, Jian Zhong2, Jiaojiao Bai1

  • 1Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People`s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.

Current Drug Metabolism
|May 12, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Natural products can induce cancer cell death by promoting apoptosis, a key programmed cell death pathway. This review highlights major apoptotic proteins and natural compounds that regulate them for potential cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, involves distinct cellular changes compared to necrosis.
  • Key proteins in apoptosis pathways are often dysregulated in cancers.
  • Many natural products exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on key apoptotic proteins.
  • To survey natural products that induce cancer cell apoptosis.
  • To explore the regulation of apoptotic proteins by natural anti-cancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • A structured literature search of bibliographic databases was conducted.
  • Keywords included 'natural products,' 'cancer therapy,' and 'apoptosis pathway.'
  • Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies.

Main Results:

  • 171 papers were included in this review.
  • Numerous natural products were identified that induce apoptosis and exhibit anti-tumor effects.
  • The review details major apoptotic proteins and their interactions with natural products.

Conclusions:

  • This review provides evidence for the role of apoptosis pathways in cancer.
  • It highlights how natural products modulate apoptotic proteins for anti-cancer effects.
  • Findings support the development of natural drugs for improved cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Natural productsapoptosis pathwayapoptosis-inducingapoptotic proteincancer therapyprogrammed cell death.

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