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The Therapeutic Potential of the Anticancer Activity of Fucoidan: Current Advances and Hurdles
Jun-O Jin1,2,3, Pallavi Singh Chauhan4, Ananta Prasad Arukha5
1Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
Abstract:
Several types of cancers share cellular and molecular behaviors. Although many chemotherapy drugs have been designed to weaken the defenses of cancer cells, these drugs may also have cytotoxic effects on healthy tissues. Fucoidan, a sulfated fucose-based polysaccharide from brown algae, has gained much attention as an antitumor drug owing to its anticancer effects against multiple cancer types. Among the anticancer mechanisms of fucoidan are cell cycle arrest, apoptosis evocation, and stimulation of cytotoxic natural killer cells and macrophages. Fucoidan also protects against toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation-induced damage. The synergistic effect of fucoidan with existing anticancer drugs has prompted researchers to explore its therapeutic potential. This review compiles the mechanisms through which fucoidan slows tumor growth, kills cancer cells, and interacts with cancer chemotherapy drugs. The obstacles involved in developing fucoidan as an anticancer agent are also discussed in this review.
Insights
Fucoidan, a compound from brown algae, shows promise as an anticancer agent by slowing tumor growth and enhancing chemotherapy. It also protects healthy tissues from drug damage.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Cancer biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer cells share common behaviors, making them targets for chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy drugs can harm healthy tissues, necessitating protective agents.
- Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, exhibits significant anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer mechanisms of fucoidan.
- To explore fucoidan's synergistic effects with chemotherapy.
- To discuss challenges in developing fucoidan as an anticancer drug.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fucoidan's anticancer activities.
- Analysis of fucoidan's effects on cancer cell cycle and apoptosis.
- Investigation of fucoidan's immunomodulatory effects.
- Examination of fucoidan's protective effects against chemotherapy and radiation toxicity.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Fucoidan stimulates cytotoxic natural killer cells and macrophages.
- Fucoidan mitigates toxicity from chemotherapy and radiation.
- Fucoidan demonstrates synergistic effects when combined with anticancer drugs.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan possesses multifaceted anticancer mechanisms, including direct tumor cell killing and immune system modulation.
- Fucoidan shows potential as a therapeutic agent to enhance conventional cancer treatments and reduce side effects.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome obstacles for fucoidan's clinical application.
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