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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer pathogenesis and therapy: An update on the role of ROS in anticancer action
Abdul Q Khan1, Khalid Rashid2, Abdulhadi A AlAmodi3
1Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species play crucial role in biological homeostasis and pathogenesis of human diseases including cancer. In this line, now it has become evident that ROS level/concentration is a major factor in the growth, progression and stemness of cancer cells. Moreover, cancer cells maintain a delicate balance between ROS and antioxidants to promote pathogenesis and clinical challenges via targeting a battery of signaling pathways converging to cancer hallmarks. Recent findings also entail the therapeutic importance of ROS for the better clinical outcomes in cancer patients as they induce apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, poor clinical outcomes associated with cancer therapies are the major challenge and use of natural products have been vital in attenuation of these challenges due to their multitargeting potential with less adverse effects. In fact, most available drugs are derived from natural resources, either directly or indirectly and available evidence show the clinical importance of natural products in the management of various diseases, including cancer. ROS play a critical role in the anticancer actions of natural products, particularly phytochemicals. Benzophenanthridine alkaloids of the benzyl isoquinoline family of alkaloids, such as sanguinarine, possess several pharmacological properties and are thus being studied for the treatment of different human diseases, including cancer. In this article, we review recent findings, on how benzophenanthridine alkaloid-induced ROS play a critical role in the attenuation of pathological changes and stemness features associated with human cancers. In addition, we highlight the role of ROS in benzophenanthridine alkaloid-mediated activation of the signaling pathway associated with cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key in cancer progression and stemness. Benzophenanthridine alkaloids, like sanguinarine, leverage ROS to combat cancer by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, offering therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical in maintaining biological homeostasis and are implicated in cancer pathogenesis.
- Cancer cells meticulously regulate ROS levels to drive growth, progression, and stemness, often by manipulating signaling pathways.
- Natural products, particularly phytochemicals, are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in cancer management due to their multitargeting capabilities and reduced adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ROS in the anticancer effects of benzophenanthridine alkaloids.
- To elucidate how these alkaloids utilize ROS to mitigate cancer's pathological changes and stemness.
- To highlight the activation of cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways mediated by these alkaloids via ROS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on benzophenanthridine alkaloids and ROS in cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating the impact of ROS on cancer cell stemness and pathological features.
- Examination of signaling pathways involved in alkaloid-induced apoptosis and autophagy.
Main Results:
- Benzophenanthridine alkaloids, such as sanguinarine, induce ROS production in cancer cells.
- Elevated ROS levels contribute to the attenuation of cancer cell pathological changes and stemness features.
- These alkaloids activate signaling pathways crucial for inducing cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy.
Conclusions:
- Benzophenanthridine alkaloids demonstrate significant anticancer potential by modulating ROS levels.
- The induction of ROS by these natural compounds is a key mechanism for inhibiting cancer progression and stemness.
- Targeting ROS pathways with natural products like benzophenanthridine alkaloids offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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