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Published on: June 26, 2018
The Impact of Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Fish on Cancer
S Mirunalini1, V L Maruthanila1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Cancer persists as the world's leading cause of mortality, thereby making it a compelling condition to research and potentially develop prevention options. Anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy are becoming highly futile and tend to have achieved a clinical deficit due to massive side effects, toxicities, and limited specificity. Anticancer agents from natural sources, such as aquatic fishes, terrestrial mammals, animal venoms, and amphibians, have mainly been focused on in recent researches. Edible marine fishes contain high contents of fatty acids, vitamins, and proteins, also having bioactive compounds. Fish derivatives naturally have the potential to target cancer cells while being less hazardous to normal tissues, making them a better choice for cancer prevention and therapy. In this review, we mainly focused on the bioactive compounds identified in marine fishes which have significant biological properties including anticancer effects, also discuss the mechanism of action.
Insights
Marine fish bioactive compounds show promise as natural anticancer agents. These compounds offer a less toxic alternative to traditional therapies, targeting cancer cells effectively with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally.
- Conventional cancer treatments (chemotherapy, surgery, radiation) have limitations including severe side effects and low specificity.
- Natural sources are being explored for novel anticancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review bioactive compounds from marine fish with anticancer properties.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action of these marine-derived anticancer agents.
- To highlight marine fish as a potential source for cancer prevention and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on marine fish bioactive compounds.
- Analysis of research focusing on anticancer effects and mechanisms.
- Identification of key bioactive compounds and their sources in edible marine fish.
Main Results:
- Edible marine fish are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and bioactive compounds.
- Several marine fish-derived compounds exhibit significant anticancer properties.
- These natural agents show potential for targeted cancer cell activity with reduced toxicity to normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Marine fish bioactive compounds represent a promising avenue for developing novel anticancer strategies.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to improved cancer prevention and therapeutic options.
- Marine-derived agents offer a potentially safer and more effective alternative to current treatments.
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