Role of Plant-Derived Compounds in the Molecular Pathways Related to Inflammation
Agata J Olędzka1,2, Monika E Czerwińska1,2
1Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Inflammation is the primary response to infection and injury. Its beneficial effect is an immediate resolution of the pathophysiological event. However, sustained production of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines may cause alterations in DNA integrity and lead to malignant cell transformation and cancer. More attention has recently been paid to pyroptosis, which is an inflammatory necrosis that activates inflammasomes and the secretion of cytokines. Taking into consideration that phenolic compounds are widely available in diet and medicinal plants, their role in the prevention and support of the treatment of chronic diseases is apparent. Recently, much attention has been paid to explaining the significance of isolated compounds in the molecular pathways related to inflammation. Therefore, this review aimed to screen reports concerning the molecular mode of action assigned to phenolic compounds. The most representative compounds from the classes of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides were selected for this review. Our attention was focused mainly on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Literature searching was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Medline databases. In conclusion, based on the available literature, phenolic compounds regulate NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling, which supports their potential role in chronic inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.
Insights
Phenolic compounds from diet and plants can help manage chronic inflammation by regulating key molecular pathways. This review highlights their potential in preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammation is a critical response to injury but chronic inflammation can lead to cancer.
- Pyroptosis, an inflammatory necrosis, involves inflammasomes and cytokine secretion.
- Phenolic compounds, abundant in diet and medicinal plants, show therapeutic potential for chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of phenolic compounds in inflammation.
- To focus on the role of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and glycosides.
- To investigate their impact on NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted on Scopus, PubMed, and Medline databases.
- Focused on studies detailing the molecular actions of representative phenolic compounds.
- Analysis of signaling pathways including NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK.
Main Results:
- Phenolic compounds modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.
- Phenolic compounds influence the Nrf2 pathway, crucial for antioxidant responses.
- Phenolic compounds impact MAPK signaling, involved in cellular responses to stress and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Phenolic compounds regulate key inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK).
- These compounds demonstrate potential in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Applications include osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.
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