Citrinin as a potential anti-cancer therapy: A comprehensive review.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Mycology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi like Monascus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
• Mycotoxins are investigated for their potential antineoplastic properties and diverse toxic mechanisms.
• This study systematically reviews experimental evidence on CIT's anti-proliferative activity against cancer.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted, covering studies from 1978 to 2022.
• Evidence regarding CIT's effects on cancer cell proliferation and related pathways was collected and analyzed.
• The review focused on experimental data to assess CIT's anti-cancer potential.

Key Points:

• CIT impacts critical cell signaling pathways, including MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK) and apoptosis regulators (Bcl-2, BAX, caspases).
• It influences key proteins like p53 and p21, affects DNA repair (PARP cleavage), and modulates oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS).
• CIT also interacts with antioxidant defense systems (SOD, CAT, GST, GPX).

Conclusions:

• Citrinin (CIT) demonstrates significant potential as an anti-cancer drug.
• CIT induces cancer cell death through cytotoxic and genotoxic mechanisms.
• The mycotoxin reduces cancer cell DNA repair capacity, highlighting its anti-tumorigenic effects.