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

Ag-Anne P M de Menezes1, Raí P S Aguiar1, José V O Santos1

  • 1Laboratory of Genetical Toxicology, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, 64, 049-550, Brazil.

Chemico-Biological Interactions
|May 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Citrinin (CIT), a fungal mycotoxin, shows potential as an anticancer agent. Research indicates CIT induces cancer cell death and exhibits cytotoxic effects, suggesting its therapeutic possibilities.

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.
Keywords:
Antiplorifactive mechanismsCytotoxicityGenotoxicityMycotoxinsToxicity

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