Phlorotannins: Novel Orally Administrated Bioactive Compounds That Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Marine Biotechnology

Background:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in cancer progression.
• Bioactive compounds offer a safe therapeutic approach.
• Phlorotannins, polyphenols from brown seaweeds, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumorigenic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic potential of phlorotannins in cancer treatment.
• To explore their mechanisms of action, particularly concerning mitochondrial function.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing their stability and delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on phlorotannins, dieckol, and phloroglucinol.
• Analysis of their effects on mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis.
• Examination of their impact on key cancer signaling pathways (RAS/MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, VEGF).
• Review of encapsulation techniques for improved bioavailability.

Main Results:

• Dieckol and phloroglucinol induce mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis.
• Phlorotannins inhibit pro-tumorigenic, inflammatory, and angiogenic signaling.
• These compounds disrupt pathways crucial for cancer development and progression.
• Encapsulation strategies offer potential for oral administration.

Conclusions:

• Phlorotannins are promising natural compounds for cancer therapy targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Their anti-cancer effects are mediated by inhibiting key oncogenic signaling pathways.
• Encapsulation is a viable strategy to overcome their lability and enable oral delivery for non-invasive cancer treatment.