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Dietary Polyphenols against Oxidative Stress in Head and Neck Cancer: What's New, What's Next
Andrea Ballini1, Khrystyna Zhurakivska1, Giuseppe Troiano1
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
Abstract:
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a worldwide health problem, accounting for over 5% of all types of cancers. Their varied nature makes it sometimes difficult to find clear explanations for the molecular mechanisms that underline their onset and development. While chemio- and radiotherapy are clearly not to be dismissed, we cannot undervalue the effect that polyphenols - especially dietary polyphenols - can have in helping us to cope with this medical emergency. By influencing several different proteins involved in numerous different metabolic pathways, polyphenols can have a broad spectrum of biological action and can hopefully act synergistically to tackle down head and neck cancer. Moreover, being natural molecules, polyphenols does not present any side effects and can even enhance drugs efficacy, making our clinical therapy against head and neck cancer more and more effective. Certainly, oxidative stress plays an important role, altering several molecular pathways, lowering the body's defenses, and ultimately helping to create a microenvironment conducive to the appearance and development of the tumor. In this regard, the regular and constant intake of foods rich in polyphenols can help counteract the onset of oxidative stress, improving the health of the general population. In this review, we highlight the role of polyphenols in managing oxidative stress, with such positive effects that they can be considered new tools to use in our anti-head and neck cancer strategy.
Insights
Dietary polyphenols show promise in combating head and neck cancers (HNC). These natural compounds help manage oxidative stress, potentially improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a significant global health burden, comprising over 5% of all cancer diagnoses.
- The complex molecular mechanisms underlying HNC development present challenges for effective treatment strategies.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in promoting tumor microenvironments conducive to HNC onset and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of dietary polyphenols in managing oxidative stress.
- To explore the potential of polyphenols as adjuncts in head and neck cancer therapy.
- To highlight polyphenols as novel tools in anti-HNC strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the biological actions of polyphenols.
- Analysis of polyphenol interactions with metabolic pathways and proteins.
- Examination of the role of oxidative stress in HNC pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols influence multiple proteins and metabolic pathways, exhibiting broad biological activity.
- Dietary polyphenols can counteract oxidative stress, a key factor in HNC development.
- Polyphenols demonstrate potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Natural polyphenols offer a favorable safety profile and may mitigate treatment side effects.
Conclusions:
- Dietary polyphenols are valuable natural compounds for managing oxidative stress.
- Polyphenols can be considered promising adjuncts to conventional treatments for head and neck cancers.
- Regular intake of polyphenol-rich foods may contribute to HNC prevention and improved patient outcomes.
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