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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic
Abdelhakim Bouyahya1, Saad Bakrim2, Sara Aboulaghras1
1Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context.
Insights
Oxidative stress drives cancer by causing DNA damage and epigenetic instability. Natural products show promise as antioxidants and epi-drugs to target these processes for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance promoting oxidants, is key in DNA damage and genomic/epigenetic instability.
- These instabilities are closely linked to tumor development and carcinogenesis.
- DNA breaks caused by oxidation are indicators in cancer and contribute to epigenetic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of oxidative stress in cancer.
- To highlight natural products as therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress.
- To explore epigenetic instability as a therapeutic target using natural epi-drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic instability in cancer.
- Analysis of research on natural products as antioxidants and epi-drugs.
- Synthesis of findings on the interplay between oxidative stress, epigenetics, and tumor transformation.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress is a significant factor in early and sustained cancer development.
- Natural products demonstrate effectiveness in targeting oxidative stress for cancer treatment.
- Epigenetic instability presents therapeutic opportunities, with natural epi-drugs showing potential.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic instability are interconnected in tumorigenesis.
- Natural compounds offer a dual therapeutic approach as antioxidants and modulators of epigenetic networks.
- Targeting oxidative stress and epigenetic alterations with natural agents is a promising anti-cancer strategy.
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