Soy-derived isoflavones as chemo-preventive agents targeting multiple signalling pathways for cancer prevention and

Agnieszka Kaufman-Szymczyk1, Justyna Jalmuzna1, Katarzyna Lubecka-Gajewska1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.

PubMed

Insights

Soy isoflavones show dual effects in cancer, inhibiting growth but sometimes promoting it. This review details their complex molecular mechanisms, targeting key pathways and acting as epigenetic modulators for cancer prevention and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Soy isoflavones possess both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties.
  • Isoflavones exhibit dual roles in cancer, inhibiting growth while also potentially promoting it.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms is crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms of soy-derived isoflavones in cancer cells.
  • To elucidate how isoflavones target multiple cellular signaling pathways.
  • To discuss their role as epigenetic modulatory agents and inhibitors of cancer stem cells.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of molecular mechanisms.
  • Analysis of studies on signaling pathways like HOTAIR/SMARCB1, VEGF/CXCL12/CXCR4, and E2/ERα/NGB.
  • Inclusion of research on epigenetic modulation (miRNAs) and cancer stem cell inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Soy isoflavones modulate critical cancer pathways including HOTAIR/SMARCB1, VEGF/CXCL12/CXCR4, and E2/ERα/NGB.
  • Isoflavones act as epigenetic modulators, influencing miRNAs such as miR-155, miR-34a, and miR-10a-5p.
  • They inhibit cancer stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, indicating therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Soy isoflavones exhibit complex molecular interactions within cancer cells.
  • Their ability to modulate diverse signaling pathways and epigenetic factors underscores their therapeutic promise.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize the use of soy isoflavones in cancer treatment and prevention.

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