An insight into the therapeutic effects of isoliquiritigenin in breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women, with current treatments often causing side effects.
• Natural compounds are being explored as complementary therapies for breast cancer.
• Isoliquiritigenin (ILN), derived from Glycyrrhiza species, is gaining attention for its potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of action of Isoliquiritigenin (ILN) in breast cancer.
• To consolidate findings from in vitro and in vivo studies on ILN's effects.
• To evaluate ILN as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on Isoliquiritigenin (ILN) in breast cancer models.
• Analysis of ILN's impact on angiogenesis, aromatase activity, inflammation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
• Examination of ILN's molecular targets, including signaling pathways and gene expression.

Main Results:

• Isoliquiritigenin (ILN) inhibits angiogenesis, aromatase, inflammation, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in breast cancer.
• ILN downregulates key signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and VEGF, and modulates miR-374a and estrogen receptor levels.
• ILN enhances the expression of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 and Unc-51-like kinase 1.

Conclusions:

• Isoliquiritigenin (ILN) demonstrates significant potential as a natural therapeutic option for breast cancer with a favorable side effect profile.
• ILN's multifaceted mechanisms of action target critical processes in breast cancer progression.
• Current evidence is primarily based on preclinical studies, necessitating further clinical investigation to validate ILN's efficacy and safety.