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Phytochemicals regulate cancer metabolism through modulation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway

Sajad Fakhri1, Seyed Zachariah Moradi2, Seyed Yahya Moradi3

  • 1Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran. sajad.fakhri@kums.ac.ir.

BMC Cancer
|September 2, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Phytochemicals show promise in cancer treatment by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway. This review highlights their anticancer potential and novel delivery systems.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cancer progression and metastasis involve complex mechanisms, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies beyond current treatments with limited efficacy and adverse effects.
  • Phytochemicals offer a promising avenue due to their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties, which can modulate cancer development by targeting various signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the role of phytochemicals in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight the regulation of key cancer metabolism signaling pathways by phytochemicals.
  • To explore novel delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic and comprehensive review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
  • Literature search conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases until December 2023.
  • Inclusion of 111 relevant articles after screening for relevance.

Main Results:

  • Phytochemicals demonstrate significant anticancer potential by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.
  • The AMPK/PGC-1α pathway is crucial for cancer cell metabolism, regulating energy homeostasis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and substrate oxidation.
  • Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids are identified as key phytochemical classes that modulate this pathway for therapeutic benefit.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway represents a novel and promising strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Phytochemicals, through their ability to modulate this pathway, offer a natural approach to combating cancer.
  • Advancements in novel delivery systems can enhance the efficacy of phytochemicals in cancer therapy.
Keywords:
AMPKCancerMetabolismPGC-1αPhytochemicals

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