Metabolic and Regulatory Pathways Involved in the Anticancer Activity of Perillyl Alcohol: A Scoping Review of In...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Perillyl alcohol (POH), a naturally occurring monoterpene, exhibits significant anti-tumor properties against diverse human cancers.
• Elucidating the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways of POH is essential for developing novel cancer therapeutics and drug repositioning.
• In vitro studies provide a foundation for understanding POH's cellular effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive scoping review of the metabolic and regulatory pathways involved in the anticancer effects of perillyl alcohol (POH).
• To synthesize in vitro evidence on POH's mechanisms of action in cancer.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets and strategies based on POH's biological activity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
• Adherence to the PRISMA-ScR 2018 guidelines for scoping reviews.
• Inclusion of 39 relevant studies investigating POH's effects in vitro.

Main Results:

• POH modulates cell cycle progression by regulating cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and p21.
• POH induces apoptosis and inhibits growth via pathways involving AKT phosphorylation, PARP-1 activity, caspase activation, and FAS/FASL signaling.
• POH impacts signaling cascades including ERK phosphorylation, RAS protein isoprenylation, and Na/K-ATPase activity.

Conclusions:

• This review delineates the critical regulatory pathways mediating the anticancer effects of perillyl alcohol (POH).
• POH's multifaceted action on cell cycle, apoptosis, and key signaling pathways highlights its therapeutic potential.
• Understanding these pathways is key for future drug development and repositioning strategies.