Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Liver Cancer: Regulation Through Natural Products

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer is a leading global cause of death, with current treatments facing limitations due to side effects and resistance.
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, triggered by extracellular factors, is closely linked to cancer development and progression.
• The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular mechanism activated by ER stress to restore homeostasis, involving key sensors like IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anticancer activity of natural products, focusing on their role in modulating ER stress in liver cancer.
• To highlight the potential of phytopharmaceuticals as adjuncts to conventional chemotherapy for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating the anticancer effects of natural compounds.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which natural products interact with ER stress pathways and UPR.
• Focus on specific bioactive compounds including curcumin, resveratrol, and berberine in the context of liver cancer.

Main Results:

• Natural products exhibit potent anticancer properties with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs.
• Many natural compounds can influence ER stress, either inducing or alleviating it to promote cancer cell death.
• Phytochemicals enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by reversing drug resistance, boosting immunity, and inhibiting tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Natural products, particularly those modulating ER stress, represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for liver cancer management.
• Targeting ER stress pathways with natural compounds offers a promising approach to overcome treatment resistance and reduce adverse effects.
• Further research into these bioactive compounds could lead to novel, effective, and safer liver cancer therapies.