The mechanism and research progress of the protective effects of plant polysaccharides on DNA damage
1Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
DNA damage can impair gene function, thereby affecting transcription, DNA replication, and cell division. If DNA damage is not repaired promptly, the integrity and stability of the genome may be compromised, leading to cell cycle arrest or even cell death, and potentially contributing to major diseases such as cancer. Preventing and effectively treating DNA damage that leads to cancer has become a major focus in the medical field. Plant polysaccharides have demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing cancer caused by DNA damage and have achieved notable outcomes. In this paper, by examining the relationship between DNA damage and human carcinogenesis, plant polysaccharides may demonstrate promising potential as effective anticancer agents. Additionally, we also explored the ability of plant polysaccharides not only to prevent DNA damage through their antioxidant effects and to prevent DNA damage-induced carcinogenesis by participating in the DNA damage repair process, but also explored the mechanism of action of plant polysaccharides on DNA damage repair through network pharmacology of potential targets of plant polysaccharides-mediated DNA damage. This review presents a novel framework for protecting natural plant polysaccharides against DNA damage and carcinogenesis, with the aim of contributing to the development of future cancer therapies.
Insights
Plant polysaccharides show promise in preventing and treating cancer by protecting against DNA damage. They utilize antioxidant effects and participate in DNA repair mechanisms, offering a novel approach for cancer therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- DNA damage is a critical factor in carcinogenesis, potentially leading to genomic instability, cell cycle arrest, and cell death.
- Prompt DNA repair is essential for maintaining genome integrity and preventing diseases like cancer.
- The medical field is actively seeking effective strategies for preventing and treating DNA damage-induced cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between DNA damage and human carcinogenesis.
- To explore the potential of plant polysaccharides as anticancer agents.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which plant polysaccharides prevent DNA damage and carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DNA damage, carcinogenesis, and plant polysaccharides.
- Analysis of antioxidant effects of plant polysaccharides.
- Investigation of plant polysaccharide involvement in DNA damage repair pathways.
- Application of network pharmacology to identify potential targets of plant polysaccharides in DNA damage repair.
Main Results:
- Plant polysaccharides demonstrate significant efficacy in addressing DNA damage-related cancers.
- Plant polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties that prevent DNA damage.
- Plant polysaccharides actively participate in DNA damage repair processes, inhibiting carcinogenesis.
- Network pharmacology identified potential molecular targets for plant polysaccharide-mediated DNA damage repair.
Conclusions:
- Plant polysaccharides represent a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating cancer.
- Their dual action of preventing DNA damage and promoting repair offers a novel framework for cancer therapy.
- Further research into plant polysaccharides could lead to the development of new anticancer agents.
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