Plant-Derived Antioxidants as Modulators of Redox Signaling and Epigenetic Reprogramming in Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Cancer progression involves redox imbalance and epigenetic dysregulation.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play dual roles in cancer, promoting growth at moderate levels and apoptosis at high levels.
• Oxidative stress impacts histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression, supporting malignant phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of plant-derived antioxidants in cancer biology.
• To explore their mechanisms in modulating redox balance and epigenetic landscape.
• To discuss their potential as adjuncts in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on plant-derived antioxidants and cancer.
• Analysis of mechanisms involving ROS scavenging, redox balance restoration, and epigenetic modulation.
• Examination of specific compounds like resveratrol, curcumin, EGCG, quercetin, and sulforaphane.

Main Results:

• Plant antioxidants act as dual modulators, scavenging ROS, restoring redox balance, and reversing epigenetic alterations.
• Compounds like resveratrol and EGCG modulate DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and non-coding RNA networks.
• These antioxidants can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived antioxidants hold significant potential as precision oncology adjuncts.
• Challenges in translational efficacy, dosing, and bioavailability require further research.
• Biomarker-guided strategies and nano-delivery systems are crucial for clinical translation.