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Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
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Targeting Oxidative Stress in Carcinogenesis: Oleanolic Acid and Its Molecular Pathways
Andrzej Günther1, Maciej Kulawik2,3, Szymon Sip2
1Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum 2, (CP.2), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a dual role in cancer. Oleanolic acid shows promise as an antioxidant and anticancer agent by modulating oxidative stress and signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have a dual role in cancer development, ranging from physiological redox signaling to pathological oxidative stress.
- Excessive ROS/RNS concentrations can damage biomolecules like DNA and deregulate signaling pathways, promoting neoplastic transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on the dual role of ROS and RNS in cancer.
- To discuss the mechanisms of ROS/RNS-induced biomolecule damage and signaling pathway deregulation.
- To highlight the potential of natural antioxidants, particularly oleanolic acid, in cancer prevention and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Systematization of knowledge on ROS/RNS in cancer.
- Analysis of oleanolic acid's antioxidant and anticancer mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Oleanolic acid demonstrates a dual action in modulating oxidative stress, balancing cellular redox responses.
- It exhibits promising antioxidant and anticancer activities through pleiotropic modulation of oxidative stress and signaling networks.
- Preclinical data suggest oleanolic acid's potential as an adjuvant agent in cancer prevention and therapy.
Conclusions:
- Oleanolic acid holds significant promise for cancer prevention and therapy due to its ability to modulate oxidative stress.
- Further research into structural modifications and delivery techniques can enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
- Oleanolic acid represents a valuable natural compound for adjunctive cancer treatment strategies.
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