Isothiocyanates as Multi-Target Natural Compounds in Leukemia: Mechanisms, Selectivity, and Therapeutic Potential

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Natural compounds are explored to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity.
• Isothiocyanates (ITCs), derived from glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables, possess chemopreventive and antileukemic potential.
• The reactive -NCS group in ITCs allows covalent modification of proteins and modulation of cellular signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the antileukemic activities and mechanisms of various isothiocyanates.
• To highlight the potential of ITCs as complementary agents in leukemia therapy.
• To discuss the multi-targeted mechanisms underlying ITC effects in leukemic cells.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on isothiocyanates and their effects on leukemia.
• Analysis of the biological activities of representative ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC).
• Examination of the molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and signaling pathway interference.

Main Results:

• Specific ITCs (SFN, AITC, 6-MITC, BITC, PEITC) demonstrate diverse antileukemic effects: cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, differentiation-inducing, and cell-cycle modulation.
• ITC activities are mediated by multiple interconnected pathways, including oxidative stress modulation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• ITCs can induce apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, or differentiation in leukemic cells.

Conclusions:

• Isothiocyanates are promising candidates for leukemia chemoprevention and therapy.
• Their multi-targeted mechanisms offer a complementary approach to conventional treatments.
• Further research is needed to elucidate their selectivity, mechanistic diversity, and translational potential.