Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Prevention and Intervention with Bioactive Food Components

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Cancer Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 73435

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Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, and it represents a major health challenge. According to GLOBOCAN (International Agency for Research on Cancer), more than 19 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths occurred in 2020. The overwhelming evidence based on preclinical and clinical studies clearly indicates that diet can affect cancer outcome. Natural dietary bioactive compounds present in fruits, vegetables, spices, whole grains, and herbs have shown enormous potential for cancer prevention and treatment due to their easy availability, relatively low cost, high margin of safety, widespread acceptability, and human consumption. It has been estimated that high dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables (more than 400 g/day) may prevent at least 20% of all cancers.

During the last few decades, an extraordinary number of bioactive food components have been investigated using cell culture assays, animal tumor models, and human subjects to understand their potential for cancer prevention and treatment. Some of the most extensively studied dietary anticancer natural compounds include curcumin (from turmeric), resveratrol (from grapes and red wine), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (from green tea), b-carotene (from carrots), genistein (from soybean), quercetin (from caper), lycopene (from tomatoes), ellagic acid (from berries and pomegranate), apigenin (from chamomile), luteolin (from celery), lupeol (from mango), capsaicin (from chili pepper), naringenin (from grape fruit), diallyl disulfide (from garlic), sulforaphane (from broccoli), and ursolic acid (from apples) and zerumbone (from ginger). Emerging evidence suggests that natural dietary compounds confer anticancer activities via impacting oxidative stress, inflammation, carcinogen metabolism, cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, adhesion, invasion,  migration, and metastasis by modulating a plethora of cell signaling molecules, mediators, and pathways.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to capture recent advances on our knowledge regarding the cancer-preventive and therapeutic efficacy of putative bioactive food components with an understanding of associated cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Comprehensive narrative and mechanistic reviews as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses are within the scope of this initiative. Both preclinical and clinical studies will be considered. For experimental papers, a manuscript would incorporate both in vitro and in vivo results derived from studies using only pure dietary compounds, not extracts, fractions or mixtures of natural origin. It is expected that a collection of high-quality articles from recognized experts as well as young investigators all over the world would accelerate the translational impact of mechanism-based cancer prevention and intervention using multitargeted dietary compounds and help to identify current knowledge gaps and challenges as well as direct future research. 

Prof. Dr. Anupam Bishayee
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dietary agents
  • bioactive food components
  • phytochemicals
  • cancer prevention
  • treatment
  • molecular mechanisms
  • proliferation
  • apoptosis
  • cell signaling
  • in vitro
  • in vivo
  • in silico
  • clinical studies

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 178 KiB  
Editorial
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Prevention and Intervention with Bioactive Food Components
by Anupam Bishayee
Cancers 2023, 15(13), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15133383 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world, and it represents a major health challenge [...] Full article

Research

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16 pages, 3790 KiB  
Article
Gnetin C Intercepts MTA1-Associated Neoplastic Progression in Prostate Cancer
by Prashanth Parupathi, Gisella Campanelli, Rabab Al Deabel, Anand Puaar, Lakshmi Sirisha Devarakonda, Avinash Kumar and Anait S. Levenson
Cancers 2022, 14(24), 6038; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14246038 - 8 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
Nutritional chemoprevention is particularly suitable for prostate cancer. Gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer found abundantly in the melinjo plant (Gnetum gnemon), may possess more potent biological properties compared to other stilbenes. We examined the effects of gnetin C in a high-risk [...] Read more.
Nutritional chemoprevention is particularly suitable for prostate cancer. Gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer found abundantly in the melinjo plant (Gnetum gnemon), may possess more potent biological properties compared to other stilbenes. We examined the effects of gnetin C in a high-risk premalignant transgenic mouse model overexpressing tumor-promoting metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) on the background of Pten heterozygosity (R26MTA1; Pten+/f; Pb-Cre+). Mice were fed diets supplemented with the following compounds: pterostilbene (70 mg/kg diet); gnetin C, high dose (70 mg/kg diet); and gnetin C, low dose (35 mg/kg diet). Prostate tissues were isolated after 17 weeks and examined for histopathology and molecular markers. Serum was analyzed for cytokine expression. Gnetin C-supplemented diets substantially delayed the progression of preneoplastic lesions compared to other groups. Prostate tissues from gnetin C-fed mice showed favorable histopathology, with decreased severity and number of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) foci, reduced proliferation, and angiogenesis. A decreased level of MTA1, concurrent with the trend of increasing phosphatase and tensin homolog expression and reduced interleukin 2 (IL-2) levels in sera, were also detected in gnetin C-fed mice. Importantly, gnetin C did not exert any visible toxicity in mice. Our findings demonstrate that a gnetin C-supplemented diet effectively blocks MTA1-promoted tumor progression activity in high-risk premalignant prostate cancer, which indicates its potential as a novel form of nutritional interception for prostate cancer chemoprevention. Full article
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26 pages, 7614 KiB  
Article
Polygodial, a Sesquiterpene Dialdehyde, Activates Apoptotic Signaling in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cell Lines by Inducing Oxidative Stress
by Reshmii Venkatesan, Mohamed Ali Hussein, Leah Moses, Jennifer S. Liu, Salman R. Khetani, Alexander Kornienko and Gnanasekar Munirathinam
Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5260; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215260 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2826
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy are currently the standard treatment options for PCa. These have poor outcomes and result in the development of [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy are currently the standard treatment options for PCa. These have poor outcomes and result in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is the foremost underlying cause of mortality associated with PCa. Taxanes, diterpene compounds approved to treat hormonal refractory PCa, show poor outcomes in CRPC. Polygodial (PG) is a natural sesquiterpene isolated from water pepper (Persicaria hydropiper), Dorrigo pepper (Tasmannia stipitata), and mountain pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata). Previous reports show that PG has an anticancer effect. Our results show that PG robustly inhibits the cell viability, colony formation, and migration of taxane-resistant CRPC cell lines and induces cell cycle arrest at the G0 phase. A toxicity investigation shows that PG is not toxic to primary human hepatocytes, 3T3-J2 fibroblast co-cultures, and non-cancerous BPH-1 cells, implicating that PG is innocuous to healthy cells. In addition, PG induces oxidative stress and activates apoptosis in drug-resistant PCa cell lines. Our mechanistic evaluation by a proteome profiler–human apoptotic array in PC3-TXR cells shows that PG induces upregulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 and downregulation of antiapoptotic markers. Western blot analysis reveals that PG activates apoptotic and DNA damage markers in PCa cells. Our results suggest that PG exhibits its anticancer effect by promoting reactive oxygen species generation and induction of apoptosis in CRPC cells. Full article
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19 pages, 3611 KiB  
Article
Enriched Riceberry Bran Oil Exerts Chemopreventive Properties through Anti-Inflammation and Alteration of Gut Microbiota in Carcinogen-Induced Liver and Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats
by Warunyoo Phannasorn, Aroonrat Pharapirom, Parameth Thiennimitr, Huina Guo, Sunantha Ketnawa and Rawiwan Wongpoomchai
Cancers 2022, 14(18), 4358; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14184358 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Riceberry has recently been acknowledged for its beneficial pharmacological effects. Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) exhibited anti-proliferation activity in various cancer cell lines. However, animal studies of RBBO on anti-carcinogenicity and its molecular inhibitory mechanism have been limited. This study purposed to investigate the [...] Read more.
Riceberry has recently been acknowledged for its beneficial pharmacological effects. Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) exhibited anti-proliferation activity in various cancer cell lines. However, animal studies of RBBO on anti-carcinogenicity and its molecular inhibitory mechanism have been limited. This study purposed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of RBBO on the carcinogen-induced liver and colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. Rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and further orally administered with RBBO equivalent to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol 5 days/week for 10 weeks. RBBO administration suppressed preneoplastic lesions including hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form positive foci and colorectal aberrant crypt foci. Accordingly, RBBO induced hepatocellular and colorectal cell apoptosis and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, RBBO effectively promoted the alteration of gut microbiota in DEN- and DMH-induced rats, as has been shown in the elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. This outcome was consistent with an increase in butyrate in the feces of carcinogen-induced rats. The increase in butyrate reflects the chemopreventive properties of RBBO through the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory properties and cell apoptosis induction in preneoplastic cells. This would indicate that RBBO containing γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, and tocols holds significant potential in the prevention of cancer. Full article
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19 pages, 5737 KiB  
Article
Stage-Specific Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate on Cancer Stem Cell Pool during Growth and Progression of Prostate Tumorigenesis in TRAMP Model
by Komal Raina, Kushal Kandhari, Anil K. Jain, Kameswaran Ravichandran, Paul Maroni, Chapla Agarwal and Rajesh Agarwal
Cancers 2022, 14(17), 4204; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174204 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3719
Abstract
Herein, we assessed the stage-specific efficacy of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid), a bioactive food component, on prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression in a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer (TRAMP). Starting at 4, 12, 20, and 30 weeks of age, male [...] Read more.
Herein, we assessed the stage-specific efficacy of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid), a bioactive food component, on prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression in a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer (TRAMP). Starting at 4, 12, 20, and 30 weeks of age, male TRAMP mice were fed either regular drinking water or 2% IP6 in water for ~8–15 weeks. Pathological assessments at study endpoint indicated that tumor grade is arrested at earlier stages by IP6 treatment; IP6 also prevented progression to more advanced forms of the disease (~55–70% decrease in moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma incidence was observed in advanced stage TRAMP cohorts). Next, we determined whether the protective effects of IP6 are mediated via its effect on the expansion of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) pool; results indicated that the anti-PCa effects of IP6 are associated with its potential to eradicate the PCa CSC pool in TRAMP prostate tumors. Furthermore, in vitro assays corroborated the above findings as IP6 decreased the % of floating PC-3 prostaspheres (self-renewal of CSCs) by ~90%. Together, these findings suggest the multifaceted chemopreventive-translational potential of IP6 intervention in suppressing the growth and progression of PCa and controlling this malignancy at an early stage. Full article
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14 pages, 4278 KiB  
Article
Beta-Caryophyllene Exhibits Anti-Proliferative Effects through Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Modulation in Multiple Myeloma Cells
by Federica Mannino, Giovanni Pallio, Roberta Corsaro, Letteria Minutoli, Domenica Altavilla, Giovanna Vermiglio, Alessandro Allegra, Ali H. Eid, Alessandra Bitto, Francesco Squadrito and Natasha Irrera
Cancers 2021, 13(22), 5741; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13225741 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3554 | Correction
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, which are widely distributed in the body, have been considered as possible pharmacological targets for the management of several tumors. Cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family and are mainly expressed in hematopoietic and immune cells, [...] Read more.
Cannabinoid receptors, which are widely distributed in the body, have been considered as possible pharmacological targets for the management of several tumors. Cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family and are mainly expressed in hematopoietic and immune cells, such as B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages; thus, CB2R activation might be useful for treating cancers affecting plasma cells, such as multiple myeloma (MM). Previous studies have shown that CB2R stimulation may have anti-proliferative effects; therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the antitumor effect of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a CB2R agonist, in an in vitro model of MM. Dexamethasone-resistant (MM.1R) and sensitive (MM.1S) human multiple myeloma cell lines were used in this study. Cells were treated with different concentrations of BCP for 24 h, and a group of cells was pre-incubated with AM630, a specific CB2R antagonist. BCP treatment reduced cell proliferation through CB2R stimulation; notably, BCP considerably increased the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2. Furthermore, an increase in caspase 3 protein levels was detected following BCP incubation, thus demonstrating its anti-proliferative effect through apoptosis activation. In addition, BCP regulated AKT, Wnt1, and beta-catenin expression, showing that CB2R stimulation may decrease cancer cell proliferation by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These effects were counteracted by AM630 co-incubation, thus confirming that BCP’s mechanism of action is mainly related to CB2R modulation. A decrease in β-catenin regulated the impaired cell cycle and especially promoted cyclin D1 and CDK 4/6 reduction. Taken together, these data revealed that BCP might have significant and effective anti-cancer and anti-proliferative effects in MM cells by activating apoptosis, modulating different molecular pathways, and downregulating the cell cycle. Full article
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Review

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66 pages, 3055 KiB  
Review
Phenolic Phytochemicals for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Critical Evaluation of In Vivo Studies
by Samhita De, Sourav Paul, Anirban Manna, Chirantan Majumder, Koustav Pal, Nicolette Casarcia, Arijit Mondal, Sabyasachi Banerjee, Vinod Kumar Nelson, Suvranil Ghosh, Joyita Hazra, Ashish Bhattacharjee, Subhash Chandra Mandal, Mahadeb Pal and Anupam Bishayee
Cancers 2023, 15(3), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15030993 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5753
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Limitations with existing treatment regimens have demanded the search for better treatment options. Different phytochemicals with promising anti-CRC activities have been reported, with the molecular mechanism of [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Limitations with existing treatment regimens have demanded the search for better treatment options. Different phytochemicals with promising anti-CRC activities have been reported, with the molecular mechanism of actions still emerging. This review aims to summarize recent progress on the study of natural phenolic compounds in ameliorating CRC using in vivo models. This review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reporting and Meta-Analysis. Information on the relevant topic was gathered by searching the PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases using keywords, such as “colorectal cancer” AND “phenolic compounds”, “colorectal cancer” AND “polyphenol”, “colorectal cancer” AND “phenolic acids”, “colorectal cancer” AND “flavonoids”, “colorectal cancer” AND “stilbene”, and “colorectal cancer” AND “lignan” from the reputed peer-reviewed journals published over the last 20 years. Publications that incorporated in vivo experimental designs and produced statistically significant results were considered for this review. Many of these polyphenols demonstrate anti-CRC activities by inhibiting key cellular factors. This inhibition has been demonstrated by antiapoptotic effects, antiproliferative effects, or by upregulating factors responsible for cell cycle arrest or cell death in various in vivo CRC models. Numerous studies from independent laboratories have highlighted different plant phenolic compounds for their anti-CRC activities. While promising anti-CRC activity in many of these agents has created interest in this area, in-depth mechanistic and well-designed clinical studies are needed to support the therapeutic use of these compounds for the prevention and treatment of CRC. Full article
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25 pages, 1461 KiB  
Review
Spice-Derived Bioactive Compounds Confer Colorectal Cancer Prevention via Modulation of Gut Microbiota
by Marco Dacrema, Arif Ali, Hammad Ullah, Ayesha Khan, Alessandro Di Minno, Jianbo Xiao, Alice Maria Costa Martins and Maria Daglia
Cancers 2022, 14(22), 5682; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14225682 - 19 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5118
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality among all types of malignancies. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, red and processed meat, low-fiber diets, inflammatory bowel disease, and gut dysbiosis are the most important risk factors associated with CRC pathogenesis. [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality among all types of malignancies. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, red and processed meat, low-fiber diets, inflammatory bowel disease, and gut dysbiosis are the most important risk factors associated with CRC pathogenesis. Alterations in gut microbiota are positively correlated with colorectal carcinogenesis, as these can dysregulate the immune response, alter the gut’s metabolic profile, modify the molecular processes in colonocytes, and initiate mutagenesis. Changes in the daily diet, and the addition of plant-based nutraceuticals, have the ability to modulate the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota, maintaining gut homeostasis and regulating host immune and inflammatory responses. Spices are one of the fundamental components of the human diet that are used for their bioactive properties (i.e., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects) and these exert beneficial effects on health, improving digestion and showing anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as possessing properties that affect cognition and mood. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of spices could be useful in the prevention of various types of cancers that affect the digestive system. This review is designed to summarize the reciprocal interactions between dietary spices and the gut microbiota, and highlight the impact of dietary spices and their bioactive compounds on colorectal carcinogenesis by targeting the gut microbiota. Full article
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20 pages, 2206 KiB  
Review
Advances in Dietary Phenolic Compounds to Improve Chemosensitivity of Anticancer Drugs
by Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Nasreddine El Omari, Saad Bakrim, Naoufal El Hachlafi, Abdelaali Balahbib, Polrat Wilairatana and Mohammad S. Mubarak
Cancers 2022, 14(19), 4573; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14194573 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2803
Abstract
Despite the significant advances and mechanistic understanding of tumor processes, therapeutic agents against different types of cancer still have a high rate of recurrence associated with the development of resistance by tumor cells. This chemoresistance involves several mechanisms, including the programming of glucose [...] Read more.
Despite the significant advances and mechanistic understanding of tumor processes, therapeutic agents against different types of cancer still have a high rate of recurrence associated with the development of resistance by tumor cells. This chemoresistance involves several mechanisms, including the programming of glucose metabolism, mitochondrial damage, and lysosome dysfunction. However, combining several anticancer agents can decrease resistance and increase therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, this treatment can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This work focuses on the recent advances in using natural bioactive molecules derived from phenolic compounds isolated from medicinal plants to sensitize cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic agents and their application in combination with conventional anticancer drugs. Dietary phenolic compounds such as resveratrol, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, sinapic acid, and curcumin exhibit remarkable anticancer activities through sub-cellular, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. These compounds have recently revealed their capacity to increase the sensitivity of different human cancers to the used chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, they can increase the effectiveness and improve the therapeutic index of some used chemotherapeutic agents. The involved mechanisms are complex and stochastic, and involve different signaling pathways in cancer checkpoints, including reactive oxygen species signaling pathways in mitochondria, autophagy-related pathways, proteasome oncogene degradation, and epigenetic perturbations. Full article
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16 pages, 982 KiB  
Review
Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention: The Role of the Gut Microbiome
by Nagi B. Kumar, Stephanie Hogue, Julio Pow-Sang, Michael Poch, Brandon J. Manley, Roger Li, Jasreman Dhillon, Alice Yu and Doratha A. Byrd
Cancers 2022, 14(16), 3988; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14163988 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4053
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports green tea catechins (GTCs) in chemoprevention for prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among men. GTCs include (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which may modulate the molecular pathways implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. Prior studies of GTCs suggested that they [...] Read more.
Accumulating evidence supports green tea catechins (GTCs) in chemoprevention for prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among men. GTCs include (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which may modulate the molecular pathways implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. Prior studies of GTCs suggested that they are bioavailable, safe, and effective for modulating clinical and biological markers implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. GTCs may be of particular benefit to those with low-grade PCas typically managed with careful monitoring via active surveillance (AS). Though AS is recommended, it has limitations including potential under-grading, variations in eligibility, and anxiety reported by men while on AS. Secondary chemoprevention of low-grade PCas using GTCs may help address these limitations. When administrated orally, the gut microbiome enzymatically transforms GTC structure, altering its bioavailability, bioactivity, and toxicity. In addition to xenobiotic metabolism, the gut microbiome has multiple other physiological effects potentially involved in PCa progression, including regulating inflammation, hormones, and other known/unknown pathways. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the independent roles of GTCs and the gut microbiome in the context of PCa chemoprevention, but how gut microbes may relate to individual responses to GTCs, which, in turn, can enhance clinical decision-making. Full article
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20 pages, 1955 KiB  
Review
Targeting Breast Cancer-Derived Stem Cells by Dietary Phytochemicals: A Strategy for Cancer Prevention and Treatment
by Kumari Sunita Prajapati, Sanjay Gupta and Shashank Kumar
Cancers 2022, 14(12), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14122864 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3585
Abstract
Breast cancer is heterogeneous disease with variable prognosis and therapeutic response. Approximately, 70% of diagnosed breast cancer represents the luminal A subtype. This subpopulation has a fair prognosis with a lower rate of relapse than the other clinical subtypes. Acquisition of stemness in [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is heterogeneous disease with variable prognosis and therapeutic response. Approximately, 70% of diagnosed breast cancer represents the luminal A subtype. This subpopulation has a fair prognosis with a lower rate of relapse than the other clinical subtypes. Acquisition of stemness in luminal A subtype modifies the phenotype plasticity to accomplish increased aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, targeting luminal A-derived breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) could be a promising strategy for its prevention and treatment. Extensive studies reveal that dietary phytochemicals have the potential to target BCSCs by modulating the molecular and signal transduction pathways. Dietary phytochemicals alone or in combination with standard therapeutic modalities exert higher efficacy in targeting BCSCs through changes in stemness, self-renewal properties and hypoxia-related factors. These combinations offer achieving higher radio- and chemo- sensitization through alteration in the key signaling pathways such as AMPK, STAT3, NF-ĸB, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Notch, GSK3β, and Wnt related to cancer stemness and drug resistance. In this review, we highlight the concept of targeting luminal A-derived BCSCs with dietary phytochemicals by summarizing the pathways and underlying mechanism(s) involved during therapeutic resistance. Full article
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48 pages, 2672 KiB  
Review
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) and Its Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Tribute to Cancer Prevention and Intervention
by Anupam Bishayee, Palak A. Patel, Priya Sharma, Shivani Thoutireddy and Niranjan Das
Cancers 2022, 14(3), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14030529 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8705 | Correction
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major leading causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests a strong relationship between specific dietary habits and cancer development. In recent years, a food-based approach for cancer prevention and intervention has been gaining tremendous attention. Among diverse dietary [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the major leading causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests a strong relationship between specific dietary habits and cancer development. In recent years, a food-based approach for cancer prevention and intervention has been gaining tremendous attention. Among diverse dietary and medicinal plants, lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., family Nymphaeaceae), also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus or Chinese water lily, has the ability to effectively combat this disease. Various parts of N. nucifera have been utilized as a vegetable as well as an herbal medicine for more than 2000 years in the Asian continent. The rhizome and seeds of N. nucifera represent the main edible parts. Different parts of N. nucifera have been traditionally used to manage different disorders, such as fever, inflammation, insomnia, nervous disorders, epilepsy, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. It is believed that numerous bioactive components, including alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides, are responsible for its various biological and pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and hypoglycemic activities. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensive review with an exclusive focus on the anticancer attributes of diverse phytochemicals from different parts of N. nucifera. In this review, we have analyzed the effects of N. nucifera extracts, fractions and pure compounds on various organ-specific cancer cells and tumor models to understand the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of this interesting medicinal and dietary plant. In addition, the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and possible toxicity of N. nucifera-derived phytochemicals, as well as current limitations, challenges and future research directions, are also presented. Full article
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66 pages, 2990 KiB  
Review
Sulforaphane: A Broccoli Bioactive Phytocompound with Cancer Preventive Potential
by Anna E. Kaiser, Mojdeh Baniasadi, Derrek Giansiracusa, Matthew Giansiracusa, Michael Garcia, Zachary Fryda, Tin Lok Wong and Anupam Bishayee
Cancers 2021, 13(19), 4796; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13194796 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 93 | Viewed by 17955
Abstract
There is substantial and promising evidence on the health benefits of consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. The most important compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, is metabolized to SFN by the thioglucosidase enzyme myrosinase. SFN is the major mediator of the health benefits that [...] Read more.
There is substantial and promising evidence on the health benefits of consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. The most important compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, is metabolized to SFN by the thioglucosidase enzyme myrosinase. SFN is the major mediator of the health benefits that have been recognized for broccoli consumption. SFN represents a phytochemical of high interest as it may be useful in preventing the occurrence and/or mitigating the progression of cancer. Although several prior publications provide an excellent overview of the effect of SFN in cancer, these reports represent narrative reviews that focused mainly on SFN’s source, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action in modulating specific pathways involved in cancer without a comprehensive review of SFN’s role or value for prevention of various human malignancies. This review evaluates the most recent state of knowledge concerning SFN’s efficacy in preventing or reversing a variety of neoplasms. In this work, we have analyzed published reports based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to determine SFN’s potential as a chemopreventive agent. Furthermore, we have discussed the current limitations and challenges associated with SFN research and suggested future research directions before broccoli-derived products, especially SFN, can be used for human cancer prevention and intervention. Full article
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25 pages, 4341 KiB  
Review
Potential of Bioactive Food Components against Gastric Cancer: Insights into Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Targets
by Seog Young Kang, Dongwon Hwang, Soyoung Shin, Jinju Park, Myoungchan Kim, MD. Hasanur Rahman, Md. Ataur Rahman, Seong-Gyu Ko and Bonglee Kim
Cancers 2021, 13(18), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13184502 - 7 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4254
Abstract
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach. Accumulated evidence and epidemiological studies have indicated that bioactive food components from natural products play an important role in gastric cancer prevention and treatment, although [...] Read more.
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach. Accumulated evidence and epidemiological studies have indicated that bioactive food components from natural products play an important role in gastric cancer prevention and treatment, although its mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. Particularly, experimental studies have shown that natural bioactive food products display a protective effect against gastric cancer via numerous molecular mechanisms, such as suppression of cell metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of autophagy. Chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer along with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, as well as immunotherapy, and its adverse side effects including neutropenia, stomatitis, mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, and emesis are well documented. However, administration of naturally occurring bioactive phytochemical food components could increase the efficacy of gastric chemotherapy and other chemotherapeutic resistance. Additionally, several studies have suggested that bioactive food components with structural stability, potential bioavailability, and powerful bioactivity are important to develop novel treatment strategies for gastric cancer management, which may minimize the adverse effects. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the potential therapeutic effects of natural bioactive food products on the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer with intensive molecular mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and safety efficacy. Full article
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3 pages, 704 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Mannino et al. Beta-Caryophyllene Exhibits Anti-Proliferative Effects through Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Modulation in Multiple Myeloma Cells. Cancers 2021, 13, 5741
by Federica Mannino, Giovanni Pallio, Roberta Corsaro, Letteria Minutoli, Domenica Altavilla, Giovanna Vermiglio, Alessandro Allegra, Ali H. Eid, Alessandra Bitto, Francesco Squadrito and Natasha Irrera
Cancers 2023, 15(21), 5250; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15215250 - 1 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 907
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
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3 pages, 194 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Bishayee et al. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) and Its Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Tribute to Cancer Prevention and Intervention. Cancers 2022, 14, 529
by Anupam Bishayee, Palak A. Patel, Priya Sharma, Shivani Thoutireddy and Niranjan Das
Cancers 2022, 14(9), 2116; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14092116 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1309
Abstract
In the original article, there was a mistake in the legend for Table 2 [...] Full article
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