scholarly journals Mechanisms of Colorectal Cancer Prevention by Aspirin—A Literature Review and Perspective on the Role of COX-Dependent and -Independent Pathways

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9018
Author(s):  
Ranjini Sankaranarayanan ◽  
D. Ramesh Kumar ◽  
Meric A. Altinoz ◽  
G. Jayarama Bhat

Aspirin, synthesized and marketed in 1897 by Bayer, is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. It has a well-recognized role in decreasing inflammation, pain and fever, and in the prevention of thrombotic cardiovascular diseases. Its anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective actions have been well studied and occur through inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX). Interestingly, a vast amount of epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have revealed aspirin as a promising chemopreventive agent, particularly against colorectal cancers (CRC); however, the primary mechanism by which it decreases the occurrences of CRC has still not been established. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed for aspirin’s chemopreventive properties among which the inhibition of COX enzymes has been widely discussed. Despite the wide attention COX-inhibition has received as the most probable mechanism of cancer prevention by aspirin, it is clear that aspirin targets many other proteins and pathways, suggesting that these extra-COX targets may also be equally important in preventing CRC. In this review, we discuss the COX-dependent and -independent pathways described in literature for aspirin’s anti-cancer effects and highlight the strengths and limitations of the proposed mechanisms. Additionally, we emphasize the potential role of the metabolites of aspirin and salicylic acid (generated in the gut through microbial biotransformation) in contributing to aspirin’s chemopreventive actions. We suggest that the preferential chemopreventive effect of aspirin against CRC may be related to direct exposure of aspirin/salicylic acid or its metabolites to the colorectal tissues. Future investigations should shed light on the role of aspirin, its metabolites and the role of the gut microbiota in cancer prevention against CRC.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Bian ◽  
Juntong Wei ◽  
Changsheng Zhao ◽  
Guorong Li

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases endangering human health. In view of the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it is necessary to develop low-toxic anti-cancer compounds. Polyphenols are natural compounds with anti-cancer properties and their application is a considerable choice. Pro-senescence therapy is a recently proposed anti-cancer strategy and has been shown to effectively inhibit cancer. It is of great significance to clarify the mechanisms of polyphenols on tumor suppression by inducing senescence. In this review, we delineated the characteristics of senescent cells, and summarized the mechanisms of polyphenols targeting tumor microenvironment and inducing cancer cell senescence for cancer prevention and therapy. Although many studies have shown that polyphenols effectively inhibit cancer by targeting senescence, it warrants further investigation in preclinical and clinical studies.


Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 427
Author(s):  
Margalida Torrens-Mas ◽  
Pilar Roca

Phytoestrogens are a large group of natural compounds found in more than 300 plants. They have a close structural similarity to estrogens, which allow them to bind to both estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, presenting a weak estrogenic activity. Phytoestrogens have been described as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-allergic, and anti-tumoral agents. Their role in cancer prevention has been well documented, although their impact on treatment efficiency is controversial. Several reports suggest that phytoestrogens may interfere with the effect of anti-cancer drugs through the regulation of oxidative stress and other mechanisms. Furthermore, some phytoestrogens could exert a protective effect on healthy cells, thus reducing the secondary effects of cancer treatment. In this review, we have studied the recent research in this area to find evidence for the role of phytoestrogens in cancer prevention and therapy efficacy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khurshid Ahmad ◽  
Mohd Kalim A. Khan ◽  
Mohammad Hassan Baig ◽  
Mohd Imran ◽  
Girish Kumar Gupta

Background: Cancer has gradually become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The incidence of cancer among the population has increased alarmingly over the last two decades, primarily due to an increasing population of immune-compromised patients and the continuing rise in anti-cancer drug resistance. Azole found privileged structure in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical industry and also found to be showing antioxidant; antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anticancer, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and antihypertensive activities. Objective: In this review, we highlight some areas of current interest in context to azoles and their derivatives as potential chemotherapeutic agents and inhibitors. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed for writing this review. An updated view on different derivatives of azoles and use in cancer management has been discussed. Results: Here we have discussed the present scenario of azoles and their derivatives as potential chemotherapeutic agents and inhibitors. Along with, the future perspectives of azoles in cancer prevention and treatment are also discussed. Conclusion: The information provided in this review might be useful to researchers in designing of novel and potent multifunctional azole analogues for the treatment of cancer and other multifactorial diseases.


2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
David T. Rubin ◽  
Marcia R. Cruz-Correa ◽  
Christoph Gasche ◽  
Jeremy R. Jass ◽  
Gary R. Lichtenstein ◽  
...  

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 3146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh A. Almatroodi ◽  
Ahmad Almatroudi ◽  
Amjad Ali Khan ◽  
Fahad A. Alhumaydhi ◽  
Mohammed A. Alsahli ◽  
...  

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active compound of green tea and its role in diseases cure and prevention has been proven. Its role in diseases management can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-cancer role of this green tea compound has been confirmed in various types of cancer and is still being under explored. EGCG has been proven to possess a chemopreventive effect through inhibition of carcinogenesis process such as initiation, promotion, and progression. In addition, this catechin has proven its role in cancer management through modulating various cell signaling pathways such as regulating proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and killing of various types of cancer cells. The additive or synergistic effect of epigallocatechin with chemopreventive agents has been verified as it reduces the toxicities and enhances the anti-cancerous effects. Despite its effectiveness and safety, the implications of EGCG in cancer prevention is certainly still discussed due to a poor bioavailability. Several studies have shown the ability to overcome poor bioavailability through nanotechnology-based strategies such as encapsulation, liposome, micelles, nanoparticles and various other formulation. In this review, we encapsulate therapeutic implication of EGCG in cancer management and the mechanisms of action are discussed with an emphasis on human clinical trials.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. S35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Uccello ◽  
Giulia Malaguarnera ◽  
Francesco Basile ◽  
Velia D’agata ◽  
Michele Malaguarnera ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Marampon ◽  
Carmela Ciccarelli ◽  
Bianca Maria Zani

ERK1 and ERK2 (ERKs), two extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2), are evolutionary-conserved and ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases involved in regulating cell signalling in normal and pathological tissues. The expression levels of these kinases are almost always different, with ERK2 being the more prominent. ERK1/2 activation is fundamental for the development and progression of cancer. Since their discovery, much research has been dedicated to their role in mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway signalling and in their activation by mitogens and mutated RAF or RAS in cancer cells. In order to gain a better understanding of the role of ERK1/2 in MAPK pathway signalling, many studies have been aimed at characterizing ERK1/2 splicing isoforms, mutants, substrates and partners. In this review, we highlight the differences between ERK1 and ERK2 without completely discarding the hypothesis that ERK1 and ERK2 exhibit functional redundancy. The main goal of this review is to shed light on the role of ERK1/2 in targeted therapy and radiotherapy and highlight the importance of identifying ERK inhibitors that may overcome acquired resistance. This is a highly relevant therapeutic issue that needs to be addressed to combat tumours that rely on constitutively active RAF and RAS mutants and the MAPK pathway.


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