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The bounty of nature for changing the cancer landscape.

Authors :
Ahmad A
Li Y
Sarkar FH
Source :
Molecular nutrition & food research [Mol Nutr Food Res] 2016 Jun; Vol. 60 (6), pp. 1251-63. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Feb 16.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

The landscape of cancer has changed considerably in past several years, due mainly to aggressive screening, accumulation of data from basic and epidemiological studies, and the advances in translational research. Natural anticancer agents have always been a part and parcel of cancer research. The initial focus on natural anticancer agents was in context of their cancer chemopreventive properties but their ability to selectively target oncogenic signaling pathways has also been recognized. In light of the rapid advancements in our understanding of the role of microRNAs, cancer stem cells, and epigenetic events in cancer initiation and progression, a number of natural anticancer agents are showing promise in vitro, in vivo as well as in preclinical studies. Moreover, parent structures of natural agents are being extensively modified with the hope of improving efficacy, specificity, and bioavailability. In this article, we focus on two natural agents, 3,3'-diindolylmethane and garcinol, along with 3,4-difluorobenzo curcumin, a synthetic analog of natural agent curcumin. We showcase how these anticancer agents are changing cancer landscape by modulating novel microRNAs, epigenetic factors, and cancer stem cell markers. These activities are relevant and being appreciated for overcoming drug resistance and inhibition of metastases, the two overarching clinical challenges in modern medicine.<br /> (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1613-4133
Volume :
60
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Molecular nutrition & food research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26799714
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500867