Oxidative stress and dietary phytochemicals: Role in cancer chemoprevention and treatment

Cancer Lett. 2018 Jan 28:413:122-134. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.11.002. Epub 2017 Nov 4.

Abstract

Several epidemiological observations have shown an inverse relation between consumption of plant-based foods, rich in phytochemicals, and incidence of cancer. Phytochemicals, secondary plant metabolites, via their antioxidant property play a key role in cancer chemoprevention by suppressing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. In addition, they modulate several oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathways through their anti-oxidant effects, and ultimately protect cells from undergoing molecular changes that trigger carcinogenesis. In several instances, however, the pro-oxidant property of these phytochemicals has been observed with respect to cancer treatment. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies show that several phytochemicals potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents by exacerbating oxidative stress in cancer cells. Therefore, we reviewed multiple studies investigating the role of dietary phytochemicals such as, curcumin (turmeric), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; green tea), resveratrol (grapes), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables), hesperidin, quercetin and 2'-hydroxyflavanone (2HF; citrus fruits) in regulating oxidative stress and associated signaling pathways in the context of cancer chemoprevention and treatment.

Keywords: Carcinogenesis; Chemoprevention; Chemotherapy; Nrf2; Oxidative stress; Phytochemicals.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Diet*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Antioxidants
  • Phytochemicals