The interplay between cytokines, inflammation, and antioxidants: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potentials of various antioxidants and anti-cytokine compounds

Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Sep:178:117177. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117177. Epub 2024 Jul 24.

Abstract

Cytokines regulate immune responses essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, as deregulated cytokine signaling can lead to detrimental outcomes, including inflammatory disorders. The antioxidants emerge as promising therapeutic agents because they mitigate oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory pathways. Antioxidants can potentially ameliorate inflammation-related disorders by counteracting excessive cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses. A comprehensive understanding of cytokine-mediated inflammatory pathways and the interplay with antioxidants is paramount for developing natural therapeutic agents targeting inflammation-related disorders and helping to improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients. Among these antioxidants, curcumin, vitamin C, vitamin D, propolis, allicin, and cinnamaldehyde have garnered attention for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic benefits. This review highlights the interrelationship between cytokines-mediated disorders in various diseases and therapeutic approaches involving antioxidants.

Keywords: Antioxidants; COVID-19, Inflammatory bowel disease; Cancer; Cytokine storms; Cytokines; Infection; Inflammation; Inflammatory disorders; ROS; Radiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants* / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / drug therapy
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cytokines
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents