Cell Communication and Signaling (May 2023)

Phenolic compounds as Nrf2 inhibitors: potential applications in cancer therapy

  • Javad Sharifi-Rad,
  • Veronique Seidel,
  • Michalak Izabela,
  • Margalida Monserrat-Mequida,
  • Antoni Sureda,
  • Valeska Ormazabal,
  • Felipe A. Zuniga,
  • Shivaprasad Shetty Mangalpady,
  • Raffaele Pezzani,
  • Alibek Ydyrys,
  • Gulmira Tussupbekova,
  • Miquel Martorell,
  • Daniela Calina,
  • William C. Cho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01109-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 18

Abstract

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Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and involves an oxidative stress mechanism. The transcription factor Nrf2 has a crucial role in cytoprotective response against oxidative stress, including cancer growth and progression and therapy resistance. For this reason, inhibitors of Nrf2 are new targets to be studied. Traditional plant-based remedies rich in phytochemicals have been used against human cancers and phenolic compounds are known for their chemopreventive properties. This comprehensive review offers an updated review of the role of phenolic compounds as anticancer agents due to their action on Nrf2 inhibition. In addition, the role of naturally-occurring bioactive anticancer agents are covered in the clinical applications of polyphenols as Nrf2 inhibitors. Video Abstract

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