Colorectal Carcinogenesis: Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants

Abstract

One of the contributory causes of colon cancer is the negative effect of reactive oxygen species on DNA repair mechanisms. Currently, there is a growing support for the concept that oxidative stress may be an important etiological factor for carcinogenesis. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in promoting colorectal carcinogenesis and to highlight the potential protective role of antioxidants. Several studies have documented the importance of antioxidants in countering oxidative stress and preventing colorectal carcinogenesis. However, there are conflicting data in the literature concerning its proper use in humans, since these studies did not yield definitive results and were performed mostly in vitro on cell populations, or in vivo in experimental animal models.

Interferon-γ and Colorectal Cancer: an up-to date

“…Over the past decade a slight decline has been observed in colorectal cancer (CRC), however; it still remains the third most common cancer among cancer patients worldwide. It has been observed that CRC is associated with old age, lifestyle factors and in some cases due to underlying genetic disorders 1 . The well-known risk factors include obesity, diet, lack of physical activity and smoking 1 .…”

“…It has been observed that CRC is associated with old age, lifestyle factors and in some cases due to underlying genetic disorders 1 . The well-known risk factors include obesity, diet, lack of physical activity and smoking 1 . Moreover; there are several dietary factors that have been identified to increase the risk of CRC such as; red and processed meat, and alcohol.…”

“…Other risk factors identified are inflammatory bowel diseases, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. There are also on the other hand inherited genetic disorders that have been identified to cause CRC and these include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; < 5% of the CRC cases 1 . Usually a benign tumor, a polyp, occurs and which over time becomes cancerous 1 .…”

“…There are also on the other hand inherited genetic disorders that have been identified to cause CRC and these include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; < 5% of the CRC cases 1 . Usually a benign tumor, a polyp, occurs and which over time becomes cancerous 1 . It may be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the colon during sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.…”

A Mini-Review of Reactive Oxygen Species in Urological Cancer: Correlation with NADPH Oxidases, Angiogenesis, and Apoptosis

“…There is a general agreement that oxidative stress is closely associated with various complex physiological and pathological mechanisms [ 3 , 4 ]. In addition, there is growing support for the concept that oxidative stress plays important roles in carcinogenesis, malignant behavior, and prognosis, in various types of cancer [ 4 , 5 ]. Thus, understanding the pathological roles and regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress in malignant cells and tissues is essential to discuss the observations and treatment strategies in patients with malignancies.…”