Metabolic regulation and redox activity as mechanisms for angioprevention by dietary phytochemicals

Abstract

The existence of active principles in numerous foods and beverages has been recognized by traditional medicines worldwide after centuries of empirical trial. Epidemiological studies support the concepts linking diet to survival, particularly in the incidence rates of specific cancers. Molecular studies have provided evidence that a wide range of food-derived phytochemicals and other dietassociated compounds or their synthetic derivatives represent a cornucopia of potential new compounds for prevention and treatment of chronic or acute diseases. Many have entered clinical practice or are under clinical testing. A remarkable property shared by several phytochemicals is the capacity to restrain inflammation and angiogenesis, two complex physiologic processes kept under control by strict rules, which can backfire in cancer and in pathologic conditions such as metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. We termed this concept ''angioprevention''. Here, we discuss recent findings on the metabolic effects of several phytochemicals with anticancer properties. The different molecular targets shared by these compounds seem to converge on crosstalking signaling networks involved in controlling energy metabolism through a redox-regulated code. The redox imbalance produced in the tissue microenvironment elicits an adaptive response that seems to provide cytoprotective effects potentially beneficial in cardiovascular and neurological disorders or energy balancing effects in metabolic disorders. However, in transformed and overt tumor cells, this redox imbalance favors cell death while curbing tumor inflammation and angiogenesis, thus engaging an overall antitumor response. These concepts provide a broader framework for pharmacological application of phytochemical-derived drugs against cancer. ' UICCKey words: chemoprevention; cancer; angiogenesis; inflammation; redox; angioprevention; oxidative stress; aging; longevity The term ''chemoprevention'' was proposed by Sporn 1 more than 30 years ago to describe pharmacologic or dietary interventions that would interfere with the carcinogenic process, resulting in decreased cancer risk, a ''descendent'' of the cancer chemoprophylaxis concept. The scope of dietary cancer prophylaxis is not only to avoid cancer but also to transform overt cancer into a chronic disease. After evidence from empirical traditional medicine and decades of preclinical testing, we are now witnessing clinical application of several dietary phytochemicals in experimental trials of chemoprevention and intervention for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. About 30 NIH-registered clinical trials are ongoing to test the efficacy of curcumin, a principle contained in turmeric, the yellow component of curry from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., used as an antiinflammatory agent for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. Ten clinical trials are active for the polyphenol found in red grapes, resveratrol, and nearly 30 studies are using green tea extracts or the active flavonoid component epigalloca...

Quantitative analysis of phenolic components and glycoalkaloids from 20 potato clones and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant, cholesterol uptake, and neuroprotective activities

“…Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world following wheat and rice to provide essential nutrients, mainly carbohydrate. As food and life style choices have been increasingly recognised as useful approaches in prevention or delaying the onset of chronic diseases, more and more research and commercial development are focused on food phytochemicals such as polyphenolics and carotenoids (Hu, 2003;Hunter, Skinner, & Lister, 2008;Maiani et al, 2009;Minich & Bland, 2008;Rao, 2003;Spencer, 2008;Stevenson & Hurst, 2007;Thomasset et al, 2007;Tosetti, Noonan, & Albini, 2009;Voutilainen, Nurmi, Mursu, & Rissanen, 2006). Potato is a good source of polyphenolics and carotenoids, particularly the pigmented or coloured varieties (Brown, 2005;Camire, Kubow, & Donnelly, 2009;Lachman & Hamouz, 2005;Tsao, 2009).…”

The beneficial effects on blood pressure, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress of Sambucus nigra extract associated with renin inhibitors

“…Phytochemicals like curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate and isothiocyanates share common properties and play an important role to activate the phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione-peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase by targeting the common transcription factor Nrf2 [nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2) related factor] (Liby et al 2007;Tosetti et al 2009). …”

Promising role of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L) phytochemical components against neurotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate

“…Also, carob constituents ferulic acid improved AD through reduction of amyloid beta (Abeta) and AChE levels in the hippocampus related to development of cognition induced by glutamate [100].…”