Phenolic compounds, saponins and alkaloids on cancer progression: emphasis on p53 expression and telomere length

Abstract

Telomere length is correlated with cell proliferation, and cancer cells are characterized by an uncontrolled cell cycle. Being apoptosis one of the checks and balances incorporated into cells cycle, due to its characteristics, cancer cells are able to overcome this process. In particular, the tumour suppressor protein p53 loss or inactivation can lead to activation of telomerase enzyme, which can make cells unable to detect DNA damages that spurs apoptosis. Some bioactive compounds, in particular phenolic compounds, saponins and alkaloids have revealed good abilities to affect p53 expression and indirectly control the telomere length. In this sense, this review gives a key emphasis to the ability of these compounds in blocking cancer progression by acting on p53 expression and controlling telomere length. As main findings, phenolic compounds, saponins and alkaloids interfere with cancer progression by stimulating p53 expression, which can cause pro-apoptotic onset and restrict the anti-apoptotic activity, in addition to preventing telomerase enzyme activity.

The Interactions of DNA Repair, Telomere Homeostasis, and p53 Mutational Status in Solid Cancers: Risk, Prognosis, and Prediction

“…The main concept of the report was that phenolic compounds, saponins, and alkaloids presumably interfere with cancer progression by stimulating p53 expression with subsequent pro-apoptotic onset. Additionally, the anti-apoptotic activity was suppressed and telomerase activity was protected [ 95 ]. In our recent study, we demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum (GLC) extract induced oxidative DNA damage selectively in CRC cell lines (HCT116, HT29, and HCT116 p53-/- ), whereas it protected non-malignant cells from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.…”

Clinical significance for diagnosis and prognosis of POP1 and its potential role in breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on multiple databases

“…Cell cycle disorder is one of the characteristics of cancer, which can result in unbounded cell proliferation and cancer development [37,38]. The disorder of cell proliferation and metastasis is an important reason for the occurrence and development of tumors [39].…”

“…Cell cycle disorder is one of the characteristics of cancer, which can result in unbounded cell proliferation and cancer development [ 37 , 38 ]. The disorder of cell proliferation and metastasis is an important reason for the occurrence and development of tumors [ 39 ]. Overall, the GSEA analysis demonstrated the preceding speculation that the POP1 overexpression appeared to be more likely associated with the enhancement of BC cell growth and metastasis.…”

Knowledge and Awareness about Food Carcinogens among Dental Students

“…About 41.08% of students were aware that pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in various edible plants have been shown to be mutagenic in Salmonella strains and carcinogenic in rodents. Petasitenine and senkirkine are responsible for the carcinogenicity of two kinds of coltsfoot, P.japonicus Maxim and T.farfara L., respectively, inducing liver tumors in rats [31]. The commonly eaten cultivated mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, contains a hydrazine compound, agaritine (β-N-[γ-L(+)-glutamyl]-4-hydroxymethyl phenyl hydrazine), and its decomposition products.…”