Recent progress on biocompatible nanocarrier-based genistein delivery systems in cancer therapy

Abstract

Diets with naturally occuring chemopreventive agents are showing good potentials in serving dual purposes: firstly, for maintaining health, and secondly, for emerging as most puissant cost-effective strategy against chronic diseases like cancer. Genistein, one of the active soy isoflavone, is gaining attention due to its ability to impede carcinogenic processes by regulating wide range of associated molecules and signalling mechanisms. Epidemiologic and preclinical evidences suggest that sufficient consumption of soy-based food having genistein can be correlated to the reduction of cancer risk. However, certain adverse effects like poor oral bioavailability, low aqueous solubility and inefficient pharmacokinetics have pushed it down in the list of phytoconstituents currently undergoing successful clinical trials. In order to maximise the utilisation of therapeutic benefits of this phytoestrogen, suitable drug carrier designs are required. Recently, nanocarriers, mainly composed of polymeric materials, are progressively and innovatively exploited with the aim to improve pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of genistein. Here, we have briefly reviewed (a) the targeted molecular mechanisms of geinstein, (b) nanopolymeric approaches opted so far in designing carriers and (c) the reasons behind their restricted clinical applications. Finally, some mechanism-based approaches are proposed presenting genistein as the future paradigm in cancer therapy.

Current Perspectives of the Applications of Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Cancer Therapy

“…Genistein was for the first time isolated in 1899. However, it was not until the end of the last century that researchers started to explore its potential beneficial effects on human health and its possible applications as a medical compound in a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis prevention, diabetes, and some types of cancers [ 133 ]. It has been proven that genistein is involved in the regulation of different genes that are associated with the onset of cancers by various mechanisms [ 134 ].…”

Molecular Targets of Genistein and Its Related Flavonoids to Exert Anticancer Effects

“…To overcome these hurdles for its therapeutic usage, new contrivance has been tried. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems and synthesis of genistein analogues have been investigated [104,146,147]. When genistein is carried by nano-polymeric materials, its solubility and bioavailability were improved, which affects to the organ distribution and their therapeutic efficacy [146].…”

Chloroquine drug and Graphene complex for treatment of COVID-19

“…To increase the effectiveness of chloroquine and to increase special cellular uptake and reduce nonspecific gathering in the vivo tissues, the design of drug delivery systems for chloroquine drug is required. The drug delivery systems can control the drug release in vivo and increase performance encapsulation and absorption 26,27 . Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems have π − π stacking interactions or covalent crosslinking with drug molecules due to their small size [28][29][30][31] .…”