The Anti-Cancer Effect of Polyphenols against Breast Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells: Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract

The high incidence of breast cancer in developed and developing countries, and its correlation to cancer-related deaths, has prompted concerned scientists to discover novel alternatives to deal with this challenge. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of polyphenol structures and classifications, as well as on the carcinogenic process. The biology of breast cancer cells will also be discussed. The molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer activities of numerous polyphenols, against a wide range of breast cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo, will be explained in detail. The interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in the anti-cancer activity of polyphenols will also be highlighted. In addition, the potential of polyphenols to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) via various mechanisms will be explained. Recently, the use of natural products as chemotherapeutics and chemopreventive drugs to overcome the side effects and resistance that arise from using chemical-based agents has garnered the attention of the scientific community. Polyphenol research is considered a promising field in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Effects of gamma-irradiated soybean pod extract on oxidative stress, cancer cell viability, and tyrosinase inhibition

“…Some antioxidants such as polyphenols exhibit anti‐carcinogenic activities (Abdal Dayem et al, ), including inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and apoptosis, by regulating multiple targets, including antioxidant pathways (Niedzwiecki, Roomi, Kalinovsky, & Rath, ). For example, resveratrol protects against DNA damage in mammary tissues, inhibiting carcinogenesis via the induction of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2‐mediated antioxidative pathways (Singh et al, ).…”

“…For example, resveratrol protects against DNA damage in mammary tissues, inhibiting carcinogenesis via the induction of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2‐mediated antioxidative pathways (Singh et al, ). In addition, a member of a subclass of isoflavonoids, biochanin A, up‐regulates antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase, which protect cells from oxidative stress as well as glandular cancer (Abdal Dayem et al, ; Mishra, Kale, & Kar, ). Therefore, the strong antioxidant activity of gamma‐irradiated SPE attributable to the increased polyphenol content may have affected its anti‐cancer efficacy.…”

Malus baccata var. gracilis and Malus toringoides Bark Polyphenol Studies and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

“…M. baccata and M. toringoides could be considered as a new source of phenolic acids, including protocatechuic acid with anticancer, antibacterial antifungal, and antioxidant-promising effects.They are widely used for the control of neurodegenerative diseases [1], cancers [2][3][4][5], inflammation cardiovascular health [6,7], type 2 diabetes [8], obesity [9], insect control [10], antibacterial agents [11,12], antioxidants [13], food processing, and the production of functional foods [14]. Polyphenols are abundant in plants, and specific phenols have strong anticancer activities [15]. Recent trends indicate that a balanced lifestyle with a polyphenol-rich diet can control cancers such as prostate cancer, and prevent the future occurrence of the disease [16].…”

Commentary on “Association of mir12475p Expression with Clinicopathological Parameters and Prognosis in Breast Cancer”

“…Although great advances have been made in clinical treatments, satisfactory outcomes have not always been achieved [3]. Thus prevention and treatment of breast cancer still remains a concern and challenge for oncologists throughout the world [4,5]. Early detection is one of the most important methods which might improve the survival of breast cancer patients, so it remains significant to find new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis estimation of breast cancer.…”