The Hallmarks of Flavonoids in Cancer

Author(s)

Ponte, Luis Gustavo Saboia ^[1] ; Pavan, Isadora Carolina Betim ^{[1, 2]} ; Mancini, Mariana Camargo Silva ^[1] ; da Silva, Luiz Guilherme Salvino ^[1] ; Morelli, Ana Paula ^[1] ; Severino, Matheus Brandemarte ^[1] ; Bezerra, Rosangela Maria Neves ^[1] ; Simabuco, Fernando Moreira ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Appl Sci FCA, Multidisciplinary Lab Food & Hlth LabMAS, BR-13484350 Limeira, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Pharmaceut Sci FCF, Lab Signal Mech LMS, BR-13083871 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Molecules; v. 26, n. 7 APR 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Flavonoids represent an important group of bioactive compounds derived from plant-based foods and beverages with known biological activity in cells. From the modulation of inflammation to the inhibition of cell proliferation, flavonoids have been described as important therapeutic adjuvants against several diseases, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological disorders, and cancer. Cancer is a complex and multifactor disease that has been studied for years however, its prevention is still one of the best known and efficient factors impacting the epidemiology of the disease. In the molecular and cellular context, some of the mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and the progression of the disease are understood, known as the hallmarks of cancer. In this text, we review important molecular signaling pathways, including inflammation, immunity, redox metabolism, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and cell cycle, and analyze the known mechanisms of action of flavonoids in cancer. The current literature provides enough evidence supporting that flavonoids may be important adjuvants in cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of healthy and balanced diets to prevent the onset and progression of the disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/08391-2 - Functional and molecular studies of the human protein kinase Nek6 as a target candidate for drug design in Prostate Cancer
• Grantee: Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/00607-9 - Characterization of molecular targets involved in chemotherapeutic resistance and tumor metabolism of lung cancer cells
• Grantee: Ana Paula Morelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 19/25582-9 - Study of the role of Nrf2 protein in metabolism regulation and redox control in response to natural food-derived compounds in Prostate Cancer cells
• Grantee: Mariana Camargo Silva Mancini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 18/14818-9 - Study of molecular targets important for the control of cancer metabolism: the mTOR/S6K pathway as a central role
• Grantee: Fernando Moreira Simabuco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2