Effects of Flavonoids on Cancer, Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Flavonoids are polyphenolic phytochemical compounds found in many plants, fruits, vegetables, and leaves. They have a multitude of medicinal applications due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic properties. Furthermore, they also have neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. Their biological properties depend on the chemical structure of flavonoids, their mechanism of action, and their bioavailability. The beneficial effects of flavonoids have been proven for a variety of diseases. In the last few years, it is demonstrated that the effects of flavonoids are mediated by inhibiting the NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-κB) pathway. In this review, we have summarized the effects of some flavonoids on the most common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and human neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we collected all recent studies describing the protective and prevention role of flavonoids derived from plants by specifically focusing their action on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Maternal Obesity and Kawasaki Disease-like Vasculitis: A New Perspective on Cardiovascular Injury and Inflammatory Response in Offspring Male Mice

“…Based on the study of serology and molecular biology, increased activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway were found in OB-CAWS mice compared with those in other groups. Proteins in the NF-κB family affect several pivotal physiological processes, including inflammation, proliferation, and cell death [35,36]. As a key mediator in the inflammatory response, activated NF-κB family member protein phosphor-p65 promotes the transcription of hundreds of downstream genes, many of which are pro-inflammatory [37,38].…”

Inflammaging, immunosenescence, and cardiovascular aging: insights into long COVID implications

“…Therefore, unraveling the reciprocal relationship between immunosenescence and inflammaging provides critical insights into potential therapeutic targets. Strategies aimed at breaking this self-reinforcing cycle may involve interventions to rejuvenate the immune function (70)(71)(72)(73)(74)(75)(76)(77)(78), modulate chronic inflammation (79-83), or disrupt specific molecular pathways (80,84,85) that contribute to the reciprocal amplification. Examples of interventions to rejuvenate immune function include caloric restriction, exercise, pharmacological agents like rapamycin, and potential therapies such as thymic rejuvenation and adoptive transfer of young immune cells (76,82,86).…”

Polyphenols in Plants: Structure, Biosynthesis, Abiotic Stress Regulation, and Practical Applications (Review)

“…This is precisely why pharmacologists and other experts show significant interest in studying plants as potential "sources" of phenolic phytonutrients with diverse biological activities (Table 1). Antimicrobial, antiviral, antiatherosclerotic, capillary-strengthening, and anticancer effects are characteristic both of plant extracts and specific natural PC representatives [124,125,136]. According to preclinical and clinical research, the prolonged consumption of a diet rich in PCs (such as quercetin, resveratrol, gallic acid, and caffeic acid) reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis and also provides protection against certain types of allergies while slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease [4,127].…”