Immunomodulation and Anti-inflammatory Roles of Polyphenols as Anticancer Agents

Abstract

Cancers are the largest cause of mortality and morbidity in industrialized countries. Several new concepts have emerged in relation to mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of carcinogenesis processes and associated inflammatory effects such as the modulation of innate immune cells and adaptive immune cells that could infiltrate the tumor. In the tumor microenvironment, there is a delicate balance between antitumor immunity and tumor-originated proinflammatory activity, which weaken antitumor immunity. Consequently; modulation of immune cells and inflammatory processes represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention in malignant diseases with the goal to restore the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapies and to overcome resistance to current cytotoxic therapies. Numerous studies have reported interesting properties of dietary polyphenols in anticancer strategies notably by their pleiotropic properties on cancer cells, immune cells and inflammation. This review is dedicated to the current knowledge of the mechanisms of polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, genistein and epigallocatechin) against cancers through a modulation of the immune system and the pro-inflammatory mediator production. We describe the effects of polyphenols on the adaptative and innate immune cells that could infiltrate the tumor. Reduction of chronic inflammation or its downstream consequences may represent a key mechanism in the fight of cancer development and polyphenols could reduce various pro-inflammatory substance productions through targeting signal transduction or through antioxidant effects. Lastly, we analyze key molecular links between inflammation and tumor progression through nuclear factors such as NFκB or microRNAs.

Biological evaluation of ferulic acid as potent immunomodulator: An in vitro study

“…Neutrophil locomotion and chemotaxis is course of action for chemoattarction. [20] In this procedure, ferulic acid was examined for chemo-attractant potential and mean number of neutrophils attracted per field was noted against positive control-casein. Ferulic acid caused increase in number of neutrophils attraction per field.…”

“…A total of 0.1 ml of PBS solution (control) and 0.1 ml of endotoxin-activated plasma (standard) were added to first and second tubes, respectively, and to the other tubes were added 0.1 ml of different concentrations (10,20,40,100 and 1000 µg/ml) of ferulic acid. A total of 0.2 ml of freshly prepared 0.15% nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) solution was added to each tube and incubated at 37°C for 20 min.…”

“…[16,17] Plant polyphenols are known for immunomodulatory potential. [18][19][20] The current work was proposed to determine in vitro immunomodulatory effects of ferulic acid.…”

MicroRNAs Involved in Anti-Tumour Immunity

“…The modulation of immune cells targeted for therapeutic intervention in malignant diseases may restore the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapies. miRNAs should be analysed with nuclear factors, such as NF-κB, that serve as molecular links between inflammation and tumour progression [96]. …”

Melatonin and Immune Function: Clinical Significance

“…Numerous studies have reported curative properties of dietary polyphenols such as curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin in cancer [ 64 ]. Micronutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin E have been shown to have immunoenhancing properties.…”