Mechanisms of action of plant polyphenols on the initiation of carcinogenesis

Abstract

Genetic apparatus of human cells is constantly affected by a broad spectrum of mutagenic factors, both exogenous and endogenous. Genetic and epigenetic disorders, which emerge as a result of this influence, become the main cause of the majority of malignant neoplasias. Several different approaches were proposed to prevent these disorders, including the suppression of the activity of mutagenic factors by treatment with certain chemical compounds. Plant polyphenols are promising candidates for the development of chemopreventive drugs, as they exert the ability to regulate the metabolic activation of procarcinogens and modulate the cellular oxidative stress. In the present review, classification of plant phenolic compounds and their interactions with biological macromolecules are described, along with the molecular mechanisms of their influence on the enzymes and regulatory pathways of phase I xenobiotic metabolism, and the prevention of oxidative stress. Interactions between natural polyphenols and patient’s microbiota is also described.