Molecular Mechanisms and Bioavailability of Polyphenols in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men over the age of 50. Several lines of evidence support the observation that polyphenols have preventive and therapeutic effects in prostate cancer. Moreover, prostate cancer is ideal for chemoprevention due to its long latency. We propose here an equilibrated lifestyle with a diet rich in polyphenols as prophylactic attempts to slow down the progression of localized prostate cancer or prevent the occurrence of the disease. In this review, we will first summarize the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols in prostate cancer with a focus on the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects, androgen receptors (AR), key molecules involved in AR signaling and their transactivation pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, genetic aspects, and epigenetic mechanisms. The relevance of the molecular mechanisms is discussed in light of current bioavailability data regarding the activity of polyphenols in prostate cancer. We also highlight strategies for improving the bioavailability of polyphenols. We hope that this review will lead to further research regarding the bioavailability and the role of polyphenols in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

Flavonoids as Epigenetic Modulators for Prostate Cancer Prevention

“…Flavonoid action is mediated by inhibition of the enzymes involved in ROS generation (such as glutathione S transferase, mitochondrial succinoxidase, NADH oxidase), or by an increase of anti-oxidant and detoxifying enzymes levels (such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase) [25,57]. Reduction of ROS mediated by flavonoids is demonstrated in different PCa cell lines [58,59].…”

“…In fact, androgen deprivation is the first therapeutic approach for PCa, generally leading to a first positive response of patients, until they later become "androgen refractory". Flavonoids exert anti-androgenic effects through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibition of transactivators of androgen receptors, inhibition of the androgen receptor activity, or even by direct competition, mainly due to the structural similarity between these natural compounds and natural hormones [57]. [74,75].…”

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

“…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]. Polyphenols act on tumors by different mechanisms, including the induction of detoxification enzymes and the activation of the antioxidant mechanism, antiproliferation, apoptosis through cell-cycle arrest, and molecular regulation of genes associated with cancer [2,[17][18][19][20].…”

Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin on Androgen-Dependent and Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

“…There are numerous pre-clinical and animal studies which conclude that curcumin as a potent anti-tumour agent, for its effectiveness in regulating several biological pathways which are implicated in tumorigenesis [52]. Curcumin interferes cancer growth by targeting a different multistep molecular tumorigenesis including tumour initiation and progression phase in a wide range of tumour cells [53,54]. Therefore, it possesses chemopreventive effects by reverse, suppress, prevent carcinogenesis and cancer progression.…”