The Potential Protective Effects of Polyphenols in Asbestos-Mediated Inflammation and Carcinogenesis of Mesothelium

Abstract

Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a tumor of the serous membranes linked to exposure to asbestos. A chronic inflammatory response orchestrated by mesothelial cells contributes to the development and progression of MM. The evidence that: (a) multiple signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in MM cells; (b) asbestos mediated-chronic inflammation has a key role in MM carcinogenesis; (c) the deregulation of the immune system might favor the development of MM; and (d) a drug might have a better efficacy when injected into a serous cavity thus bypassing biotransformation and reaching an effective dose has prompted investigations to evaluate the effects of polyphenols for the therapy and prevention of MM. Dietary polyphenols are able to inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting multiple signaling pathways, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune response. The ability of polyphenols to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules by targeting signaling pathways or ROS might represent a key mechanism to prevent and/or to contrast the development of MM. In this review, we will report the current knowledge on the ability of polyphenols to modulate the immune system and production of mediators of inflammation, thus revealing an important tool in preventing and/or counteracting the growth of MM.

Malignant Mesothelioma and Delivery of Polyphenols

“…The disease develops through a multistep process resulting from chronic inflammation, DNA damage and dysregulation of the immune system. Benvenuto and colleagues from the University of Rome recently published an article of great public interest in the Nutrients Special Issue: Polyphenols for Cancer Treatment or Prevention, wherein they present current knowledge on the properties of polyphenols and protective effects against asbestos-mediated MM [2]. …”

“…Polyphenols are commonly found in edible plants, are known to improve the immune function, reduce chronic inflammation [2], modify aberrant intraperitoneal cytokine levels [3] and reduce growth of cancer cells [2]. Benvenuto et al list the various subclasses of polyphenols and their sources, and in addition, highlight the fact that a reduction in chronic inflammation may be the key to the prevention and/or stunted progression of MM [2].…”

“…Benvenuto et al list the various subclasses of polyphenols and their sources, and in addition, highlight the fact that a reduction in chronic inflammation may be the key to the prevention and/or stunted progression of MM [2]. …”

“…Interestingly, Benvenuto et al [2] provide a “profile” of up and down regulated cytokines for healthy subjects vs . asbestos exposed vs .…”

“…Problems with poor absorption, fast-metabolism and food preparation techniques, amongst others, remain to be solved. Importantly, Benvenuto et al [2] have summarised the relevant published literature and suggest administering polyphenols to the serous cavity, so as to avoid problems associated with bioavailability and to deliver a clinically relevant dose to the tumour site. The location of MM tumours makes intratumoral administration feasible.…”