Therapeutic Potential of Marine Peptides in Prostate Cancer: Mechanistic Insights

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and its treatment is commonly associated with severe adverse effects. Thus, new treatment modalities are required. In this context, natural compounds have been widely explored for their anti-PCa properties. Aquatic organisms contain numerous potential medications. Anticancer peptides are less toxic to normal cells and provide an efficacious treatment approach via multiple mechanisms, including altered cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, suppression of angiogenesis and microtubule balance disturbances. This review sheds light on marine peptides as efficacious and safe therapeutic agents for PCa.

Marine Natural Products with Activities against Prostate Cancer: Recent Discoveries

“…Using the search terms “prostate cancer” and “marine compounds” in PubMed, an increase in the number of publications on this topic in recent years is apparent ( Figure 3 ). Previous reviews on marine-derived compounds with activities against prostate cancer were focused on specific compound classes, such as active peptides [ 37 ], or were focused on molecules with activities on a range of cancers [ 38 , 39 ], or did not include most recent findings [ 40 ]. The aim of the current review is to summarise recent discoveries of marine compounds with activities against prostate cancer, reporting, when available, the active concentrations and mechanisms of action.…”

Investigating the Chemical Reactivity of Kahalalides: A Promising Source of Therapeutic Peptides from Marine Natural Products Using Conceptual Density Functional Theory

“…These trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing partial or complete responses to treatment and manageable side effects. [13][14][15][16][17] In addition to their anticancer properties, Kahalalides have also been investigated for their potential in other therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases and neurological disorders. For example, Kahalalide F has shown activity against the Zika virus and other flaviviruses, while Kahalalide A has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease.…”

“…In preclinical studies, Kahalalides have demonstrated significant anticancer activity against a broad range of tumor types, including breast, lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. In addition to their direct cytotoxic effects, these compounds have also been shown to have anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, further enhancing their potential as cancer therapeutics [13–17] . Several Kahalalide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including advanced solid tumors and multiple myeloma.…”

“…In addition to their direct cytotoxic effects, these compounds have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, further enhancing their potential as cancer therapeutics. [13][14][15][16][17] Several Kahalalide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including advanced solid tumors and multiple myeloma. These trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing partial or complete responses to treatment and manageable side effects.…”

“…Several Kahalalide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including advanced solid tumors and multiple myeloma. These trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing partial or complete responses to treatment and manageable side effects [13–17] . In addition to their anticancer properties, Kahalalides have also been investigated for their potential in other therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases and neurological disorders.…”