Pro-apoptotic properties of chemopreventive agents

Abstract

Natural chemopreventive agents have long been validated to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Extensive research is being conducted to elucidate the molecular pathways activated by natural agents and cause cellular death. They can act by directly suppressing molecules that inhibit apoptosis, activating pro-apoptotic proteins or by inhibiting pathways that promote survival. Understanding the mode of action of these natural compounds is of great value as this can lead to the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies. The use of natural agents as leads to develop chemotherapeutic drugs is preferred because of diminished side effects. This chapter focuses on natural compounds that have been established, by numerous studies, to be effective as anti-cancer agents. We describe the major apoptotic mechanisms of action of selected natural chemopreventive agents, including vitamin E, curcumin EGCG, quercetin, resveratrol and genistein. We also investigate the effects of these compounds in combination with natural or synthetic drugs. Finally, we take a detailed look at the efforts being made to incorporate these agents in nanoparticle formulations.