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.
Highlights
In men, prostate cancer is the second most frequent malignancy of solid organs, after lung cancer [1]
Polyphenols act as chemopreventive agents in prostate cancer due to their antioxidant or pro-oxidant effects, modulation of androgen receptors or their transactivation of signaling pathways (PI3K, Akt, ERK1/2, forkhead box class O (FoxO), GSK-3β, RTK, etc)
They induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Summary
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent malignancy of solid organs, after lung cancer [1]. Side effects of radiation therapy in prostate cancer are associated with both acute effects, such as urinary incontinence and fatigue and later toxicities, such as sexual dysfunction, rectal bleeding, or risk of secondary malignancies in the bladder, colon, or rectum [25] Another challenge in prostate cancer is related to a small population of cells that are able to maintain malignancy and to facilitate spreading of metastatic cells. Native polyphenol is used in cell culture studies, while polyphenols probably act as their metabolites and not as pure compounds in the human body [52] To address these issues, our paper will highlight the molecular mechanisms of action and bioavailability of polyphenols in prostate cancer.
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