Natural Extracts Target NF-κB and Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

Two critical components integral to carcinogenesis are nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). NF-κB performs various functions such as preventing apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis for tumor progression. These functions also appear to be regulated by ROS. However, dysregulation of ROS also affects tumor growth by modulating cell death, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. In addition to tumorigenesis, both NF-κB and ROS cause the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and drug-induced toxicities. Enhancement of NF-κB signaling promotes chemoresistance, while a decrease in ROS is responsible for chemoresistance. However, drug-induced toxicity is due to the increment of both NF-κB and ROS. To overcome both chemoresistance and drug-induced toxicity, studies are carried out to determine the effectiveness of natural extracts in these conditions. Natural extracts provided the advantage of being specific in their action as they affect tumor cells mostly. There is a need to carry out clinical trials to determine the optimum dose as well as any side effects associated with the use of natural extracts. Finally, more studies need to be carried out to see the interactions between NF-κB and ROS in both cases. This will uncover more target molecules for the action of drugs.KeywordsCancerNF-kBReactive oxygen speciesTherapy resistanceToxicityNatural extractsChemotherapeutic drugs