Abstract
Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic alterations are the initiators of head and neck cancer carcinogenesis. Currently, several drugs are being developed to correct these epigenetic alterations, known as epidrugs. Some compounds with an antioxidant effect have been shown to be effective in preventing these malignant lesions and in minimizing the complications derived from cytotoxic treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show a promising role in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is the case of supplements with DNA methylation inhibitory function (DNMTi), such as epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, and folic acid; histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), such as sodium butyrate and melatonin or histone acetyltransferase inhibitors (HATi), such as curcumin. The objective of this review is to describe the role of some antioxidants and their epigenetic mechanism of action, with special emphasis on melatonin and butyric acid given their organic production, in the prevention and treatment of HNSCC.
Highlights
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which include the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx tumors, are a prevalent group of solid tumors, according to Global Cancer Observatory, there are 834,860 new cases and 431,131 deaths each year worldwide [1]
The objective of this review is to describe the role of some antioxidants and their epigenetic mechanism of action, with special emphasis on melatonin and butyric acid given their organic production, in the prevention and treatment of HNSCC
Besides its antioxidant effects and the multiple mechanisms that MT induces for fighting against cancer and its metastasis, as we will see later, of high interest is the fact that MT exhibits a high ability to transform cancers resistant to chemo- or radiotherapy to a therapy-sensitive condition, perhaps by synchronizing or desynchronizing clock rhythms in cancer cells, changing metabolic rhythms in these tumoral cells leading them to change their response to external stimuli and drugs [65]
Summary
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which include the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx tumors, are a prevalent group of solid tumors, according to Global Cancer Observatory, there are 834,860 new cases and 431,131 deaths each year worldwide [1]. Due to the appearance of this novel therapy and the absence of few reports in this regard, in this review, we will analyze the antineoplastic potential of some antioxidants, which can act epigenetically, in the regulation of these tumors growth, putting a special focus on melatonin and butyric acid since they are produced by the body itself, and they play a very important role in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of many different types of cancer and many other diseases Their beneficial effects are explained leastwise by their antioxidant effects [11], their properties include epigenetic modulation, antiproliferative effects (both preventive and therapeutic), or, as in the case of melatonin and other compounds, chemo- and radioprotective actions [12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
