Epigenetics/epigenomics of triterpenoids in cancer prevention and in health

Abstract

Triterpenoids are a powerful group of phytochemicals derived from plant foods and herbs. Many reports have shown that they possess chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects not only in cell lines and animal models but also in clinical trials. Because epigenetic changes could potentially occur in the early stages of carcinogenesis preceding genetic mutations, epigenetics are considered promising targets in early interventions against cancer using epigenetic bioactive substances. The biological properties of triterpenoids in cancer prevention and in health have multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, cell cycle regulation, as well as epigenetic/epigenomic regulation. In this review, we will discuss and summarize the latest advances in the study of the pharmacological effects of triterpenoids in cancer chemoprevention and in health, including the epigenetic machinery.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemoprevention; Epigenetics; Phytochemicals; Triterpenoids.

Figure 1

The major cancer prevention pathways of triterpenoids involved in cell proliferation and migration, oxidative stress balance, inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and angiogenesis are represented in these signaling pathways. In each cancer model, the mechanism reported in the literatures are depicted by solid lines. The pathways and interactions determined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) are depicted by dash lines as potential pathways to be investigated in future research. The epigenetic regulators and mechanisms are highlighted in blue.