Progress on the functions and mechanisms of natural products in anti-glioma therapy.

in Chinese journal of natural medicines by Yanting Li, Shuhui Qu, Jiayi Zuo, Haoping Long, Feng Cao, Feng Jiang

TLDR

  • The review summarizes the research progress of natural products in treating glioma, highlighting their anti-glioma activities and mechanisms of action.
  • The review emphasizes the importance of targeted drug delivery systems in enhancing drug efficacy and overcoming the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract

Glioma, the most prevalent primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), is also the most lethal primary malignant tumor. Currently, there are limited chemotherapeutics available for glioma treatment, necessitating further research to identify and develop new chemotherapeutic agents. A significant approach to discovering anti-glioma drugs involves isolating antitumor active ingredients from natural products (NPs) and optimizing their structures. Additionally, targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) are employed to enhance drug solubility and stability and overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB). TDDSs can penetrate deep into the brain, increase drug concentration and retention time in the CNS, and improve the targeting efficiency of NPs, thereby reducing adverse effects and enhancing anti-glioma efficacy. This paper reviews the research progress of anti-glioma activities of NPs, including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, quinones, and their synthetic derivatives over the past decade. The review also summarizes anti-glioma mechanisms, such as suppression of related protein expression, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, control of apoptosis signaling pathways, reduction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression, blocking of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and reversal of immunosuppression. Furthermore, the functions and advantages of NP-based TDDSs in anti-glioma therapy are examined. The key information presented in this review will be valuable for the research and development of NP-based anti-glioma drugs and related TDDSs.

Overview

  • The study reviews the research progress of natural products (NPs) in treating glioma over the past decade, focusing on alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, quinones, and their synthetic derivatives.
  • The study aims to identify and develop new chemotherapeutic agents for glioma treatment, as current options are limited and efficacious treatment options are needed.
  • The study explores the mechanisms of NP-based anti-glioma activity, including suppression of protein expression, regulation of reactive oxygen species, control of apoptosis signaling pathways, and more.

Comparative Analysis & Findings

  • The review highlights the anti-glioma activities of different NP classes, including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and quinones, as well as their synthetic derivatives.
  • The study identifies the key mechanisms of NP-based anti-glioma activity, including suppression of protein expression, regulation of reactive oxygen species, control of apoptosis signaling pathways, and more.
  • The review emphasizes the importance of targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) in enhancing drug solubility, stability, and targeting efficiency, as well as overcoming the blood-brain barrier.

Implications and Future Directions

  • The review highlights the potential of NP-based anti-glioma drugs and TDDSs in improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects.
  • Future research directions include optimizing NP structures and combining NP-based therapies with other treatments for enhanced efficacy.
  • Additional research is needed to address the limitations of NP-based anti-glioma therapies, including limited bioavailability and potential toxicity.
Read Full Article