Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
Genistein in focus: pharmacological effects and immune pathway modulation in cancer
Pouya Goleij
1, 2, 3
,
Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari
4, 5
,
Mohanna Khandan
4, 5
,
Mohadeseh Poudineh
6
,
Aryan Rezaee
7
,
Sarvin Sadreddini
8
,
Pantea Majma Sanaye
9
,
Haroon Khan
10, 11
,
Danaé S Larsen
12
,
Maria Daglia
13, 14
2
Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sana Institute of Higher Education, Sari, Iran
|
6
7
Medical Doctor, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
Publication type: Journal Article
Publication date: 2024-11-27
scimago Q2
wos Q2
SJR: 0.735
CiteScore: 6.2
Impact factor: 3.1
ISSN: 00281298, 14321912
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern, responsible for mortality and morbidity of individuals. It is characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth, tumor formation, and potential metastasis. The immune system is pivotal in recognizing and eliminating cancerous cells, with immune cells such as T cells, B cells, natural killer cells (NK), and dendritic cells playing critical roles. Dysregulation of immune responses can contribute to cancer progression. Phytochemicals, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have gained attention for their potential roles in cancer prevention and therapy due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Genistein, an isoflavone found in soy products, is of particular interest. In this study, genistein’s mechanisms of action at the molecular and cellular levels in cancer were demonstrated, highlighting its impact on T and B lymphocytes, NK cells and dendritic cells. Genistein’s ability to influence cytokine production, reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, is emphasized. Genistein modulates inflammatory response pathways like Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NF-κB, chemokines, and MAPK, inhibiting tumor growth, promoting apoptosis, and reducing metastasis. It shows promise in overcoming chemoresistance, particularly in ovarian and neuroblastoma cancers, by inhibiting autophagy. Genistein also affects T-cell execution markers, including granzyme B, TNF-α, and FAS ligand in cancer by influencing key proteins involved in immune response and apoptosis. Clinical trials have investigated genistein’s therapeutic potential, revealing its promise in enhancing the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments while mitigating associated toxicities. Genistein helps overcome chemoresistance in various cancers by inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis. It also enhances immunotherapy by boosting immune responses and modifying antigens, but careful dosing is needed when combined with anti-PD-1 treatments to avoid reducing effectiveness.
Found
Are you a researcher?
Create a profile to get free access to personal recommendations for colleagues and new articles.