Reyhane Hoshyar1,2, Homa Mollaei1,3. 1. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. 2. Department of Biochemistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. 3. Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Crocin is derived from dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It has long been used to prevent and treat various diseases. Although crocin is suggested as one of the most effective cancer therapeutic constituents of saffron stigma, its exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we reviewed anticancer effects of crocin and its underlying molecular mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS: While several mechanisms may account for the antitumour activity of crocin, alteration of expression/activity of the genes and also epigenetic changes may be considered as necessary phenomena. These alternations may lead to inhibition of cancer cells' proliferation or/and induction of apoptosis through various mechanism including inhibition of synthesis of DNA and RNA, interaction with cellular topoisomerase, suppression of the telomerase activity and active STAT3, and targeting of microtubules. Moreover, this carotenoid could reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibit metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing molecular mechanisms of antitumoral agents could guide us to choose the best chemotherapeutic compound especially for targeted therapy and also provide insights about possible side effects.
OBJECTIVES: Crocin is derived from dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). It has long been used to prevent and treat various diseases. Although crocin is suggested as one of the most effective cancer therapeutic constituents of saffron stigma, its exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we reviewed anticancer effects of crocin and its underlying molecular mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS: While several mechanisms may account for the antitumour activity of crocin, alteration of expression/activity of the genes and also epigenetic changes may be considered as necessary phenomena. These alternations may lead to inhibition of cancer cells' proliferation or/and induction of apoptosis through various mechanism including inhibition of synthesis of DNA and RNA, interaction with cellular topoisomerase, suppression of the telomerase activity and active STAT3, and targeting of microtubules. Moreover, this carotenoid could reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibit metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing molecular mechanisms of antitumoral agents could guide us to choose the best chemotherapeutic compound especially for targeted therapy and also provide insights about possible side effects.
Authors: Kiran Shahbaz; Dennis Chang; Xian Zhou; Mitchell Low; Sai Wang Seto; Chung Guang Li Journal: Front Pharmacol Date: 2022-08-05 Impact factor: 5.988
Authors: Kyriaki Hatziagapiou; Olti Nikola; Sofia Marka; Eleni Koniari; Eleni Kakouri; Maria-Eleftheria Zografaki; Sophie S Mavrikou; Charalabos Kanakis; Emmanouil Flemetakis; George P Chrousos; Spyridon Kintzios; George I Lambrou; Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein; Petros A Tarantilis Journal: Antioxidants (Basel) Date: 2022-05-28