Flavonoids acting on DNA topoisomerases: recent advances and future perspectives in cancer therapy

Curr Med Chem. 2012;19(31):5287-93. doi: 10.2174/092986712803833272.

Abstract

Flavonoids, secondary metabolites ubiquitously produced in the plant kingdom, are low molecular weight polyphenolic molecules. They are characterized by variable chemical structures and show a vast array of biological activities (i.e... antiviral, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, estrogenic, antiestrogenic, antioxidant, mutagenic and antimutagenic) targeting different pathways. Some of these compounds such as Genistein, Daidzein or its synthetic derivative Phenoxodiol as well as Luteolin and Quercetin are able to inhibit DNA topoisomerases. This review discusses that Flavonoids targeting DNA topoisomerases may lead to novel drug development with anticancer potential.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA Topoisomerases / chemistry
  • DNA Topoisomerases / metabolism*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / chemistry
  • Isoflavones / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / enzymology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Isoflavones
  • phenoxodiol
  • DNA Topoisomerases