ANTICANCER MECHANISMS OF CUCURBITACINS AND CAROTENOIDS: MODULATION OF JAK/STAT, NF-κB, AND p53 SIGNALING PATHWAYS
Keywords:
Cucurbitacins, carotenoids, STAT3/STAT5, JAK/STAT pathway, NF-κB, p53 signaling pathway, antiproliferative activity, apoptotic mechanisms, antiangiogenic activity, oxidative stress, cancer therapy, phytochemical modulation.Abstract
This article analyzes, at the molecular level, the multivalent anticancer mechanisms of cucurbitacins and carotenoids against cancer cells. Cucurbitacins, belonging to the class of natural triterpenoids, exhibit antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activity by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3/STAT5 signaling pathways, blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators. Carotenoids, on the other hand, enhance apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress, limiting DNA oxidation processes, and activating the tumor-suppressor p53 pathway. The synergistic effect of both classes leads to cell cycle arrest, reduced metastatic potential, and attenuation of inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. The analyzed scientific sources demonstrate that cucurbitacins and carotenoids are recognized as promising natural bioactive agents in cancer therapy through their modulation of the JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and p53 pathways. This study provides a scientific foundation for the development of next-generation phytotherapeutic agents based on phytochemical compounds.
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