1. ROS Promote Carcinogenesis and Cancer Progression
It was demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in a wide range of pathologies including cancer, and increased production of ROS are common features of cancer cells. Although high
reactive oxygen species (ROS
) levels are cytotoxic and may exert anti-tumorigenic effects via oxidative damage and ROS-dependent death signaling, ROS play critical roles during tumorigenesis and cancer development. Here,
these contents we focus on the pro-tumorigenic role of ROS in malignant progression, which may be addressed with antioxidant therapy. The elevated levels of ROS from altered redox homeostasis contribute to the transformation of healthy cells into cancerous cells and enable their survival through two major mechanisms. The first is that ROS directly oxidize macromolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and glucose, resulting in gene mutation and aberrant inflammation
[1]. The second mechanism involves oxidative stress-caused aberrant redox signaling. ROS, particularly
hydrogen peroxide (H
2O
2) and
superoxide radical (O
2•−), might function as signaling molecules to cause various signaling pathways to go awry and drive cancer progression
[2][3] (
Figure 12).
Figure 12. ROS promote carcinogenesis and malignant progression. In the process of carcinogenesis, ROS can contribute to DNA damage, which results in aberrant inflammation and metabolism, leading to oncogenic mutations and cell hyperproliferation. ROS can also act as signaling molecules to enable cancer cells’ survival and cancer progression via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, ROS might affect stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), regulatory T (Treg) cells, effector T (Teff) cells and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote cancer progression.
1.1. ROS-Mediated Oncogenic Mutations Promote Carcinogenesis
The elevated ROS level functions as a contributor to the malignant transformation of normal cells by inducing mutations in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as well as by causing oxidative damage to biomolecules
[4][5][6]. Excessive ROS are highly associated with both nDNA and mtDNA mutations, which were reported to result in aberrant inflammation and metabolism, thus promoting malignant transformation
[7]. Overproduction of ROS causes nDNA mutation and genetic instability, which further activate multiple oncogenes and lead to abnormal metabolic activity and decreased antioxidant capacity. These events eventually promote the production of ROS in a positive feedback manner
[8][9]. Increased ROS was demonstrated to promote chronic inflammation, one of the major causes of cancer, through inducing chemokines such as IL-8 and CXCR4, as well as inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α
[10][11]. In the context of cancer initiation, mtDNA is also an essential target of ROS, as mtDNA mutation was linked to carcinogenesis
[12][13]. Each mitochondrion carries a few dozen mtDNA copies. Increased ROS-induced somatic mutations in mtDNA affect the function of
electron transport chain (ETC
) and the ATP synthase, which might promote a Warburg-like phenotype shift towards glycolysis. The metabolic shift can shape cell behavior and participate in oncogenic transformation in multiple types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer and head and neck cancer
[14].
1.2. ROS Function as Signaling Molecules to Drive Cancer Progression
In addition to supporting carcinogenesis, ROS were also demonstrated to sustain and accelerate cancer progression via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is involved in reprogramming the tumor microenvironment (TME)
[15][16]. The TME is affected by ROS through regulating the function of T cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME
[17]. The TAMs and CAFs promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, immunosuppression and invasion, thus enabling cancer progression via the reciprocal crosstalk between cancer cells and the TME
[18]. Moreover, regulatory T (T
reg) cells and cytotoxic CD8
+ T cells in TME can suppress effective tumor immunity and contribute to cancer progression, which is associated with poor response to immunotherapy
[19][20]. In terms of the role of ROS in TME, H
2O
2 is thought to function as signaling molecules, which might cause metabolic changes in CAFs, such as altered glucose uptake and mitochondrial activity
[21][22]. ROS also contribute to cancer progression by triggering the immunosuppressive properties of TAMs. For instance, mitochondrial ROS activate MAPK/ERK activity, which contributes to the secretion of TNF-α and subsequently promotes cancer invasion
[23]. Furthermore, it was also demonstrated that O
2•− can suppress T cell-mediated inflammation, thus promoting TAM-mediated immunosuppression and leading to tumor development
[24].
2. Antioxidant Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer
Given the important role of ROS in cancer, it follows that modulating ROS levels is a promising anticancer strategy. This may suppress ROS-induced carcinogenesis and cancer progression by inducing oxidative damage and ROS-dependent cell death
[7][25]. Therefore, multiple antioxidants and weak pro-oxidants were explored in pre-clinical research and clinical evaluations. Cancer cells can produce excessive ROS through the above-mentioned mechanisms and increased formation of ROS are common features of cancer cells, which makes them more susceptible to a further increase in ROS than normal cells. Therefore, pro-oxidants may function as anticancer agents. For example, it was reported that exogeneous H
2O
2 can dramatically reduce the survival of MCF-7 cells with PRDX1 knockout, showing the potential of pro-oxidants to promote ROS-mediated cell death
[26]. In addition, weak pro-oxidants may also function as important contributors to antioxidant therapy by boosting internal antioxidant capacity. However, treatment with weak pro-oxidants in cancer therapy still needs further investigation. Here,
the follow
ing contentse focus on the antioxidant therapeutic strategies using antioxidants. Overall, antioxidant therapeutic strategies in cancer can be classified as targeting ROS with nonenzymatic antioxidants, including N
F-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2)RF2 activators
[27], vitamins
[28][29] (
Figure 23) or targeting ROS with enzymatic antioxidants, including N
ADPH oxidase (NOX
) inhibitors
[30][31], SOD mimics
[32], NAC and GSH esters (
Figure 34) (
Table 1)
[33][34].
Figure 23. Targeting ROS with nonenzymatic antioxidants. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), the oxidized form of vitamin C, is taken up by cells through glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and then reduced to vitamin C. Vitamin E is located in cell membranes and defends against lipid hydroperoxides. NRF2 activators may disrupt the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction, leading to the activation of NRF2 downstream antioxidant genes. Glutathione (GSH) is synthesized from cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Exogenous N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) and GSH esters (GSH-E) supplementation promote GSH production and defense against excessive ROS.
Figure 34. Targeting ROS with enzymatic antioxidants. The inhibitors of plasma membrane NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) can prevent the production of superoxide (O2•−) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics might dismutate O2•− to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Table 1.
Anticancer antioxidants in clinical trials.
2.1. Targeting ROS with Nonenzymatic Antioxidants
The transcription factor NRF2 was considered as a master regulator of various homeostatic genes that defend against cellular stress, including oxidative stress
[35]. Upon exposure to oxidative stress, the transcription factor NRF2 is released from its principal negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and translocates to the nucleus, where NRF2 binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) and promotes the expression of antioxidant genes
[36]. High expression of NRF2 was observed in various oxidative stress-related diseases including cancer, especially in NRF2-activated malignant tumors. NRF2 activators were considered as potential agents to prevent carcinogenesis or reverse cancer progression
[37]. Five categories of NRF2 activator were developed, the underlying action mechanisms of which include: (1) modification on sensor cysteines of KEAP1, leading to the dissociation between NRF2 and KEAP1
[38][39]; (2) direct disruption of the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction
[40]; (3) disruption of the interaction between NRF2 and β-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTrCP), which targets NRF2 for proteasome degradation
[41]; (4) sequestration of KEAP1 into autophagosomes by p62
[42]; (5) upregulation of NRF2 protein levels by de novo synthesis that cannot be degraded by KEAP1
[43]; (6) inhibition of the NRF2 transcriptional repressor BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1)
[44].
The current development of NRF2 activators is mainly based on modifying sensor cysteines of KEAP1 and disrupting the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction. For instance, fumaric acid esters are oral analogs of fumarate that represent a group of NRF2 activators that work by modifying sensor cysteines of KEAP1, among which dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is the most successful example
[45]. It was reported that DMF can alkylate Cys151 of KEAP1, leading to the dissociation of NRF2 and KEAP1
[46]. DMF metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) was also demonstrated to react with KEAP1 through Cys151, thereby stabilizing and activating NRF2
[47]. DMF and its major metabolite MMF can reduce inflammatory responses and exhibit a favorable tolerability profile in clinical trials, showing promise for cancer treatment
[48]. In addition, compounds that show improved bioavailability compared with MMF, through improving the release rate, were synthesized, such as TFM735, which is reported to activate NRF2 via the Cys151 in KEAP1, leading to the inhibition of IL-6 and IL-17 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
[49]. In addition, nitro fatty acids (NO2-FAs), such as nitro linoleic acid and nitro-oleic acid, are endogenous signaling mediators that react with Cys273 and Cys288 in KEAP1 through nitro alkylation, resulting in the activation of NRF2 and being implicated in anti-inflammatory activities
[50]. Recently, the non-covalent NRF2 activators were developed, which directly disrupt the KEAP1–NRF2 protein–protein interaction via a cysteine-independent binding mechanism
[51]. For instance, the bis-carboxylic acid compound CPUY192018 is a high-affinity KEAP1 ligand, which promotes the release of NRF2 from KEAP1 and enhances the expression of NRF2-target genes
[52]. The sulfonamide-containing compounds were reported to inhibit the KEAP1–NRF2 interaction and enhance the expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), which reduces lung inflammation in animal models
[53]. The naphthalene bis-sulfonamide was also reported to promote the expression of NRF2-target NQO1 and protect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis
[54]. In addition to the above-mentioned compounds, (SRS)-5 and benzene-disulfonamides were also demonstrated to function as potent non-covalent NRF2 activators that disrupt the interaction between KEAP1 and NRF2
[55][56]. Altogether, these compounds are high-affinity ligands for KEAP1 and can directly block the KEAP1–NRF2 interface, thereby activating NRF2 downstream antioxidant genes and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Although current drugs mainly target KEAP1, it is noted that NRF2 might bind to ARE sequences in a KEAP1-independent manner, possibly involving the regulation of transcriptional repressor BACH1
[57]. Therefore, compounds that inhibit the binding of BACH1 to ARE-driven genes, such as HMOX1, were also developed
[44]. Presently, more NRF2 activators eliciting beneficial effects are arising. However, treatment with NRF2 activators may inactivate drug-induced oxidative stress that normally would result in cell death. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor their clinical efficacy, given that the activation of NRF2 may contribute to the development of chemoresistance
[58][59]. Taken together, NRF2 activators have shown potential for cancer therapy, but further investigations are also needed to demonstrate their clinical efficacy, especially in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs.
NAC is currently one of the most studied antioxidant agents that can be quickly absorbed via the anion exchange membrane and deacetylate to produce cysteine, thus replenishing GSH
[60]. NAC can reduce cysteine conjugates and is used therapeutically for many human diseases, including cancers
[61]. However, NAC was also reported to increase melanoma cell metastasis in NOD-SCID-
Il2rg−/− (NSG) mice
[62]. GSH esters, the derivatives of GSH, were developed for GSH supplementation, since GSH cannot be effectively transported into cells and exogenously administered GSH is rapidly cleared in plasma. Ester derivatives of GSH, such as monoethyl (GSH-MEE), diethyl (GSH-DEE), monomethyl (GSH-OMe) and isopropyl esters have shown high efficiency in increasing cellular GSH level
[63]. In addition, compared with oral administration, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection of GSH esters is more effective in elevating GSH levels in various tissues
[64]. However, although the efficacy of GSH esters to alleviate oxidative stress in cells and animal models was demonstrated, clinical trials with GSH ester are still needed.
As the most widely used dietary antioxidants, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and α- tocopherol (vitamin E) are of great interest in cancer therapy
[65]. Vitamin C is a type of water-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized endogenously in the human body, but can only be provided by dietary supplement, making it an essential nutritional component
[66]. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), the oxidized form of vitamin C, is absorbed from the renal tubules by renal epithelial cells and functions as a reductant and an enzyme cofactor
[67]. It was described that high dose vitamin C shows promising antitumor efficacy in patients with advanced cancer
[68][69][70][71]. However, the role of vitamin C in cancer treatment is still controversial, as half of the studies indicate that vitamin C has no significant effect on the incidence and mortality of cancer
[72][73][74]. Vitamin E is lipid soluble and mainly localizes to the plasma membrane, where it functions as a ROS scavenger through reacting with free radicals, thus defending against oxidative stress
[75]. It was reported that vitamin E only has low toxicity and causes no obvious side effects at high dose intake
[76]. However, several animal studies showed that vitamin E supplements might promote carcinogenesis and cancer progression
[77]. Overall, the controversial effect of antioxidants on cancer raises significant concerns regarding antioxidant supplements. Therefore, novel strategies are warranted to resolve the double-edged effect of supplemental antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E.
2.2. Targeting ROS with Enzymatic Antioxidants
As mentioned above, the NOX family is a major source of ROS and excessive activation of NOXs can contribute to oxidative stress. Thus, agents that would efficaciously target NOXs to scavenge ROS might hold significant promise for cancer therapy
[78]. There are two types of NOXs inhibitors, including peptidic inhibitors and small-molecule inhibitors, both of which are based on the mechanism of inhibiting NOX enzyme activity or suppressing the assembly of the NOX2 enzyme
[79]. Small peptide inhibitors of NOX complexes have shown therapeutic potential. The first peptidic inhibitor is Nox2ds-tat ([H]-R-K-K-R-R-Q-R-R-R-C-S-T-R-I-R-R-Q-L-[NH2], also known as gp91ds-tat). Nox2ds-tat was reported to inhibit the assembly of NOX2, a complex that consists of six subunits: the Nox2 subunit (also known as gp91phox); p22phox, and four cytosolic components; p47phox (organizer subunit); p67phox (activator subunit); p40phox, and the small Rho-family GTP binding protein Rac1 or Rac2
[80][81]. Nox2ds-tat selectively blocks NOX2 activity through interrupting the Nox2–p47phox interaction
[82]. The inhibitory effects of Nox2ds-tat were demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. For instance, Nox2ds-tat was reported to inhibit the production of angiotensin II-induced O
2•− [83]. Moreover, administration of Nox2ds-tat by subcutaneous infusion significantly attenuated the production of vascular O
2•− and subsequent vascular inflammation in angiotensin II-infused rat model
[84][85]. In summary, the viability of Nox2ds peptide as a NOX2 inhibitor was demonstrated, which is important for suppressing NOX2 activity and preventing excessive ROS production.
Currently, multiple small-molecule global inhibitors that inhibit NOXs or flavoproteins in general, were synthesized, including diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), ebselen and diapocynin
[86]. Among them, DPI is the first identified and commonly used potential inhibitor of NOXs, which inhibits the production of ROS by forming adducts with FAD, potentially contributing to the reduction of ROS and showing anticancer properties in colon cancer cells
[87]. However, as a nonselective inhibitor, DPI might target other flavin-dependent enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide synthase. Ebselen and diapocynin are described as NOX inhibitors but were also previously found to display unrelated effects
[88]. Unlike DPI, apocynin specifically prevents the activation of NOX2 by inhibiting the translocation of p47phox, thereby repressing the production of O
2− in vitro and exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity in vivo
[89]. In addition, other specific NOX inhibitors, were also identified via cellular and membrane assays
[90]. For instance, fulvene-5, one of the fulvene derivatives that have a chemical similarity to DPI, could inhibit NOX2 and NOX4 in vitro, as well as block the growth of endothelial cell-derived neoplasia in mice
[91]. However, despite the great efforts made by researchers, few NOXS inhibitors have yet reached clinical trials. It remains challenging to identify compounds that target NOX specifically and show a profound impact in alleviating cancer. Much more work is still needed to develop NOX inhibitors for the treatment of oxidative-stress-associated disorders, including cancer.
SOD is a metalloprotein that can efficiently eliminate O
2•− with a dismutation mechanism. SOD was developed as a drug known as orgotein, to defend against oxidative stress in mammalian cells
[92]. The anti-inflammatory property of orgotein was demonstrated through preclinical and clinical studies
[93]. It was also reported that orgotein can effectively prevent or reduce the side effects of radiation therapy in bladder cancer patients
[94]. In addition, several types of SOD mimics were synthesized, such as metalloporphyrins, Mn (II) polyamines, Mn (III) salens, Mn (III) corroles and Mn (IV) biliverdins
[95][96][97]. Although the rate constants are much lower than the enzymes, SOD mimics appear to be effective in extracellular fluids where the antioxidant enzymes are absent or at deficient concentrations
[98]. Moreover, some SOD mimics may act as pro-oxidants rather than antioxidants, thereby activating rather than mimicking SOD
[99].
Metalloporphyrins have emerged as the most studied SOD mimics, such as Mn porphyrins. Various Mn porphyrin compounds, including MnTM-2-pYp
5+, MnTE-2-pYp
5+ and MnTDE-2-ImP
5+, have shown high SOD activity that dismutates O
2•− to H
2O
2 [100]. The protective and therapeutic potential of Mn porphyrins were demonstrated in animal models of diseases, including cancers. To date, more porphyrins or porphyrin-based SOD mimics were synthesized with the establishment of the structure–activity relationships between SOD and metal-site redox ability
[101]. The Mn (II)-containing penta-aza macrocyclic manganese compound GC4419 (known as avasopasem manganese, AVA) was reported to enhance tumor-killing activity when synergized with radiation in head and neck cancer
[102]. In addition, GC4419 can enhance the toxicity of high-dose vitamin C in a H₂O₂-dependent manner, promoting radiation-induced cancer cell killing
[103]. Furthermore, GC4419 also exhibits therapeutic potential in the inflammation animal model
[104]. Unlike GC4419, the Mn (III)- containing salen complexes, such as EUK-8, EUK-134 and EUK-189, are not specific and have dismutation activity on both O
2•− and H
2O
2, showing protective effects for various types of cancer
[105].
In summary, multiple antioxidant therapeutic strategies were developed for cancer treatment, which can be classified into two different categories of groups according to their targets: enzymatic antioxidants and nonenzymatic antioxidants, both of which have shown potential to act as antioxidant drugs in pre-clinical and clinical research.