Role of Quercetin in DNA Repair and Dysregulated Metabolism. Possible Target to Combat Drug Resistance in Cancer

Abstract

ONE of the biggest challenges in medicine is finding a remedy for cancer. Earlier to 1950, surgery was thought to be the main form of treatment for cancer. Later, radiation therapy was added as a second method to treat localized tumours. Cancer drug development have modified into billion-dollar industry supported by the advent of novel targeted therapies; however, the basic principles and limitation of chemotherapy are still the same. For instance, chemotherapy is associated with increase psychological distress, fatigue, anxiety accompanied by intense financial distress ultimately causing decrease quality of life. Dietary nutrients, calories limitation and fasting are known to have a large impact in modifying many types of diseases including cancer, and obesity. Quercetin a plant derived flavonoid found abundantly in fruits, vegetables and many beverages possess multiple pharmacological activities shows encouraging potential in treatment and prevention of various types of cancers. Quercetin aglycone has also been shown to modulate several signal transduction pathways involving MEK/ERK and Nrf2/keap1, which are associated with the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. Quercetin is an attractive natural compound for cancer prevention due to its beneficial anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative effects, its strong antioxidative capacity, and its role in the regulation of cell signaling, cell cycle and apoptosis, all demonstrated in animal and in vitro studies. The aim of the present review is to summarize the key aspects of quercetin role, mechanisms, and future prospects in treating and prevention of cancer by modulating DNA repair, metabolism and drug resistance.