EFFECTS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS ON SOME CANCER TYPES AND TREATMENT APPROCHES: A REVIEW

Abstract

Cancer has historically been one of the greatest challenges as it greatly affects the well-being of humans and animals. Despite the current chemotherapeutic agent, it has formed the basis of hundreds of studies, since completely successful results have not been achieved in the treatment of cancer. The mechanism of cancer depends on many different factors. One of these factors, oxidative stress, plays an important role in the development of various types of cancer. In a normal healthy metabolism, mitochondria produce small amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a byproduct of oxygen metabolism. Oxidative stress can be defined as the deterioration of the antioxidant defense mechanism of the cell as a result of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. With the increase of oxidative stress in cells, it affects the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and paves the way for cancer formation by disrupting the cell division mechanism. With the use of different chemotherapeutic agents, plant-derived polyphenols interact to induce or inhibit apoptosis of cancer cells by acting at different stages of cancer formation. However, the use of chemotherapy can sometimes lead to permanent health problems. Chemotherapy is given in combination with various compounds to minimize persistent health problems. Some of these compounds are plant groups rich in polyphenols. However, there are various views on the use of plants. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of oxidative stress in cancer, evaluate the developed agents and investigate the use of polyphenols.