MicroRNA-Mediated Health-Promoting Effects of Phytochemicals

Abstract

Phytochemicals are known to benefit human health by modulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Due to the potential use of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents against human diseases such as cancer, studies are ongoing to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals affect cellular functions. It has recently been shown that phytochemicals may regulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are responsible for the fine-tuning of gene expression by controlling the expression of their target mRNAs in both normal and pathological cells. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding phytochemicals that modulate miRNA expression and promote human health by exerting anticancer, photoprotective, and anti-hepatosteatosis effects. Identifying miRNAs modulated by phytochemicals and understanding the regulatory mechanisms mediated by their target mRNAs will facilitate the efforts to maximize the therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals.