The Activity of 1,8-Dihydroanthraquinone Derivatives in Nervous System Cancers

Overview

Journal Molecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Biology

Date 2025 Jan 8

PMID 39770078

Authors

Estera Okon

Wirginia Kukula-Koch

Agata Jarzab

Katarzyna Gawel-Beben

Ewelina Bator

Magdalena Michalak-Tomczyk

Jacek Jachula

Beata Antosiewicz-Klimczak

Adrian Odrzywolski

Wojciech Koch

Anna Wawruszak

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Primary and metastatic tumors of the nervous system represent a diverse group of neoplasms, each characterized by distinct biological features, prognostic outcomes, and therapeutic approaches. Due to their molecular complexity and heterogeneity, nervous system cancers (NSCs) pose significant clinical challenges. For decades, plants and their natural products with established anticancer properties have played a pivotal role in the treatment of various medical conditions, including cancers. Anthraquinone derivatives, a class of tricyclic secondary metabolites, are found in several botanical families, such as , , , and . In a comprehensive review, recent advancements in the anticancer properties of 1,8-dihydroanthraquinone derivatives-such as emodin, aloe-emodin, hypericin, chrysophanol, rhein, and physcion-were analyzed. These compounds have been studied extensively, both used individually and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, using in vitro and in vivo models of nervous system tumors. It was demonstrated that 1,8-dihydroanthraquinone derivatives induce apoptosis and necrosis in cancerous cells, intercalate into DNA, disrupting transcription and replication in rapidly dividing cells, and alter ROS levels, leading to oxidative stress that damages tumor cells. Additionally, they can influence signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis, such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, or others crucial for the survival and the proliferation of NSC cells. The exploration of 1,8-dihydroanthraquinone derivatives aims to develop novel therapies that could overcome resistance and improve cancer patients' outcomes.

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