Protective effect of luteolin against chemical and natural toxicants by targeting NF-κB pathway

Humans are continuously exposed to environmental, occupational, consumer and household products, food, and pharmaceutical substances. Luteolin, a flavone from the flavonoids family of compounds, is found in different fruits and vegetables. LUT is a strong anti-inflammatory (via inhibition of NF-kappa B, ERK1/2, MAPK, JNK, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) and antioxidant agent (reducing ROS and enhancement of endogenous antioxidants). LUT can chelate transition metal ions responsible for ROS generation and consequently repress lipoxygenase. It has been proven that NF-kappa B, as a commom cellular pathway plays a considerable role in the progression of inflammatory process and stimulates the expression of genes encoding inducible pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines including IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. This review summarizes the available literature discussing LUT and its potential protective role against pharmaceuticals-, metals-, and environmental compounds-induced toxicities. Furthermore, the review explains the involved protective mechanisms, especially inhibition of the NF-kappa B pathway.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the potential protective role of luteolin against pharmaceuticals-, metals-, and environmental compounds-induced toxicities, especially through inhibition of the NF-kappa B pathway.