Role of Plant-Derived Compounds in the Molecular Pathways Related to Inflammation

Inflammation is the primary response to infection and injury. Its beneficial effect is an immediate resolution of the pathophysiological event. However, sustained production of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines may cause alterations in DNA integrity and lead to malignant cell transformation and cancer. More attention has recently been paid to pyroptosis, which is an inflammatory necrosis that activates inflammasomes and the secretion of cytokines. Taking into consideration that phenolic compounds are widely available in diet and medicinal plants, their role in the prevention and support of the treatment of chronic diseases is apparent. Recently, much attention has been paid to explaining the significance of isolated compounds in the molecular pathways related to inflammation. Therefore, this review aimed to screen reports concerning the molecular mode of action assigned to phenolic compounds. The most representative compounds from the classes of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides were selected for this review. Our attention was focused mainly on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Literature searching was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Medline databases. In conclusion, based on the available literature, phenolic compounds regulate NF-kappa B, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling, which supports their potential role in chronic inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.

Automated summary

Inflammation is the initial response to infection and injury but prolonged inflammation can lead to malignant cell transformation and cancer. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory necrosis, has recently gained attention for its role in activating inflammasomes and cytokine secretion. This review focuses on the molecular pathways associated with inflammation and the role of phenolic compounds in chronic inflammatory disorders. The selected phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides, were found to regulate NF-kappa B, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting their potential in the treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.