The mechanisms of wine phenolic compounds for preclinical anticancer therapeutics

BACKGROUND: Wine is one of the oldest and most popular drinks worldwide, which is rich in phenolic compounds. Epidemiological studies show that moderate consumption of wine can reduce the risk of certain diseases, and this effect is attributed to its phenolic compounds. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to elaborate the effects of wine-derived phenolic compounds for preclinical anticancer therapeutics and their major mechanisms. METHODS: In this review, we discuss the classification and content of common phenolic compounds in wine and summarize previous studies that have evaluated the anticancer properties of wine-derived phenolic compounds and their mechanisms. RESULTS: Wine-derived phenolic compounds have been proven to participate in several mechanisms against cancers, including deoxyribonucleic acid damage, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, autophagy, cell invasion and metastasis, immunity and metabolism, regulation of multiple signaling molecules, and gene expression. However, the exact anticancer mechanisms of the phenolic compounds in wine need to be further investigated. CONCLUSION: Wine-derived phenolic compounds are promising chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic agents for cancer.