The potential of diallyl trisulfide for cancer prevention and treatment, with mechanism insights

Recent Research Advances in Multi-Functional Diallyl Trisulfide (DATS): A Comprehensive Review of Characteristics, Metabolism, Pharmacodynamics, Applications, and Drug Delivery Systems

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is an organic sulfur compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum L). DATS is characterized by its oily and volatile nature, exhibiting insolubility in water and ethanol, while being miscible with ether. This property enhances its extraction process and expands its applicability across various fields. Recent studies have elucidated the diverse effects of DATS, demonstrating significant progress in healthcare, the food industry, and nanoformulation research. Research on DATS is currently limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of its possibilities for future development. This review offers an in-depth examination of the characteristics of DATS, highlighting the significant advancements and benefits achieved in the fields of drug metabolism, pharmacological effects, clinical trials, food chemistry applications, and nanoformulation research over the past two decades. In addition, this review examines the future prospects of DATS, emphasizing its current development status and challenges, while serving as a crucial reference for advancing research, application, and innovation in the field.

Therapeutic potential of garlic, aged garlic extract and garlic‑derived compounds on pancreatic cancer (Review)

Garlic is a popular ingredient used in cuisines and traditional medicines worldwide. It contains numerous bioactive organosulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, with reported potential for anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. The biological activity and potential use of garlic and its products have been extensively investigated. Aged garlic extract (AGE) is a product manufactured by aging garlic, and has been shown to have numerous health benefits. It has been previously revealed that several garlic-derived compounds, including AGE, have tumor-suppressive effects in various cancer models. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, and carries a dismal prognosis. Recently, numerous tumors, including PDAC, were shown to harbor intracellular bacteria, some of which are oral pathogens. Tumor-associated bacteria have been linked to cancer progression. Garlic may inhibit tumor development, in part, by targeting these bacteria. Although it requires further investigation, pharmacological and antibacterial effects of garlic and its products could offer significant therapeutic benefits for the prevention and treatment of PDAC. In the present review, the therapeutic potential of garlic on PDAC is summarized and discussed.

Emerging Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) in Modulating Autophagy: Perspectives on Cancer Therapy

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are master regulators of cellular responses to low oxygen levels and modulate autophagy, a conserved process essential for maintaining homeostasis. Under hypoxic conditions, HIFs regulate the expression of autophagy-related genes and influence autophagic flux and cellular stress responses. Dysregulated hypoxia-induced autophagy promotes cancer cell survival, metabolism, and metastasis, thereby contributing to treatment resistance. Targeting HIF-mediated pathways or modulating autophagic processes offers the potential to improve traditional cancer therapies and overcome drug resistance. Pharmacological inhibitors of HIFs or autophagy, either alone or in combination with other treatments, may disrupt the pro-survival mechanisms within the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Further research is needed to elucidate the intricate interplay between HIF signaling and the autophagy machinery in cancer cells. Understanding these processes could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to enhance treatment outcomes and combat drug resistance. This review highlights the complex relationship between HIFs and autophagy in cancer development and therapy, offering insights into how targeting these pathways may improve patient outcomes.