Polyphenols as Potential Anticancer Agents in the Regulation of microRNA-mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cancer progression by regulating inflammation, cell survival, and the spread of malignant cells to a secondary site. Emerging evidence highlights the role of microRNAs as key modulators of this pathway, influencing cancer initiation, progression, and chemoresistance. Polyphenols are natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have demonstrated potential as anticancer agents. In this review, we employed literature mining approaches to investigate microRNAmediated regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway activation. Furthermore, we extended our analysis to explore if polyphenols exert their anticancer efficacy as inhibitors of NF-κB signaling via miRNA targeting. The findings explore the interplay between miRNAs and NF-κB in various cancers, elucidating the dual roles of tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs through NF-κB regulation. Additionally, it evaluates the impact of polyphenols such as soy isoflavones, tea catechins, pomegranate extracts, and more in modulating microRNA-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activation. This review article highlights accumulating evidence that positions dietary polyphenols as context-dependent epigenetic modulators of the microRNA–NF-κB axis in cancer. In conclusion, this study directs the need for further research into polyphenol-based interventions targeting microRNA-NF-κB networks to develop effective therapies that can potentially function as cancer-preventive or anticancer strategies.