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Review Open Access

Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Tripti Gangwar
    • Abhimanyu Kumar Jha
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Life Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 203201, India, Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Biosciences and Technology, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 203201, India
    Copyright: © Gangwar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
  • Article Number: 17
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    Published online on: January 27, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.432
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Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies affecting women globally, and its progression is influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Among the epigenetic modifications, the DNA hypermethylation of DNA repair genes has been linked to the progression of breast cancers. Notably, these epigenetic modifications can be reversed through natural dietary interventions. The present review discusses the role of natural phytochemicals, plant‑based compounds capable of reversing epigenetic modifications, which provide a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapies. Compounds such as genistein, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, quercetin and apigenin have demonstrated the ability to reverse hypermethylated DNA repair genes, thereby restoring normal repair processes and improving cellular sensitivity to therapeutic agents. The present review emphasizes the importance of phytochemicals in causing epigenetic modifications and their potential as safer, more focused, affordable and low‑toxicity treatment options that could transform breast cancer management.
View Figures

Figure 1

Major risk factors involved in the
development of breast cancer.

Figure 2

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in
breast cancer: DNA methylation, histone modifications and
non-coding RNAs. DNMT, DNA methyltransferase.
View References

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Gangwar T and Jha AK: Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review). World Acad Sci J 8: 17, 2026.
APA
Gangwar, T., & Jha, A.K. (2026). Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review). World Academy of Sciences Journal, 8, 17. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.432
MLA
Gangwar, T., Jha, A. K."Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 8.2 (2026): 17.
Chicago
Gangwar, T., Jha, A. K."Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 8, no. 2 (2026): 17. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.432
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Gangwar T and Jha AK: Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review). World Acad Sci J 8: 17, 2026.
APA
Gangwar, T., & Jha, A.K. (2026). Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review). World Academy of Sciences Journal, 8, 17. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.432
MLA
Gangwar, T., Jha, A. K."Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 8.2 (2026): 17.
Chicago
Gangwar, T., Jha, A. K."Reversing DNA repair gene hypermethylation in breast cancer: The role of phytochemicals (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 8, no. 2 (2026): 17. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.432
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