Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (8): 2101-2112.doi: 10.12307/2026.072

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Epigallocatechin gallate-mediated bidirectional regulation of reactive oxygen species and its application in nanomaterials

Liu Dawei1, 2, Cui Yingying1, 2, Wang Fanghui2, Wang Zixuan1, 2, Chen Yuhan1, Li Yourui2, Zhang Ronghe2   

  1. 1Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, Shandong Province, China; 2Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China
  • Received:2024-12-25 Accepted:2025-03-24 Online:2026-03-18 Published:2025-07-29
  • Contact: Zhang Ronghe, MS, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China Li Yourui, PhD, Associate chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Liu Dawei, Master candidate, Physician, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, Shandong Province, China; Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China Cui Yingying, Master candidate, Physician, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, Shandong Province, China; Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou 256600, Shandong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Shandong Natural Science Foundation (General Project), No. ZR2023MH039 (to LYR)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin gallate demonstrates extensive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning as a promising candidate for applications in neuroprotection, cardiovascular health, and metabolic regulation. In recent years, nanomaterials loaded with epigallocatechin gallate have garnered attention for their capacity to modulate the dual functions of reactive oxygen species generation and clearance, particularly within the realms of anti-tumor and antibacterial applications.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mechanisms by which epigallocatechin gallate generates and clears reactive oxygen species, explore the potential applications of epigallocatechin gallate-loaded nanomaterials in antioxidant protection and anti-tumor therapy and analyze future development directions and associated challenges.
METHODS: The first author searched for materials published between 2009 and 2024 using databases such as PubMed, WanFang, and CNKI. Chinese and English keywords used were “epigallocatechin gallate, reactive oxygen species, antioxidation, oxidation, anticancer, angiocardiopathy, bone defect, nanomaterials.” A total of 79 high-quality articles were selected for review and analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: By upregulating antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while simultaneously suppressing the activity of pro-oxidative enzymes, epigallocatechin gallate exhibited antioxidant properties at low doses or under physiologically normal conditions. Conversely, at high concentrations or within specific microenvironments, such as those found in tumor cells, epigallocatechin gallate could exhibit pro-oxidant properties and stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to autophagy or cell death in cancer cells. Recent advancements have significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and targeted distribution of epigallocatechin gallate through the use of nanocarriers, hydrogels, and metal composite materials. Furthermore, photodynamic therapy has been shown to amplify the pro-oxidative potential of epigallocatechin gallate. Given its broad range of potential applications and research significance, this dual regulatory mechanism of reactive oxygen species by epigallocatechin gallate presents a promising strategy for antibacterial therapies, cancer treatment, and antioxidant protection. 


Key words: epigallocatechin gallate, reactive oxygen species, antioxidation, pro-oxidation, anticancer, angiocardiopathy, bone defect, nanomaterial

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