Broccoli sprouts: an exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens

Progress in cancer chemoprevention

More than 40 promising agents and agent combinations are being evaluated clinically as chemopreventive drugs for major cancer targets. A few have been in vanguard, large-scale intervention trials--for example, the studies of tamoxifen and fenretinide in breast, 13-cis-retinoic acid in head and neck, vitamin E and selenium in prostate, and calcium in colon. These and other agents are currently in phase II chemoprevention trials to establish the scope of their chemopreventive efficacy and to develop intermediate biomarkers as surrogate end points for cancer incidence in future studies. In this group are fenretinide, 2-difluoromethylornithine, and oltipraz. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID) are also in this group because of their colon cancer chemopreventive effects in clinical intervention, epidemiological, and animal studies. New agents are continually considered for development as chemopreventive drugs. Preventive strategies with antiandrogens are evolving for prostate cancer. Anti-inflammatories that selectively inhibit inducible cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 are being investigated in colon as alternatives to the NSAID, which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 and derive their toxicity from COX-1 inhibition. Newer retinoids with reduced toxicity, increased efficacy, or both (e.g., 9-cis-retinoic acid) are being investigated. Promising chemopreventive drugs are also being developed from dietary substances (e.g., green and black tea polyphenols, soy isoflavones, curcumin, phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, lycopene, indole-3-carbinol, perillyl alcohol). Basic and translational research necessary to progress in chemopreventive agent development includes, for example, (1) molecular and genomic biomarkers that can be used for risk assessment and as surrogate end points in clinical studies, (2) animal carcinogenesis models that mimic human disease (including transgenic and gene knockout mice), and (3) novel agent treatment regimens (e.g., local delivery to cancer targets, agent combinations, and pharmacodynamically guided dosing).

Mechanism of oxidative DNA damage induced by carcinogenic allyl isothiocyanate

Several isothiocyanates have been proposed as promising chemopreventive agents for human cancers. However, it has been reported that allyl isothiocyanate exhibit carcinogenic potential, and benzyl isothiocyanate and phenethyl isothiocyanate have tumor-promoting activities. We investigated whether these isothiocyanates could cause DNA damage, using (32)P-labeled DNA fragments obtained from the human p53 tumor suppressor gene and the c-Ha-ras-1 protooncogene. Allyl isothiocyanate caused Cu(II)-mediated DNA damage and formation of 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) more strongly than benzyl and phenethyl isothiocyanates. Catalase and bathocuproine, a Cu(I)-specific chelator, inhibited Cu(II)-mediated DNA damage by these isothiocyanates, suggesting involvement of H(2)O(2) and Cu(I). Isothiocyanates induced DNA damage frequently at thymine and cytosine residues in the presence of Cu(II). A UV-visible spectroscopic study revealed an association between the generation of superoxide and the yield of SH group from isothiocyanates. Furthermore, the yield of 8-oxodG formation was correlated with their superoxide-generating ability. Allyl isothiocyanate significantly induced 8-oxodG formation in HL-60 cells, but not in H(2)O(2)-resistant HP100 cells, suggesting the involvement of H(2)O(2) in cellular DNA damage. We conclude that oxidative DNA damage may play important roles in carcinogenic processes induced by allyl isothiocyanate.

Arabidopsis cytochrome P450s that catalyze the first step of tryptophan-dependent indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis

Plants synthesize numerous secondary metabolites that are used as developmental signals or as defense against pathogens. Tryptophan (Trp)-derived secondary metabolites include camalexin, indole glucosinolates, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); however, the steps in their synthesis from Trp or its precursors remain unclear. We have identified two Arabidopsis cytochrome P450s (CYP79B2 and CYP79B3) that can convert Trp to indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx), a precursor to IAA and indole glucosinolates.

Progress in cancer chemoprevention: development of diet-derived chemopreventive agents

Because of their safety and the fact that they are not perceived as "medicine," food-derived products are highly interesting for development as chemopreventive agents that may find widespread, long-term use in populations at normal risk. Numerous diet-derived agents are included among the >40 promising agents and agent combinations that are being evaluated clinically as chemopreventive agents for major cancer targets including breast, prostate, colon and lung. Examples include green and black tea polyphenols, soy isoflavones, Bowman-Birk soy protease inhibitor, curcumin, phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, lycopene, indole-3-carbinol, perillyl alcohol, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium and calcium. Many food-derived agents are extracts, containing multiple compounds or classes of compounds. For developing such agents, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has advocated codevelopment of a single or a few putative active compounds that are contained in the food-derived agent. The active compounds provide mechanistic and pharmacologic data that may be used to characterize the chemopreventive potential of the extract, and these compounds may find use as chemopreventives in higher risk subjects (patients with precancers or previous cancers). Other critical aspects to developing the food-derived products are careful analysis and definition of the extract to ensure reproducibility (e.g., growth conditions, chromatographic characteristics or composition), and basic science studies to confirm epidemiologic findings associating the food product with cancer prevention.

Antiplatelet and anticancer isothiocyanates in Japanese domestic horseradish, wasabi

6-Methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (MS-ITC) was isolated from wasabi (Wasabia japonica, Japanese domestic horseradish) as a potential inhibitor of human platelet aggregation in vitro through our extensive screening of vegetables and fruits. In the course of another screening for the induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in RL34 cells. MS-ITC was inadvertently isolated from wasabi as a potential inducer of GST. MS-ITC administered to rats or mice also showed both activities in vivo. As a result from elucidation of the platelet aggregation inhibition and the GST induction mechanisms of MS-ITC, the isothiocyanate moiety of MS-ITC plays an important role for antiplatelet and anticancer activities because of its highly reactivity with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in biomolecules (GSH, cysteine residue in a certain protein, etc.).

Chemoprotection against cancer by induction of phase 2 enzymes

Induction of Phase 2 enzymes is an effective and sufficient strategy for achieving protection against the toxic and neoplastic effects of many carcinogens. It is proposed that the concept of Phase 2 enzymes as being responsible only for the conjugation of functionalized xenobiotics with endogenous cellular ligands such as glutathione (glutathione S-transferases) and glucuronic acid (UDP-glucuronosyltransferases) be expanded to include proteins with the following common characteristics: (a) coordinate induction by a broad range of chemical agents that all have the capacity to react with sulfhydryl groups; (b) possible regulation by common promoter elements; and (c) catalysis of reactions that lead to comprehensive protection against electrophile and reactive oxygen toxicities, by a wide variety of mechanisms. These mechanisms include: conjugation with endogenous ligands, chemical modification of reactive features of molecules that can damage DNA and other macromolecules, and generation or augementation of cellular antioxidants. In addition to the above conjugating enzymes, a provisional and partial list of Phase 2 proteins might include: NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, epoxide hydrolase, dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, heme oxygenase-1, leukotriene B4 dehydrogenase, aflatoxin B1 dehydrogenase, and ferritin.

Management of oxidative stress in the CNS: the many roles of glutathione

An outline is given of mechanisms that generate oxidative stress and inflammation. Considered are the metabolic mechanisms that give rise to peroxides, the source of strong oxidants; the production of dicarbonyls that interact with macromolecules to form advanced glycation endproducts; and the role that activation of the transcription factor NF(Kappa)B has in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Management of oxidative stress is considered by outlining the central role of reduced glutathione (GSH) in peroxide scavenging, dicarbonyl scavenging and activation of NF(Kappa)B. Cellular GSH levels are dictated by the balance between consumption, oxidation of GSH, reduction of oxidized-glutathione, and synthesis. The rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis is L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteine synthase, a phase II enzyme. Phase II enzyme inducers are found in many fruits and vegetables. It is suggested that dietary phase II enzyme inducers be investigated for their potential for preventing or retarding the development of degenerative diseases that have an underlying oxidative stress and inflammatory component.

Tissue distribution of silibinin, the major active constituent of silymarin, in mice and its association with enhancement of phase II enzymes: implications in cancer chemoprevention

Polyphenolic antioxidants are being identified as cancer preventive agents. Recent studies in our laboratory have identified and defined the cancer preventive and anticarcinogenic potential of a polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant, silymarin (isolated from milk thistle). More recent studies by us found that these effects of silymarin are due to the major active constituent, silibinin, present therein. Here, studies are done in mice to determine the distribution and conjugate formation of systemically administered silibinin in liver, lung, stomach, skin, prostate and pancreas. Additional studies were then performed to assess the effect of orally administered silibinin on phase II enzyme activity in liver, lung, stomach, skin and small bowel. For tissue distribution studies, SENCAR mice were starved for 24 h, orally fed with silibinin (50 mg/kg dose) and killed after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 h. The desired tissues were collected, homogenized and parts of the homogenates were extracted with butanol:methanol followed by HPLC analysis. The column eluates were detected by UV followed by electrochemical detection. The remaining homogenates were digested with sulfatase and beta-glucuronidase followed by analysis and quantification. Peak levels of free silibinin were observed at 0.5 h after administration in liver, lung, stomach and pancreas, accounting for 8.8 +/- 1.6, 4. 3 +/- 0.8, 123 +/- 21 and 5.8 +/- 1.1 (mean +/- SD) microg silibinin/g tissue, respectively. In the case of skin and prostate, the peak levels of silibinin were 1.4 +/- 0.5 and 2.5 +/- 0.4, respectively, and were achieved 1 h after administration. With regard to sulfate and beta-glucuronidate conjugates of silibinin, other than lung and stomach showing peak levels at 0.5 h, all other tissues showed peak levels at 1 h after silibinin administration. The levels of both free and conjugated silibinin declined after 0.5 or 1 h in an exponential fashion with an elimination half-life (t((1/2))) of 57-127 min for free and 45-94 min for conjugated silibinin in different tissues. In the studies examining the effect of silibinin on phase II enzymes, oral feeding of silibinin at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day showed a moderate to highly significant (P < 0.1-0.001, Student's t-test) increase in both glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase activities in liver, lung, stomach, skin and small bowel in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Taken together, the results of the present study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of and phase II enzyme induction by systemically administered silibinin in different tissues, including skin, where silymarin has been shown to be a strong cancer chemopreventive agent, and suggest further studies to assess the cancer preventive and anticarcinogenic effects of silibinin in different cancer models.

Methods for assessing the biological effects of specific plant components

Until very recently, phytonutrient research was the province of natural product chemists and consisted of primarily anecdotal clinical references. In recent years, an extensive set of qualitative and semi-quantitative dietary epidemiologic data has been developed. This developing base of epidemiologic data is now being supplemented by biochemical, mechanistic, and genetic epidemiology of a more quantitative nature. As we seek to understand the mechanisms that explain a large body of epidemiologic evidence, newer laboratory methods continue to be developed. Though there is a continuing need for even more discriminating nutrition epidemiology to drive the basic research in this area forward, the focus of in vitro, animal and clinical (human) studies must continue to be refined, and appropriate biomarkers for chronic and acute (death) disease end-points must be developed.

Improved phytonutrient content through plant genetic improvement

During the twentieth century, plant breeding and genetics improved the nutritive value of horticultural and agronomic crops, particularly of macronutrients and fiber. Current research focuses more on micronutrients. Successful development of phytonutrient-enriched crop plants will be bolstered by interdisciplinary collaborative research, analytical and biotechnology advances, and public education. Although the melding of plant and nutrition research holds great promise, the genetic enhancement of crop plants for improved phytonutrient content will be challenging. This paper reviews the knowledge base on which genetic enhancement may be based, identifies gaps in scientific knowledge and technical capacities, and suggests a role for the federal government in research.

Nutrition and cancer: the herbal revolution

There is growing evidence that compounds of plant origin have the ability to prevent cancer. Populations with greater reliance on fruits and vegetables in the diet experience a reduced risk for the major cancers. Research has focused on specific micronutrients and nonnutrient compounds that may have health benefits. The term phytochemical means any compound of plant origin. This review focuses on the cancer-preventive aspects of phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. The term phytomedicine applies to the health-maintaining aspects of these compounds and their implications for raising the standard of public health.

Low doses of diallyl disulfide, a compound derived from garlic, increase tissue activities of quinone reductase and glutathione transferase in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a substance that is formed from the organosulfur compounds present in garlic, is known to increase tissue activities of the phase II detoxification enzymes quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione transferase (GT) in animals. In previous experiments, however, high doses of DADS were employed and only a limited range of tissues were examined. In the present studies, increased activities of QR and GT were recorded in the forestomach, glandular stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, lungs, and urinary bladder of rats given DADS over a wide range of dose levels. Large variations in response were recorded among the different organs, with forestomach, duodenum, and jejunum being the most sensitive to enzyme induction by DADS. In these organs, significant increases in QR activity were observed at a dose of only 0.3 mg/kg/day. Such a dose level is close to that which may be achieved through human consumption of garlic, suggesting that induction of phase II enzymes may contribute to the protection that is afforded by this vegetable against cancer of the gastrointestinal tract in humans.

An unusual case of 'uncompetitive activation' by ascorbic acid: purification and kinetic properties of a myrosinase from Raphanus sativus seedlings

Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.3.1) is a plant enzyme that hydrolyses glucosinolates, principally to isothiocyanates. Myrosinase was purified to homogeneity in good yield from 8-day-old seedlings of Raphanus sativus (daikon) using a four-step procedure involving chromatographies on anion exchange, hydrophobic Phenyl-Sepharose, gel filtration and concanavalin A-Sepharose. In order to stabilize the enzyme and to avoid excessive peak broadening during chromatography, 30% (v/v) glycerol was added to dialysis and chromatography buffers. The purified enzyme was eluted as a single peak from a gel-filtration sizing column with an apparent molecular mass of 120 kDa. The enzyme was resolved into two subunits with molecular masses of 61 and 62 kDa by SDS/PAGE. Ascorbic acid activated the purified enzyme more than 100-fold. The V(max) and K(m) values for the hydrolysis of allyl glucosinolate (sinigrin) were 2.06 micromol/min per mg of protein and 23 microM in the absence of ascorbate and 280 micromol/min per mg of protein and 250 microM in the presence of 500 microM ascorbate, respectively. As the ascorbate concentration was increased from 50 to 500 microM, the V(max) and K(m) values increased in parallel, and thus the V(max)/K(m) ratio remained constant. Similarly, raising the concentrations of sinigrin increased the concentration of ascorbic acid required for half-maximal activation (K(a)). At a sinigrin concentration of 250 microM, the K(a) for ascorbic acid was 55 microM. Sulphate, a reaction product, was a competitive inhibitor of activity, having a K(i) of 60 mM with respect to sinigrin and of 27 mM with respect to ascorbate. Thus activation of myrosinase from R. sativus by ascorbic acid exemplifies an unusual and possibly unique example of linear 'uncompetitive activation' (i.e. a proportionate increase in V(max) and K(m)) of an enzyme. The enzyme also had beta-glucosidase activity and hydrolysed p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside.

Thermal degradation of sulforaphane in aqueous solution

Sulforaphane, a cancer chemopreventive agent identified from broccoli, was degraded in an aqueous solution at 50 and 100 degrees C. The reaction mixtures were extracted with methylene chloride and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Dimethyl disulfide, S-methyl methylthiosulfinate, S-methyl methylthiosulfonate, methyl (methylthio)methyl disulfide, 1,2,4-trithiolane, 4-isothiocyanato-1-(methylthio)-1-butene, and 3-butenyl isothiocyanate were identified as volatile decomposition products. After methylene chloride extraction, the aqueous layer was dried and silica gel column chromatography was used to separate and purify the nonvolatile decomposition products. The major thermal degradation compound was determined by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and FAB-MS as N, N'-di(4-methylsulfinyl)butyl thiourea. A possible mechanism for the formation of these products is proposed.

IMPROVING THE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF PLANTS TO ENHANCE HUMAN NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Plant foods contain almost all of the mineral and organic nutrients established as essential for human nutrition, as well as a number of unique organic phytochemicals that have been linked to the promotion of good health. Because the concentrations of many of these dietary constituents are often low in edible plant sources, research is under way to understand the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that contribute to their transport, synthesis and accumulation in plants. This knowledge can be used to develop strategies with which to manipulate crop plants, and thereby improve their nutritional quality. Improvement strategies will differ between various nutrients, but generalizations can be made for mineral or organic nutrients. This review focuses on the plant nutritional physiology and biochemistry of two essential human nutrients, iron and vitamin E, to provide examples of the type of information that is needed, and the strategies that can be used, to improve the mineral or organic nutrient composition of plants.

Variation of glucosinolates in vegetable crops of Brassica oleracea

Glucosinolates were evaluated in 5 groups and 65 accessions of Brassica oleracea (50 broccoli, 4 Brussels sprouts, 6 cabbage, 3 cauliflower, and 2 kale) grown under uniform cultural conditions. Glucosinolates and their concentrations varied among the different groups and within each group. The predominant glucosinolates in broccoli were 4-methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin), 3-butenyl glucosinolate (gluconapin), and 3-indolylmethyl glucosinoate (glucobrassicin). Glucoraphanin concentration in broccoli ranged from 0.8 micromol g(-1) DW in EV6-1 to 21.7 micromol g(-1) DW in Brigadier. Concentrations of the other glucosinolates in broccoli varied similarly over a wide range. In Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, the predominant glucosinolates were sinigrin (8.9, 7.8, 9.3, and 10.4 micromol g(-1) DW, respectively) and glucobrassicin (3.2, 0.9, 1.3, and 1.2 micromol g(-1) DW, respectively). Brussels sprouts also had significant amounts of gluconapin (6.9 micromol g(-1) DW). Wide variations in glucosinolate content among genotypes suggest differences in their health-promoting properties and the opportunity for enhancement of their levels through genetic manipulation.

Nutrition and cancer: the herbal revolution

There is growing evidence that compounds of plant origin have the ability to prevent cancer. Populations with greater reliance on fruits and vegetables in the diet experience a reduced risk for the major cancers. Research has focused on specific micronutrients and nonnutrient compounds that may have health benefits. The term phytochemical means any compound of plant origin. This review focuses on the cancer-preventive aspects of phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. The term phytomedicine applies to the health-maintaining aspects of these compounds and their implications for raising the standard of public health.

Protective alterations in phase 1 and 2 metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by oltipraz in residents of Qidong, People's Republic of China

BACKGROUND

Residents of Qidong, People's Republic of China, are at high risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma, in part due to consumption of foods contaminated with aflatoxins, which require metabolic activation to become carcinogenic. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase IIa chemoprevention trial, we tested oltipraz, an antischistosomal drug that has been shown to be a potent and effective inhibitor of aflatoxin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in animal models.

METHODS

In 1995, 234 adults from Qidong were enrolled. Healthy eligible individuals were randomly assigned to receive by mouth 125 mg oltipraz daily, 500 mg oltipraz weekly, or a placebo. Sequential immunoaffinity chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or to fluorescence detection were used to identify and quantify phase 1 and phase 2 metabolites of aflatoxin B1 in the urine of study participants. Reported P values are two-sided.

RESULTS

One month of weekly administration of 500 mg oltipraz led to a 51% decrease in median levels of the phase 1 metabolite aflatoxin M1 excreted in urine compared with administration of a placebo (P = .030), but it had no effect on levels of a phase 2 metabolite, aflatoxin-mercapturic acid (P = .871). By contrast, daily intervention with 125 mg oltipraz led to a 2.6-fold increase in median aflatoxin-mercapturic acid excretion (P = .017) but had no effect on excreted aflatoxin M1 levels (P = .682).

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent, high-dose oltipraz inhibited phase 1 activation of aflatoxins, and sustained low-dose oltipraz increased phase 2 conjugation of aflatoxin, yielding higher levels of aflatoxin-mercapturic acid. While both mechanisms can contribute to protection, this study highlights the feasibility of inducing phase 2 enzymes as a chemopreventive strategy in humans.

Chemoprotective properties of phenylpropenoids, bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanones, and related Michael reaction acceptors: correlation of potencies as phase 2 enzyme inducers and radical scavengers

Induction of phase 2 enzymes (e.g., glutathione transferases, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, glucuronosyltransferases, epoxide hydrolase) is a major strategy for reducing the susceptibility of animal cells to neoplasia and other forms of electrophile toxicity. In a search for new chemoprotective enzyme inducers, a structure-activity analysis was carried out on two types of naturally occurring and synthetic substituted phenylpropenoids: (a) Ar-CH=CH-CO-R, where R is OH, OCH3, CH3, or Ar, including cinnamic, coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acid derivatives, their ketone analogues, and chalcones; and (b) bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanones, Ar-CH=C(CH2)n(CO)C=CH-Ar, where n = 5, 6, or 7. The potencies of these compounds in inducing NAD(P)H:quinone reductase activity in murine hepatoma cells paralleled their Michael reaction acceptor activity (Talalay, P.; De Long, M. J.; Prochaska, H. J. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 1988, 8261-8265). Unexpectedly, the bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanones also powerfully quenched the lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence evoked by superoxide radicals. Introduction of o-hydroxyl groups on the aromatic rings of these phenylpropenoids dramatically enhanced their potencies not only as inducers for quinone reductase but also as quenchers of superoxide. These potentiating o-hydroxyl groups are hydrogen-bonded, as shown by moderate downfield shift of their proton NMR resonances and their sensitivities to the solvent environment. The finding that the potencies of a series of bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanones in inducing quinone reductase appear to be correlated with their ability to quench superoxide radicals suggests that the regulation of phase 2 enzymes may involve both Michael reaction reactivity and radical quenching mechanisms.

Dietary and nutritional factors and pancreatic cancer: a case-control study based on direct interviews

BACKGROUND

The relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the role of diet and nutrition as risk factors for pancreatic cancer, using data obtained from direct interviews only, rather than data from less reliable interviews with next of kin. We evaluated whether dietary factors could explain the higher incidence of pancreatic cancer experienced by black Americans compared with white Americans.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based case-control study of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Atlanta (GA), Detroit (MI), and 10 New Jersey counties from August 1986 through April 1989. Reliable dietary histories were obtained for 436 patients and 2003 general-population control subjects aged 30-79 years.

RESULTS

Obesity was associated with a statistically significant 50%-60% increased risk of pancreatic cancer that was consistent by sex and race. Although the magnitude of risk associated with obesity was identical in blacks and whites, a higher percentage of blacks were obese than were whites (women: 38% versus 16%; men: 27% versus 22%). A statistically significant positive trend in risk was observed with increasing caloric intake, with subjects in the highest quartile of caloric intake experiencing a 70% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile. A statistically significant interaction between body mass index (weight in kg/height in m2 for men and weight in kg/height in m1.5 for women) and total caloric intake was observed that was consistent by sex and race. Subjects in the highest quartile of both body mass index and caloric intake had a statistically significant 180% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and appears to contribute to the higher risk of this disease among blacks than among whites in the United States, particularly among women. Furthermore, the interaction between body mass index and caloric intake suggests the importance of energy balance in pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Cruciferous vegetables in relation to renal cell carcinoma

Little is known about the possible role of diet in the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A population-based case-control study was conducted in non-Asians of Los Angeles; it included 1,204 RCC patients and an equal number of neighborhood controls matched to the index cases by sex, date of birth (within 5 years) and ethnicity. Information on intake frequencies of food groups rich in vitamins A and C, various carotenoids and nitrosamines or their precursors was collected through in-person, structured interviews. After adjustment for non-dietary risk factors including level of education, obesity, history of hypertension, cigarette smoking and regular use of analgesics and amphetamines, there were strong inverse associations between cruciferous and dark green vegetable intakes and RCC risk (both p values for linear trend < 0.001). In terms of nutrients, there were significant inverse associations of RCC risk with consumption of a variety of carotenoids including alpha-carotene (p < 0.001), beta-carotene (p = 0.004), beta-cryptoxanthin (p = 0.01) and lutein (p = 0.005). However, after adjustment for these nutrients, we still observed a significant residual effect of cruciferous vegetables, suggesting that other substances present in these vegetables may be responsible, at least partially, for the observed reduction in risk of RCC. Dietary nitrosamines and their precursors were not related to RCC risk.

Curcumin is an in vivo inhibitor of angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is a small-molecular-weight compound that is isolated from the commonly used spice turmeric. In animal models, curcumin and its derivatives have been shown to inhibit the progression of chemically induced colon and skin cancers. The genetic changes in carcinogenesis in these organs involve different genes, but curcumin is effective in preventing carcinogenesis in both organs. A possible explanation for this finding is that curcumin may inhibit angiogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Curcumin was tested for its ability to inhibit the proliferation of primary endothelial cells in the presence and absence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), as well as its ability to inhibit proliferation of an immortalized endothelial cell line. Curcumin and its derivatives were subsequently tested for their ability to inhibit bFGF-induced corneal neovascularization in the mouse cornea. Finally, curcumin was tested for its ability to inhibit phorbol ester-stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA production.

RESULTS

Curcumin effectively inhibited endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin and its derivatives demonstrated significant inhibition of bFGF-mediated corneal neovascularization in the mouse. Curcumin had no effect on phorbol ester-stimulated VEGF production.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that curcumin has direct antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. The activity of curcumin in inhibiting carcinogenesis in diverse organs such as the skin and colon may be mediated in part through angiogenesis inhibition.

Broccoli sprouts in cancer prevention

Recent research has aimed to identify specific phytochemicals in Brassica vegetables, such as sulforaphane in broccoli, that may confer protection against cancer. Clinical, dietary, and policy implications are discussed.