Indoles Derived From Glucobrassicin: Cancer Chemoprevention by Indole-3-Carbinol and 3,3'-Diindolylmethane

Metabolome insights into nutrients and glucosinolates in broccoli and lacinato kale

To elucidate differences in nutritional components and glucosinolates between broccoli and lacinato kale leaves, and to promote consumption of broccoli and kale leaves for human nutrition, food development, and by-product utilisation, this study used UPLC-MS/MS and HPLC for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of their metabolome and glucosinolate profiles. In broccoli leaves, 11 glucosinolates were identified, notably including high concentrations of glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin. In contrast, lacinato kale leaves contained seven glucosinolates, with glucoraphasatin being the most abundant. Moreover, our analysis revealed 644 metabolites, 87 of which were differentially expressed between these crucuiferous vegetables. These findings not only offer new insights into nutritional value but also highlight their potential as plant chassis for the biosynthesis of valuable products, thereby broadening food diversity and improving by-product utilisation.

Indole-3-carbinol exerts neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion through the modulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses and the restoration of chaperone activity

Cerebral ischaemia is the primary cause of stroke. The restoration of blood flow, known as reperfusion, has been observed to exacerbate the pathological changes caused by ischaemia and lead to a significant increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species. Cellular defense against reactive molecules is facilitated by the antioxidant system. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor is considered to be the primary regulator of this system. One of the exogenous antioxidants that has the potential to enhance the redox status in tissues experiencing oxidative stress is indole-3-carbinol (I3C). The objective of the present study was to analyze the transcriptional regulation of antioxidant enzyme functioning under conditions of I3C administration to rats with cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). The findings of this study demonstrated that the administration of I3C to rats with CIRI resulted in the normalization of the lactate/pyruvate ratio and the reduction of brain tissue damage. These outcomes could be attributed to the improvement of the redox status caused by the tested compound. Furthermore, I3C altered the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the number of Nrf2-positive neurons, leading to a shift towards control values. It has been demonstrated that I3C is also capable of restoring chaperone activity. This capacity may play a pivotal role in correcting dysfunction in the proteostasis system and in maintaining adequate protein folding during the course of a disease. Consequently, I3C demonstrated a neuroprotective effect in CIRI by normalizing oxidative status, regulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, and enhancing chaperone activity.

Exploring the toxicological and beneficial effects of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole on Labeo rohita fingerlings

The aim of this research was to examine the potential toxic or beneficial impacts of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole on fingerlings of Labeo rohita when administered in water. The study involved four groups of Labeo rohita fish (n = 40) exposed to varying water-borne concentrations (0.00, 32.08, 48.13 and 96.26 mg/L) of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole over a fourteen day period. The fish were maintained under standard living conditions to minimize stress. Histological examination of the brain and gills revealed abnormal tissue structure only in the high-concentration group. The high-concentration group displayed aneurysms, degenerative changes, blood vessel congestion, and structural degeneration in the gills, while the brain exhibited necrosis, pyknosis, hemorrhage, degenerative changes and vacuolization. Levels of glutathione (GSH) decreased in both gills and brain, malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in gills but decreased in the brain, catalase (CAT) decreased in gills but increased in the brain and lipid peroxidase (LPO) significantly increased in both gills and brain only in the high-concentration group. Serum proteins (total proteins, albumin, and globulins) were significantly reduced in the high concentration group. Overall, the study indicated that at a high concentration of 96.26 mg/L through water-borne exposure, 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole exhibited toxic effects, while at medium and low concentrations, it demonstrated beneficial effects. The findings suggest that the compound has more beneficial than toxic effects and could be recommended for specific applications to leverage its beneficial properties.

Colorimetric detection of indole-3-carbaldehyde in white cauliflower by self-condensation reaction giving urorosein

This work presents a spectrophotometric method for the determination of indole-3-carbaldehyde (I3A), a bioactive metabolite of tryptophan, in white cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis). The colorimetric assay is based on the self-condensation of I3A under acidic conditions, forming di-indolylmethine salt (urorosein). The absorbance of urorosein at 490 nm was used for I3A quantification with a microplate reader. Key parameters, including acidity, solvent composition, temperature, and reaction time, were optimized to achieve the best analytical performance. This method exhibited a linear dynamic range up to 100 μM with excellent repeatability (avRSD 1.7 %) and a high coefficient of determination (R2 0.9975). The limit of detection and quantification were 0.469 ± 0.007 μM and 1.562 ± 0.023 μM, respectively. As proof of concept, the assay was applied to white cauliflower extract, achieving a 113 % recovery compared to LC-MS analysis. This method potentially offers a simple approach for the detection of I3A in foods.

Promotion of Healthy Aging Through the Nexus of Gut Microbiota and Dietary Phytochemicals

Aging is associated with the decline of tissue and cellular functions, which can promote the development of age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and disorders of the musculoskeletal and immune systems. Healthspan is the length of time an individual is in good health and free from chronic diseases and disabilities associated with aging. Two modifiable factors that can influence healthspan, promote healthy aging, and prevent the development of age-related diseases, are diet and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract (gut microbiota). This review will discuss how dietary phytochemicals and gut microbiota can work in concert to promote a healthy gut and healthy aging. First, an overview is provided of how the gut microbiota influences healthy aging through its impact on gut barrier integrity, immune function, mitochondria function, and oxidative stress. Next, the mechanisms by which phytochemicals effect gut health, inflammation, and nurture a diverse and healthy microbial composition are discussed. Lastly, we discuss how the gut microbiota can directly influence health by producing bioactive metabolites from phytochemicals in food like urolithin A, equol, hesperetin, and sulforaphane. These and other phytochemical-derived microbial metabolites that may promote healthspan are discussed. Importantly, an individual's capacity to produce health-promoting microbial metabolites from cruciferous vegetables, berries, nuts, citrus, and soy products will be dependent on the specific bacteria present in the individual's gut.

Indole-3-carbinol prevented tumor progression and potentiated PD1ab therapy by upregulating PTEN in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignant tumors worldwide, posing a significant threat to human health. Most patients with CRC are refractory to existing treatment regimens, such as immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), yielding unsatisfactory outcomes. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of a natural product, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), in CRC pathogenesis and immunotherapy.

METHODS

A series of in vitro experiments, such as the cell counting kit-8 and wound healing assays, were used to assess the proliferative, colony-formating and migratory capacity of human CRC cells after I3C treatment. In vivo experiment, xenograft growth assay was conducted to verify the effect of I3C on CRC. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to evaluated the toxic effect of I3C. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect CD8+ T cell infiltration. Subcutaneous CRC models constructed in immunocompetent mice were used to test the effects of I3C treatment in combination with PD1ab therapy. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, cell transfection, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments were used to explore the mechanism of I3C in CRC.

RESULTS

I3C significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration capacity in vitro and in vivo. The result of HE staining indicated that I3C exert no significant toxic effect on heart, liver and kidney. HPA data analysis and RT-qPCR results demonstrated that PTEN expression was lower in CRC tissues than in normal tissues or cells. Besides, I3C exerted antitumor activity and promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration by upregulating PTEN expression. Consequently, I3C, in conjunction with PD1ab therapy, synergistically enhanced the antitumor effect on CRC in immunocompetent mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that by upregulating PTEN expression, the natural product I3C strongly prevented tumor progression and exerted no systematic toxicity in the major organs such as heart, kidney and liver. Furthermore, I3C significantly enhanced PD1ab therapeutic effect in CRC, highlighting its role as a candidate preventive or therapeutic compound for CRC therapy, especially in combination with PD1ab therapy. Further clinical trial should be conducted in the future.

Attraction of cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) to host plant odors

BACKGROUND

Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus) faces substantial yield losses in Europe due to the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala). Synthetic insecticide use is constrained by resistance and environmental concerns, necessitating innovative pest control strategies. Understanding CSFB host plant selection, particularly through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is essential for developing sustainable and efficient methods. This study investigated the olfactory response of CSFB in their pre-aestivation stage to plant VOCs.

RESULTS

Olfactometer bioassays showed that female CSFB were attracted to VOCs from mechanically damaged OSR plants (BBCH 10 and BBCH 14), while undamaged OSR plants elicited no response. Damaged seedlings of Sinapis alba and Brassica rapa were not attractive. When testing individual isothiocyanates, again only female CSFB showed a positive response in the olfactometer bioassays, while no response was found for two green leaf volatiles.

CONCLUSION

This research provides insights into the olfactory behavior of CSFB and, to our knowledge, is the first to show behavioral responses of adult CSFB towards host plant volatiles in olfactometer tests. Interestingly, only females responded to VOCs, suggesting sexual dimorphism in olfactory sensitivity during this life stage. These findings may help to lay the groundwork for further studies aimed at improving pest management strategies in OSR cultivation. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolytic Derivatives: Promising Phytochemicals With Anticancer Potential

Recent research has increasingly focused on phytochemicals as promising anticancer agents, with glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolytic derivatives playing a central role. These sulfur-containing compounds, found in plants of the Brassicales order, are converted by myrosinase enzymes into biologically active products, primarily isothiocyanates (ITCs) and indoles, which exhibit significant anticancer properties. Indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane, sulforaphane (SFN), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), benzyl isothiocyanate, and allyl isothiocyanate have shown potent anticancer effects in animal models, particularly in breast, prostate, lung, melanoma, bladder, hepatoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. Clinical studies further support the chemopreventive effects of SFN and PEITC, particularly in detoxifying carcinogens and altering biochemical markers in cancer patients. These compounds have demonstrated good bioavailability, low toxicity, and minimal adverse effects, supporting their potential therapeutic application. Their anticancer mechanisms include the modulation of reactive oxygen species, suppression of cancer-related signaling pathways, and direct interaction with tumor cell proteins. Additionally, semi-synthetic derivatives of GSLs have been developed to enhance anticancer efficacy. In conclusion, GSLs and their derivatives offer significant potential as both chemopreventive and therapeutic agents, warranting further clinical investigation to optimize their application in cancer treatment.

Quantitative Trait Loci Identification and Candidate Genes Characterization for Indole-3-Carbinol Content in Seedlings of Brassica napus

Brassica napus is a member of the cruciferous family with rich glucosinolate (GSL) content, particularly glucobrassicin (3-indolylmethyl glucosinolate, I3M), that can be metabolized into indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound with promising anticancer properties. To unravel the genetic mechanism influencing I3C content in rapeseed seedlings, a comprehensive study was undertaken with a doubled haploid (DH) population. By quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, seven QTL that were located on A01, A07, and C04 were identified, with the most significant contribution to phenotypic variation observed on chromosome A07 (11.78%). The genes within the QTL confidence intervals (CIs) include transcription factors (TFs) and glycosyltransferases. After co-expression analysis, GSL-related regulatory network of TFs-targets was constructed and two TFs, BnaA07.ERF019 and BnaA07.NAC92, were identified as possible regulators in GSL biosynthesis. Three IGMT (glucosinolate methyltransferases) genes were found within the CIs that expressed higher in seedlings with more I3C, indicating their roles in I3C synthesis regulation. Molecular docking studies validated the binding capability of I3M to IGMTs, and those within the I3C QTL CIs have the strongest binding energy. These new discoveries offer critical insights into the genetic regulation of I3C content in rapeseed seedlings and establish a foundation for breeding high-I3C rapeseed varieties with potential health-promoting properties.

London Rocket (Sisymbrium irio L.) as Healthy Green: Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivity of Plants Grown in Wild and Controlled Environments

London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) is a wild green consumed globally, yet its phytochemical composition remains underexplored. In this study, we analyzed the leaves of wild S. irio plants and those grown in controlled environments (GCE) with varying electrical conductivities (EC) and light spectra. Plants were assessed for growth, phenolic content, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, glucosinolates, and antiproliferative effects against HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. The optimal biomass yield occurred at the EC levels of 3.0-3.5 dS m-1 under Valoya® LED light. Wild plants showed higher antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) than GCE samples, with values of 8.03-8.67 and 6.49-6.81 mmol TE per 100 g dry weight, respectively. The vitamin C range was 50.7-84.3 and 84.5-186.9 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight for GCE and wild samples, respectively. Phenolic content was higher in wild plants than in the GCE ones, with apigetrin as the primary phenolic compound. The MTT assay showed that ethanol extracts from wild plants weakly inhibited HT-29 cell growth, with a GI50 of 210-380 µg mL-1 after 72 h of cells exposure to plant extracts. Principal Component Analysis suggested that EC and UV exposure increase the antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and glucosinolates in wild plants, offering insights into the bioactive profiles of S. irio leaves.

Exploring the impact of 3,3'-diindolylmethane on the urinary estrogen profile of premenopausal women

BACKGROUND

3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) is a phytonutrient derived from cruciferous vegetables that is an often-used supplement in the complementary and alternative medicine space. The most common goal for providers when recommending DIM to their patients is to alter estrogen metabolism, yet research into DIM's effect on the estrogen profile is lacking in the published literature. The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate DIM's effect on the urinary estrogen profile.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from a clinical laboratory, including urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite concentrations. Analyte concentrations were determined from dried urine samples using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Individuals were separated into two groups, either reporting taking DIM (N = 909) or reporting not taking DIM (N = 18,385). Comparisons between individuals in these two groups were made using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Additionally, we were also able to explore a subset of women who had laboratory results in the database before and after initiating DIM treatment (N = 53). In this subset, differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

RESULTS

In the larger group that was separated into women reporting either DIM use or no use, significant differences were observed in the concentrations of almost every urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite (with the only exception being 2-methoxyestrone) in the urinary estrogen profiles of those taking DIM compared to those not taking DIM (all P values < 0.001). In the smaller subset of individuals with results before and after initiating DIM use, differences were only seen in 4 of the urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites (P < 0.001 for estrone, estradiol, estriol, and 16-hydroxyestrone). Differences in total estrogens were significant in both the larger group and the smaller subset (both with P < 0.001). Additionally, observed differences in the ratios of metabolites followed a similar trend with more significant differences observed in the larger group. Notably, the 2-hydroxyestrone:16-hydroxyestrone ratio increased significantly in both the larger group and the smaller subset with results before and after DIM use.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide the most comprehensive evaluation to date of DIM's effect on the urinary estrogen profile. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the dried urine collection and accompanying assay used capture changes that are similar in direction, but not necessarily magnitude, to previous reports in the literature. Considered together, these two things highlight the clinical validity and utility of this approach to the evaluation of DIM supplementation and suggest the need for additional studies using this approach to fully understand the potential clinical utility of DIM.

Brassica oleracea var italica and Their By-Products as Source of Bioactive Compounds and Food Applications in Bakery Products

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is one of the most consumed cruciferous crops in the world, with China and Spain acting as the main producers from outside and within the EU, respectively. Broccoli florets are edible, while the leaves and stalks, discarded in the field and during processing, are by-products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of the nutrient and phytochemical composition of broccoli and its by-products, as well as its beneficial effects. In addition, the study highlights the revalorization of broccoli by-products through innovative green technologies and explores their potential use in bakery products for the development of functional foods. The studies suggested that broccoli is characterized by a high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including vitamins, fiber, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds, and their content varied with various parts. This high content of value-added compounds gives broccoli and its various parts beneficial properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic disorder regulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, broccoli and its by-products can play a key role in food applications by improving the nutritional profile of products due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. As a result, it is essential to harness the potential of the broccoli and its by-products that are generated during its processing through an appropriate agro-industrial revalorization, using environmentally friendly techniques.

Effect of sodium selenite on the synthesis of glucosinolates and antioxidant capacity in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.ssp.pekinensis)

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is a globally cultivated and consumed leafy vegetable due to its abundant plant secondary metabolites and antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, ascorbic acids, glucosinolates, and vitamins, which have been reported to confer health-promoting effects. Glucosinolates components in leaves of Chinese cabbage plantlets under different concentrations of sodium selenite (0, 30, and 50 μmol/L) were analyzed. Seven glucosinolates were identified and quantified using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Finally, treatments with 30 and 50 μmol/L Na2SeO3 solution significantly increased the levels of total selenium content as well as total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and DPPH free radical scavenging ability in Chinese cabbage seedlings. Our results revealed that 30 μmol/L Na2SeO3 effectively enhanced aliphatic glucosinolate levels and total glucosinolate content while causing a significant reduction in indole glucosinolates. Furthermore, downregulation was observed for BrCYP79F1, BrBCAT4, and BrMAM1 genes associated with aliphatic glucosinolate synthesis. Conversely, BrMYB28 and BrCYP83A1 genes exhibited significant upregulation. Thus, the positive influence of Na2SeO3 on glucosinolate biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage can be attributed to the upregulation of key genes related to this process.

The Influence of Different Hydrothermal Processes Used in the Preparation of Brussels Sprouts on the Availability of Glucosinolates to Humans

Cruciferous vegetables represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds. However, there is currently a deficiency of information regarding the extent to which these compounds remain bioaccessible to the body following thermal treatment and digestion processes within the digestive tract. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of heat treatment and in vitro digestion on the level of selected bioactive compounds in Brussels sprouts. The Brussels sprouts samples were subjected to a range of thermal processing techniques, which were then followed by a simulated in vitro digestion. The investigated compounds were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The findings revealed that the sous-vide method of cooking Brussels sprouts resulted in significantly higher losses of glucosinolates (GLS) in comparison to conventional cooking methods. No significant differences were observed with regard to isothiocyanates and indoles. The analysis of GLS following digestion revealed that the process was more effective after sous vide and traditional cooking, and slightly less effective after steam cooking. With regard to individual compounds, glucoraphanin (GRA), glucoraphenin (GIV), and gluconasturtiin (GNS) were found to be completely degraded, whereas methoxyglucobrassicin (metGBS) was the most resistant to digestion in both the sous vide and steamed Brussels sprouts. The results indicated that the process of simulating digestion had no significant impact on isothiocyanates and indoles. This suggests that, if present in the heat-treated samples, these compounds remained stable during the in vitro digestion procedure.

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Its Crosstalk: A Chemopreventive Target of Naturally Occurring and Modified Phytochemicals

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environmentally sensitive transcription factor (TF) historically associated with carcinogenesis initiation via the activation of numerous carcinogens. Nowadays, the AhR has been attributed to multiple endogenous functions to maintain cellular homeostasis. Moreover, crosstalk, often reciprocal, has been found between the AhR and several other TFs, particularly estrogen receptors (ERs) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Adequate modulation of these signaling pathways seems to be an attractive strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Several naturally occurring and synthetically modified AhR or ER ligands and Nrf2 modulators have been described. Sulfur-containing derivatives of glucosinolates, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and stilbene derivatives are particularly interesting in this context. I3C and its condensation product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), are classic examples of blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity through activation of the AhR. Still, they also affect multiple essential signaling pathways in preventing hormone-dependent cancer. Resveratrol is a competitive antagonist of several classic AhR ligands. Its analogs, with ortho-methoxy substituents, exert stronger antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity. In addition, they modulate AhR activity and estrogen metabolism. Their activity seems related to a number of methoxy groups introduced into the stilbene structure. This review summarizes the data on the chemopreventive potential of these classes of phytochemicals, in the context of AhR and its crosstalk modulation.

Identification of prostate cancer bone metastasis related genes and potential therapy targets by bioinformatics and in vitro experiments

The aetiology of bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study aims to identify hub genes involved in this process. We utilized machine learning, GO, KEGG, GSEA, Single-cell analysis, ROC methods to identify hub genes for bone metastasis in PCa using the TCGA and GEO databases. Potential drugs targeting these genes were identified. We validated these results using 16 specimens from patients with PCa and analysed the relationship between the hub genes and clinical features. The impact of APOC1 on PCa was assessed through in vitro experiments. Seven hub genes with AUC values of 0.727-0.926 were identified. APOC1, CFH, NUSAP1 and LGALS1 were highly expressed in bone metastasis tissues, while NR4A2, ADRB2 and ZNF331 exhibited an opposite trend. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed these results. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was significantly enriched by the identified genes. Aflatoxin B1, benzo(a)pyrene, cyclosporine were identified as potential drugs. APOC1 expression was correlated with clinical features of PCa metastasis. Silencing APOC1 significantly inhibited PCa cell proliferation, clonality, and migration in vitro. This study identified 7 hub genes that potentially facilitate bone metastasis in PCa through mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. APOC1 emerged as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic marker for PCa with bone metastasis.

Indole-3-Carbinol and Its Derivatives as Neuroprotective Modulators

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway play pivotal roles in the resilience and action of antidepressant drugs, making them prominent targets in psychiatric research. Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and mental illnesses, and exacerbates the aging process. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant responsive element (ARE) serves as the primary cellular defense mechanism against OS-induced brain damage. Thus, Nrf2 activation may confer endogenous neuroprotection against OS-related cellular damage; notably, the TrkB/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, stimulated by BDNF-dependent TrkB signaling, activates Nrf2 and promotes its nuclear translocation. However, insufficient neurotrophin support often leads to the downregulation of the TrkB signaling pathway in brain diseases. Thus, targeting TrkB activation and the Nrf2-ARE system is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Phytochemicals, including indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its metabolite, diindolylmethane (DIM), exhibit neuroprotective effects through BDNF's mimetic activity; Akt phosphorylation is induced, and the antioxidant defense mechanism is activated by blocking the Nrf2-kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) complex. This review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of I3C and its derivatives for concurrently activating neuronal defense mechanisms in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Synergic Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Combination Therapies

Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women. Chemotherapy is the gold standard for cancer treatment; however, severe side effects and tumor resistance are the major obstacles to chemotherapy success. Numerous dietary components and phytochemicals have been found to inhibit the molecular and signaling pathways associated with different stages of breast cancer development. In particular, this review is focused on the antitumor effects of PUFAs, dietary enzymes, and glucosinolates against breast cancer. The major databases were consulted to search in vitro and preclinical studies; only those with solid scientific evidence and reporting protective effects on breast cancer treatment were included. A consistent number of studies highlighted that dietary components and phytochemicals can have remarkable therapeutic effects as single agents or in combination with other anticancer agents, administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration. These provide a natural strategy for chemoprevention, reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, impair cell proliferation and viability, and induce apoptosis. Some of these bioactive compounds of dietary origin, however, show poor solubility and low bioavailability; hence, encapsulation in nanoformulations are promising tools able to increase clinical efficiency.

An ethical assessment of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy

The use of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT) continues to grow in popularity despite the availability of many US Food and Drug Administration-approved hormone products produced in different formulations and dosages. Numerous claims made by proponents of cBHT are not substantiated by properly designed studies. Valid concerns about purity, efficacy, bioavailability and safety of cBHT have been raised. Since patient welfare is the first duty of health professionals, promoting and prescribing cBHT as first-line therapy violates a number of ethical tenets of medical and pharmacy practice and should be discouraged without a compelling reason.

Protective effect of diindolylmethane-enriched dietary cabbage against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice

Chemotherapy with doxorubicin (Dox) can lead to cardiotoxic effects, presenting a major complication in cancer therapy. Diindolylmethane (DIM), derived from cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, exhibits numerous health benefits. However, its clinical application is limited because of low bioavailability and suboptimal natural concentrations in dietary sources. To address this limitation, we developed a processing methodology, specifically fermentation and boiling, to enhance DIM levels in cabbage. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a threefold DIM increase in fermented cabbage and a substantial ninefold increase in fermented-boiled cabbage compared to raw cabbage. To evaluate the clinical implications, we formulated a DIM-enriched diet and administered it to mice undergoing Dox treatment. Our in vivo results revealed that Dox treatment led to cardiotoxicity, manifested by changes in body and heart weight, increased mortality, and severe myocardial tissue degeneration. Dietary administration of the DIM-enriched diet enhanced antioxidant defenses and inhibited apoptosis in the cardiac tissue by interfering with mitoptosis and increasing antioxidant enzyme expression. Interestingly, we found that the DIM-enriched diet inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-kB in cardiac tissue, thereby downregulating the expression of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6. Further, the DIM-enriched diet significantly reduced serum cardiac injury markers elevated by Dox treatment. These results suggest that the DIM-enriched cabbage diet can serve as a complementary dietary intervention for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further, our research highlights the role of plant-based diets in reducing treatment side effects and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signalling in the Control of Gut Inflammation

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor activated by many natural and synthetic ligands, represents an important mediator of the interplay between the environment and the host's immune responses. In a healthy gut, AHR activation promotes tolerogenic signals, which help maintain mucosal homeostasis. AHR expression is defective in the inflamed gut of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), where decreased AHR signaling is supposed to contribute to amplifying the gut tissue's destructive immune-inflammatory responses. We here review the evidence supporting the role of AHR in controlling the "physiological" intestinal inflammation and summarize the data about the therapeutic effects of AHR activators, both in preclinical mouse models of colitis and in patients with IBD.

Formation of DNA Adducts by 1-Methoxy-3-indolylmethylalcohol, a Breakdown Product of a Glucosinolate, in the Mouse: Impact of the SULT1A1 Status-Wild-Type, Knockout or Humanised

We previously found that feeding rats with broccoli or cauliflower leads to the formation of characteristic DNA adducts in the liver, intestine and various other tissues. We identified the critical substances in the plants as 1-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl (1-MIM) glucosinolate and its degradation product 1-MIM-OH. DNA adduct formation and the mutagenicity of 1-MIM-OH in cell models were drastically enhanced when human sulfotransferase (SULT) 1A1 was expressed. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of SULT1A1 in DNA adduct formation by 1-MIM-OH in mouse tissues in vivo. Furthermore, we compared the endogenous mouse Sult1a1 and transgenic human SULT1A1 in the activation of 1-MIM-OH using genetically modified mouse strains. We orally treated male wild-type (wt) and Sult1a1-knockout (ko) mice, as well as corresponding lines carrying the human SULT1A1-SULT1A2 gene cluster (tg and ko-tg), with 1-MIM-OH. N2-(1-MIM)-dG and N6-(1-MIM)-dA adducts in DNA were analysed using isotope-dilution UPLC-MS/MS. In the liver, caecum and colon adducts were abundant in mice expressing mouse and/or human SULT1A1, but were drastically reduced in ko mice (1.2-10.6% of wt). In the kidney and small intestine, adduct levels were high in mice carrying human SULT1A1-SULT1A2 genes, but low in wt and ko mice (1.8-6.3% of tg-ko). In bone marrow, adduct levels were very low, independently of the SULT1A1 status. In the stomach, they were high in all four lines. Thus, adduct formation was primarily controlled by SULT1A1 in five out of seven tissues studied, with a strong impact of differences in the tissue distribution of mouse and human SULT1A1. The behaviour of 1-MIM-OH in these models (levels and tissue distribution of DNA adducts; impact of SULTs) was similar to that of methyleugenol, classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans". Thus, there is a need to test 1-MIM-OH for carcinogenicity in animal models and to study its adduct formation in humans consuming brassicaceous foodstuff.

Application of Tryptophan and Methionine in Broccoli Seedlings Enhances Formation of Anticancer Compounds Sulforaphane and Indole-3-Carbinol and Promotes Growth

Broccoli is a popular cruciferous vegetable that is well known for its abundant health-promoting biochemicals. The most important of these beneficial biochemicals are glucosinolates, including glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin. Glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin can be broken down by myrosinases into sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which have been demonstrated to have potent cancer-preventive properties. Efforts to increase glucoraphanin in broccoli seedlings have long been a focus; however, increasing glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin simultaneously, as well as enhancing myrosinase activity to release more sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, have yet to be investigated. This study aims to investigate the impact of the combined application of tryptophan and methionine on the accumulation of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, as well as their precursors. Furthermore, we also examined whether this application has any effects on seedling growth and the presence of other beneficial compounds. We found that the application of methionine and tryptophan not only increased the glucoraphanin content by 2.37 times and the glucobrassicin content by 3.01 times, but that it also caused a higher myrosinase activity, resulting in a1.99 times increase in sulforaphane and a 3.05 times increase in indole-3-carbinol. In addition, better plant growth and an increase in amino acids and flavonoids were observed in broccoli seedlings with this application. In conclusion, the simultaneous application of tryptophan and methionine to broccoli seedlings can effectively enhance their health-promoting value and growth. Our study provides a cost-effective and multi-benefit strategy for improving the health value and yield of broccoli seedlings, benefiting both consumers and farmers.

Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses

Maca (Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum) is part of the Brassicaceae family and grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range (3500-5000 m). Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility. Scientific research has validated these traditional uses and other clinical applications by elucidating maca's mechanisms of action, nutrition, and phytochemical content. However, research over the last twenty years has identified up to seventeen different colors (phenotypes) of maca. The color, hypocotyl size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods can have a significant effect on the nutrition content, phytochemical profile, and clinical application. Yet, research differentiating the colors of maca and clinical applications remains limited. In this review, research on the nutrition, phytochemicals, and various colors of maca, including black, red, yellow (predominant colors), purple, gray (lesser-known colors), and any combination of colors, including proprietary formulations, will be discussed based on available preclinical and clinical trials. The gaps, deficiencies, and conflicts in the studies will be detailed, along with quality, safety, and efficacy criteria, highlighting the need for future research to specify all these factors of the maca used in publications.

Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Phytonutrient intakes may improve outcomes following breast cancer, but the impact of postdiagnosis introduction vs established prediagnostic exposure as well as optimum doses has not been established. Evidence from observational studies for key exposures was evaluated, including dosage and intake time frames.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry were searched for prospective and retrospective observational studies investigating the impact of soybean, lignans, cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables, green tea, or their phytonutrients on breast cancer survival outcomes. A random-effects model was used to calculate summary hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Nonlinear dose-response analyses were conducted using restricted cubic splines.

RESULTS

Thirty-two articles were included. Soy isoflavones were associated with a 26% reduced risk of recurrence (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.92), particularly among postmenopausal (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55 to 0.94) and estrogen receptor-positive survivors (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.97), with the greatest risk reduction at 60 mg/day. In mortality outcomes, the reduction was mostly at 20 to 40 mg/day. Soy protein and products were inversely associated with cancer-specific mortality for estrogen receptor-positive disease (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.92). An inverse association was observed for serum or plasma enterolactone, measured prediagnosis and early postdiagnosis, with cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.90) and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.83). No effects were observed for cruciferous vegetables. There was a 44% reduced risk of recurrence with prediagnostic green tea for stage I and II breast cancer (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Soy, enterolactone, and green tea demonstrated significant risk reductions in outcomes following breast cancer. Evidence is needed regarding the impact of postdiagnostic introduction or substantial increase of these exposures.

Potential Dietary and Therapeutic Strategies Involving Indole-3-Carbinole in Preclinical Models of Intestinal Inflammation

Diet-microbiota interactions are emerging as important contributors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor regulates xenobiotic metabolism and is activated by exogenous ligands, including indole-3-carbinole (I3C), which is found in cruciferous vegetables. However, studies investigating the impact of dietary I3C and AhR in preclinical models resembling human IBD are lacking. Mice (WT or AhR KO in IECs, 6-8 weeks) or SAMP/YitFC and AKR/J control (4 weeks, m/f) were fed an AhR ligand-depleted or I3C (200 ppm)-supplemented diet. There were increased levels of LPS and exacerbated inflammation, resulting in increased mortality in AhRΔIEC mice fed the AhR ligand-depleted diet in response to chronic DSS. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of I3C supplementation during colonic colitis involved amelioration of intestinal inflammation and restoration of the altered gut microbiota, particularly the families of clostridicae and lachnospriaceae. Furthermore, the AhR-depleted diet led to the emergence of pathobiont Parvibacter caecicola in WT mice. SAMP/YitFc mice with spontaneous ileitis showed significant recovery in epithelial abnormalities when fed dietary I3C. These data demonstrate the critical role of AhR and the mechanisms of dietary I3C in maintaining epithelial homeostasis and ameliorating inflammation.

Effects of Functional and Nutraceutical Foods in the Context of the Mediterranean Diet in Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Several studies report that breast cancer survivors (BCS) tend to have a poor diet, as fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption is often reduced, resulting in a decreased intake of nutraceuticals. Moreover, weight gain has been commonly described among BCS during treatment, increasing recurrence rate and mortality. Improving lifestyle and nutrition after the diagnosis of BC may have important benefits on patients' general health and on specific clinical outcomes. The Mediterranean diet (MD), known for its multiple beneficial effects on health, can be considered a nutritional pool comprising several nutraceuticals: bioactive compounds and foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific advances have led to the identification of nutraceuticals that could amplify the benefits of the MD and favorably influence gene expression in these patients. Nutraceuticals could have beneficial effects in the postdiagnostic phase of BC, including helping to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, the MD could be a valid and easy-to-follow option for managing excess weight. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the recent scientific literature on the possible beneficial effects of consuming functional and nutraceutical foods in the framework of MD in BCS.

The Southern European Atlantic Diet and Its Supplements: The Chemical Bases of Its Anticancer Properties

Scientific evidence increasingly supports the strong link between diet and health, acknowledging that a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer. This perspective opens the door to developing precision diets, particularly tailored for individuals at risk of developing cancer. It encompasses a vast research area and involves the study of an expanding array of compounds with multilevel "omics" compositions, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, miRNomics, and metabolomics. We review here the components of the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) from both a chemical and pharmacological standpoint. The information sources consulted, complemented by crystallographic data from the Protein Data Bank, establish a direct link between the SEAD and its anticancer properties. The data collected strongly suggest that SEAD offers an exceptionally healthy profile, particularly due to the presence of beneficial biomolecules in its foods. The inclusion of olive oil and paprika in this diet provides numerous health benefits, and scientific evidence supports the anticancer properties of dietary supplements with biomolecules sourced from vegetables of the brassica genus. Nonetheless, further research is warranted in this field to gain deeper insights into the potential benefits of the SEAD's bioactive compounds against cancer.

Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells

Cancer treatment typically involves multiple strategies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, to remove tumors. However, chemotherapy often causes side effects, and there is a constant search for new drugs to alleviate them. Natural compounds are a promising alternative to this problem. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural antioxidant agent that has been studied as a potential cancer treatment. I3C is an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that plays a role in the expression of genes related to development, immunity, circadian rhythm, and cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of I3C on cell viability, migration, invasion properties, as well as mitochondrial integrity in hepatoma, breast, and cervical cancer cell lines. We found that all tested cell lines showed impaired carcinogenic properties and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential after treatment with I3C. These results support the potential use of I3C as a supplementary treatment for various types of cancer.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane and indole-3-carbinol: potential therapeutic molecules for cancer chemoprevention and treatment via regulating cellular signaling pathways

Dietary compounds in cancer prevention have gained significant consideration as a viable method. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) are heterocyclic and bioactive chemicals found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. They are synthesized after glycolysis from the glucosinolate structure. Clinical and preclinical trials have evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, effectiveness, antioxidant, cancer-preventing (cervical dysplasia, prostate cancer, breast cancer), and anti-tumor activities of I3C and DIM involved with polyphenolic derivatives created in the digestion showing promising results. However, the exact mechanism by which they exert anti-cancer and apoptosis-inducing properties has yet to be entirely understood. Via this study, we update the existing knowledge of the state of anti-cancer investigation concerning I3C and DIM chemicals. We have also summarized; (i) the recent advancements in the use of I3C/DIM as therapeutic molecules since they represent potentially appealing anti-cancer agents, (ii) the available literature on the I3C and DIM characterization, and the challenges related to pharmacologic properties such as low solubility, and poor bioavailability, (iii) the synthesis and semi-synthetic derivatives, (iv) the mechanism of anti-tumor action in vitro/in vivo, (v) the action in cellular signaling pathways related to the regulation of apoptosis and anoikis as well as the cell cycle progression and cell proliferation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and PPARγ agonists; SR13668, Akt inhibitor, cyclins regulation, ER-dependent-independent pathways, and their current medical applications, to recognize research opportunities to potentially use these compounds instead chemotherapeutic synthetic drugs.

Indole-3-Carbinol: Occurrence, Health-Beneficial Properties, and Cellular/Molecular Mechanisms

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a bioactive phytochemical abundant in cruciferous vegetables. One of its main in vivo metabolites is 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), formed by the condensation of two molecules of I3C. Both I3C and DIM alter multiple signaling pathways and related molecules controlling diverse cellular events, including oxidation, inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunity. There is a growing body of evidence from both in vitro and in vivo models that these compounds possess strong potential to prevent several forms of chronic disease such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, and osteoporosis. This article reviews current knowledge of the occurrence of I3C in nature and foods, along with the beneficial effects of I3C and DIM concerning prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, focusing on preclinical studies and their mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels.

Biosynthesis of anticancer phytochemical compounds and their chemistry

Cancer is a severe health issue, and cancer cases are rising yearly. New anticancer drugs have been developed as our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind diverse solid tumors, and metastatic malignancies have increased. Plant-derived phytochemical compounds target different oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, protein channels, immune cells, protein channels, and pumps, which have attracted much attention for treating cancer in preclinical studies. Despite the anticancer capabilities of these phytochemical compounds, systemic toxicity, medication resistance, and limited absorption remain more significant obstacles in clinical trials. Therefore, drug combinations of new phytochemical compounds, phytonanomedicine, semi-synthetic, and synthetic analogs should be considered to supplement the existing cancer therapies. It is also crucial to consider different strategies for increased production of phytochemical bioactive substances. The primary goal of this review is to highlight several bioactive anticancer phytochemical compounds found in plants, preclinical research, their synthetic and semi-synthetic analogs, and clinical trials. Additionally, biotechnological and metabolic engineering strategies are explored to enhance the production of bioactive phytochemical compounds. Ligands and their interactions with their putative targets are also explored through molecular docking studies. Therefore, emphasis is given to gathering comprehensive data regarding modern biotechnology, metabolic engineering, molecular biology, and in silico tools.

Synthetic Methodologies and Therapeutic Potential of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Its Derivatives

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural product contained in vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family and has been studied in recent decades for its biological and pharmacological properties. Herein, we will analyze: (1) the biosynthetic processes and synthetic procedures through which I3C and its main derivatives have been obtained; (2) the characteristics that lead to believe that both I3C and its derivatives are responsible for several important activities-in particular, antitumor and antiviral, through insights concerning in vitro assays and in vivo tests; (3) the mechanisms of action of the most important compounds considered; (4) the potential social impact that the enhancement of the discussed molecules can have in the prevention and treatment of the pathologies' examined field-first of all, those related to respiratory tract disorders and cancer.

Benzo[a]pyrene toxicokinetics in humans following dietary supplementation with 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) or Brussels sprouts

Utilizing the atto-zeptomole sensitivity of UPLC-accelerator mass spectrometry (UPLC-AMS), we previously demonstrated significant first-pass metabolism following escalating (25-250 ng) oral micro-dosing in humans of [14C]-benzo[a]pyrene ([14C]-BaP). The present study examines the potential for supplementation with Brussels sprouts (BS) or 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) to alter plasma levels of [14C]-BaP and metabolites over a 48-h period following micro-dosing with 50 ng (5.4 nCi) [14C]-BaP. Volunteers were dosed with [14C]-BaP following fourteen days on a cruciferous vegetable restricted diet, or the same diet supplemented for seven days with 50 g of BS or 300 mg of BR-DIM® prior to dosing. BS or DIM reduced total [14C] recovered from plasma by 56-67% relative to non-intervention. Dietary supplementation with DIM markedly increased Tmax and reduced Cmax for [14C]-BaP indicative of slower absorption. Both dietary treatments significantly reduced Cmax values of four downstream BaP metabolites, consistent with delaying BaP absorption. Dietary treatments also appeared to reduce the T1/2 and the plasma AUC(0,∞) for Unknown Metabolite C, indicating some effect in accelerating clearance of this metabolite. Toxicokinetic constants for other metabolites followed the pattern for [14C]-BaP (metabolite profiles remained relatively consistent) and non-compartmental analysis did not indicate other significant alterations. Significant amounts of metabolites in plasma were at the bay region of [14C]-BaP irrespective of treatment. Although the number of subjects and large interindividual variation are limitations of this study, it represents the first human trial showing dietary intervention altering toxicokinetics of a defined dose of a known human carcinogen.

Cauliflower by-products as functional ingredient in bakery foods: Fortification of pizza with glucosinolates, carotenoids and phytosterols

Industrial cauliflower by-products still represent a no-value food waste, even though they are rich in bioactive compounds. With the aim of valorizing them, optimized special flours rich in glucobrassicin, lutein, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol obtained from leaves, orange and violet stalks were used at 10 and 30% w/w in the formulation of functional leavened bakery. For the first time, the effect of bioactive compounds enrichment in pizza products as well as the rheological properties were evaluated. As results, pizza making process affected the recovery of the bioactive compounds. The recovery of glucobrassicin and carotenoids in pizza depended on the aerial part of cauliflower. Pizza with violet stalks was the richest in glucobrassicin, providing 8.4 mg per portion (200 g). Pizza with leaves showed the highest carotenoid content with a 90% of recovery rate while pizza with orange stalks provided up to 5.8% of the phytosterols health claim requirement. All 10% enriched pizzas revealed viscoelastic and springiness properties similar to the control, contrary to 30% fortification level. Therefore, the use of 10% special flour in pizza should meet both technological industrial processing and consumer acceptance. Orange stalks are the most promising ingredients for high levels of fortification in pizzas.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Coordinates Mouse Small Intestinal Epithelial Cell Programming

In the face of mechanical, chemical, microbial, and immunologic pressure, intestinal homeostasis is maintained through balanced cellular turnover, proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal. Here, we present evidence supporting the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the adaptive reprogramming of small intestinal gene expression, leading to altered proliferation, lineage commitment, and remodeling of the cellular repertoire that comprises the intestinal epithelium to promote intestinal resilience. Ahr gene/protein expression and transcriptional activity exhibit marked proximal^HI to distal^LO and crypt^HI to villi^LO gradients. Genetic ablation of Ahr impairs commitment/differentiation of the secretory Paneth and goblet cell lineages and associated mucin production, restricts expression of secretory/enterocyte differentiation markers, and increases crypt-associated proliferation and villi-associated enterocyte luminal exfoliation. Ahr^-/- mice display a decrease in intestinal barrier function. Ahr^+/+ mice that maintain a diet devoid of AHR ligands intestinally phenocopy Ahr^-/- mice. In contrast, Ahr^+/+ mice exposed to AHR ligands reverse these phenotypes. Ligand-induced AHR transcriptional activity positively correlates with gene expression (Math1, Klf4, Tff3) associated with differentiation of the goblet cell secretory lineage. Math1 was identified as a direct target gene of AHR, a transcription factor critical to the development of goblet cells. These data suggest that dietary cues, relayed through the transcriptional activity of AHR, can reshape the cellular repertoire of the gastrointestinal tract.

Interplay between Cruciferous Vegetables and the Gut Microbiome: A Multi-Omic Approach

Brassica vegetables contain a multitude of bioactive compounds that prevent and suppress cancer and promote health. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may be essential in the production of these compounds; however, the relationship between specific microbes and the abundance of metabolites produced during cruciferous vegetable digestion are still unclear. We utilized an ex vivo human fecal incubation model with in vitro digested broccoli sprouts (Broc), Brussels sprouts (Brus), a combination of the two vegetables (Combo), or a negative control (NC) to investigate microbial metabolites of cruciferous vegetables. We conducted untargeted metabolomics on the fecal cultures by LC-MS/MS and completed 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified 72 microbial genera in our samples, 29 of which were significantly differentially abundant between treatment groups. A total of 4499 metabolomic features were found to be significantly different between treatment groups (q ≤ 0.05, fold change > 2). Chemical enrichment analysis revealed 45 classes of compounds to be significantly enriched by brassicas, including long-chain fatty acids, coumaric acids, and peptides. Multi-block PLS-DA and a filtering method were used to identify microbe−metabolite interactions. We identified 373 metabolites from brassica, which had strong relationships with microbes, such as members of the family Clostridiaceae and genus Intestinibacter, that may be microbially derived.

Indole-3-carbinol in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-Cov-2 virus and in vivo toxicity

The effects of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) compound have been described deeply as antitumor drug in multiple cancers. Herein, I3C compound was tested for toxicity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral activity was assessed in vitro in both in VeroE6 cell line and human Lung Organoids (hLORGs) where I3C exhibited a direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 replication activity with an antiviral effect and a modulation of the expression of genes implicated in innate immunity and inflammatory response was observed at 16.67 μM. Importantly, we further show the I3C is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. In mouse model, instead, we assessed possible toxicity effects of I3C through two different routes of administration: intragastrically (i.g.) and intraperitoneally (i.p.). The LD50 (lethal dose 50%) values in mice were estimated to be: 1410 and 1759 mg/kg i.g.; while estimated values for i.p. administration were: 444.5 mg/kg and 375 mg/kg in male and female mice, respectively. Below these values, I3C (in particular at 550 mg/kg for i.g. and 250 mg/kg for i.p.) induces neither death, nor abnormal toxic symptoms as well as no histopathological lesions of the tissues analysed. These tolerated doses are much higher than those already proven effective in pre-clinical cancer models and in vitro experiments. In conclusion, I3C exhibits a significant antiviral activity, and no toxicity effects were recorded for this compound at the indicated doses, characterizing it as a safe and potential antiviral compound. The results presented in this study could provide experimental pre-clinical data necessary for the start of human clinical trials with I3C for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and beyond.

Indole-3-Carbinol Inhibits the Growth of Endometriotic Lesions by Suppression of Microvascular Network Formation

Endometriosis represents an estrogen-dependent disorder with a complex pathophysiology. Phytochemicals are promising candidates for endometriosis therapy, because they simultaneously target different cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Herein, we analyzed whether indole-3-carbinol (I3C) suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions, which were surgically induced by fixation of uterine tissue samples (diameter: 2 mm) from female BALB/c donor mice to the peritoneum of recipient animals. The mice received either I3C or vehicle (control) by peroral administration once per day. Growth, cyst formation, cell proliferation, microvascularization and protein expression of the lesions were assessed by high-resolution ultrasound imaging, caliper measurements, histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. I3C inhibited the vascularization and growth of endometriotic lesions without inducing anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative side effects on reproductive organs. This was associated with a significantly reduced number of proliferating stromal and endothelial cells and a lower expression of the pro-angiogenic signaling molecules vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) within I3C-treated lesions when compared to controls. These findings indicate that I3C effectively inhibits endometriotic lesion formation in mice. Thus, further studies should clarify whether I3C may be also beneficial for the prevention and therapy of the human disease.

Indole-3-Carbinol Stabilizes p53 to Induce miR-34a, Which Targets LDHA to Block Aerobic Glycolysis in Liver Cancer Cells

Certain cancer cells prefer aerobic glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation for energy supply. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) catalyzes the reduction of pyruvate to lactate and regains NAD+ so that glycolysis is continued. As a pivotal enzyme to promote smooth glycolysis, LDHA plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) has displayed antitumor activity, but the exact mechanism remains to be identified. In this study, we treated liver cancer cells with I3C, performed colony formation and cell migration, measured the expression of glycolysis-related proteins, and predicted and validated LDHA-targeting miRNA from the databases. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of p53, glycolysis-related genes and miRNAs that regulate glycolysis were detected after I3C and siRNA-p53 treatment alone or in combination. Next, the expression and colocalization of p53 and MDM2 in liver cancer cells were evaluated after I3C treatment, and the effect of I3C on p53 protein stability was examined. The results showed that I3C inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and the expression levels of glycolysis-related gene LDHAs. MiR-34a was predicted to target LDHA, and I3C downregulated its expression. Furthermore, the combined I3C and siRNA-p53 treatment demonstrated that I3C regulated the expression of LDHA via miR-34a in a p53-dependent manner. Finally, I3C inhibited MDM2 expression and its colocalization with p53 and stabilized p53 expression. In summary, I3C inhibited the degradation of p53 by MDM2 in liver cancer cells; stable p53 induced miR-34a, which targeted LDHA, a key enzyme for aerobic glycolysis, suggesting cancer metabolism is an important target for I3C in liver cancer cells.

The Anticancer Potential of Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals via the Modulation of Gene Expression

Current studies show that approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths are linked to diet and several cancer forms are preventable with balanced nutrition, due to dietary compounds being able to reverse epigenetic abnormalities. An appropriate diet in cancer patients can lead to changes in gene expression and enhance the efficacy of therapy. It has been demonstrated that nutraceuticals can act as powerful antioxidants at the cellular level as well as anticarcinogenic agents. This review is focused on the best studies on worldwide-available plant-derived nutraceuticals: curcumin, resveratrol, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, astaxanthin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and lycopene. These compounds have an enhanced effect on epigenetic changes such as histone modification via HDAC (histone deacetylase), HAT (histone acetyltransferase) inhibition, DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) inhibition, and non-coding RNA expression. All of these nutraceuticals are reported to positively modulate the epigenome, reducing cancer incidence. Furthermore, the current review addresses the issue of the low bioavailability of nutraceuticals and how to overcome the drawbacks related to their oral administration. Understanding the mechanisms by which nutraceuticals influence gene expression will allow their incorporation into an “epigenetic diet” that could be further capitalized on in the therapy of cancer.

Diindolylmethane Derivatives: New Selective Blockers for T-Type Calcium Channels

The natural product indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its major digestive product 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) have shown clinical promise in multiple forms of cancer including breast cancer. In this study, we explored the calcium channel activity of DIM, its synthetic derivative 3,3′-Diindolylmethanone (DIM-one) and related I3C and DIM-one analogs. For the first time, DIM, DIM-one and analog IX were identified as selective blockers for T-type Ca_V3.3 (IC₅₀s DIM 2.09 µM; DIM-one 9.07 µM) while compound IX inhibited both Ca_V3.2 (6.68 µM) and Ca_V3.3 (IC₅₀ = 3.05 µM) using a FLIPR cell-based assay to measure inhibition of T-type calcium channel window current. Further characterization of DIM by electrophysiology revealed it inhibited inward Ca²⁺ current through Ca_V3.1 (IC₅₀ = 8.32 µM) and Ca_V3.3 (IC₅₀ = 9.63 µM), while IX partially blocked Ca_V3.2 and Ca_V3.3 inward Ca²⁺ current. In contrast, DIM-one preferentially blocked Ca_V3.1 inward Ca²⁺ current (IC₅₀ = 1.53 µM). The anti-proliferative activities of these compounds revealed that oxidation of the methylene group of DIM shifted the selectivity of DIMs from breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to colon cancer cell line HT-29.

The Role of Natural Products and Their Multitargeted Approach to Treat Solid Cancer

Natural products play a critical role in the discovery and development of numerous drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer. These phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic properties by interfering with the initiation, development, and progression of cancer through altering various mechanisms such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Treating multifactorial diseases, such as cancer with agents targeting a single target, might lead to limited success and, in many cases, unsatisfactory outcomes. Various epidemiological studies have shown that the steady consumption of fruits and vegetables is intensely associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Since ancient period, plants, herbs, and other natural products have been used as healing agents. Likewise, most of the medicinal ingredients accessible today are originated from the natural resources. Regardless of achievements, developing bioactive compounds and drugs from natural products has remained challenging, in part because of the problem associated with large-scale sequestration and mechanistic understanding. With significant progress in the landscape of cancer therapy and the rising use of cutting-edge technologies, we may have come to a crossroads to review approaches to identify the potential natural products and investigate their therapeutic efficacy. In the present review, we summarize the recent developments in natural products-based cancer research and its application in generating novel systemic strategies with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms in solid cancer.

Counteracting Health Risks by Modulating Homeostatic Signaling

Homeostasis was initially conceptualized by Bernard and Cannon around a century ago as a steady state of physiological parameters that vary within a certain range, such as blood pH, body temperature, and heart rate^1,2. The underlying mechanisms that maintain homeostasis are explained by negative feedbacks that are executed by the neuronal, endocrine, and immune systems. At the cellular level, homeostasis, such as that of redox and energy steady state, also exists and is regulated by various cell signaling pathways. The induction of homeostatic mechanism is critical for human to adapt to various disruptive insults (stressors); while on the other hand, adaptation occurs at the expense of other physiological processes and thus runs the risk of collateral damages, particularly under conditions of chronic stress. Conceivably, anti-stress protection can be achieved by stressor-mimicking medicinals that elicit adaptive responses prior to an insult and thereby serve as health risk countermeasures; and in situations where maladaptation may occur, downregulating medicinals could be used to suppress the responses and prevent subsequent pathogenesis. Both strategies are preemptive interventions particularly suited for individuals who carry certain lifestyle, environmental, or genetic risk factors. In this article, we will define and characterize a new modality of prophylactic intervention that forestalls diseases via modulating homeostatic signaling. Moreover, we will provide evidence from the literature that support this concept and distinguish it from other homeostasis-related interventions such as adaptogen, hormesis, and xenohormesis.

Striatal Isolated from Cyathus striatus Extracts Induces Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

The aim of the present study was to identify the structure of active compounds in Cyathus stratus that previously demonstrated anti-pancreatic cancer activity. The active compounds were purified from a crude extract by a series of RP-18 preparative chromatography using homemade octadecyl silica gel column. HPLC injection of the crude extract revealed a chromatogram with three main peaks with retention times (RT) 15.6, 18.2, and 22.5 min. Each fraction that exhibited promising activity in vitro was further separated using various available chromatographic techniques. The purified compound with the ultimate anti-cancer activity appeared at RT of 15.8 in the HPLC chromatogram with more than 90% purity. The main peak at the mass spectra appeared at m/z = 446.2304 with the calculated molecular formula of C25H34O7. One- and two-dimensional NMR analyses indicated that the structure of the active molecule (peak 15.8 min in HPLC) was identified as striatal C. Exposure of human pancreatic cancer cells to purified striatal C resulted in induction of apoptosis. Further studies are needed in order to develop a method for the synthesis of striatal in order to use it in clinical studies for treatment of cancer.

Sulfur compounds: From plants to humans and their role in chronic disease prevention

Sulfur is essential for the health of plants and is an indispensable dietary component for human health and disease prevention. Its incorporation into our food supply is heavily reliant upon the uptake of sulfur into plant tissue and our subsequent intake. Dietary requirements for sulfur are largely calculated based upon requirements for the sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), cysteine and methionine, to meet the demands for synthesis of proteins, enzymes, co-enzymes, vitamins, and hormones. SAA are found in abundance in animal sources and are relatively low in plants. However, some plants, particularly cruciferous and allium vegetables, produce many protective sulfur-containing secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates and cysteine sulfoxides. The variety and quantity of these sulfur-containing metabolites are extensive and their effects on human health are wide-reaching. Many benefits appear to be related to sulfur's role in redox biochemistry, protecting against uncontrolled oxidative stress and inflammation; features consistent within cardiometabolic dysfunction and many chronic metabolic diseases of aging. This narrative explores the origins and importance of sulfur, its incorporation into our food supply and dietary sources. It also explores the overarching potential of sulfur for human health, particularly around the amelioration of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, and subsequent chronic disease prevention.