Issue 10, 2011

Mechanisms of action of isothiocyanates in cancer chemoprevention: an update

Abstract

Isothiocyanates (ITC), derived from glucosinolates, are thought to be responsible for the chemoprotective actions conferred by higher cruciferous vegetable intake. Evidence suggests that isothiocyanates exert their effects through a variety of distinct but interconnected signaling pathways important for inhibiting carcinogenesis, including those involved in detoxification, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell cycle and epigenetic regulation, among others. This article provides an update on the latest research on isothiocyanates and these mechanisms, and points out remaining gaps in our understanding of these events. Given the variety of ITC produced from glucosinolates, and the diverse pathways on which these compounds act, a systems biology approach, in vivo, may help to better characterize their integrated role in cancer prevention. In addition, the effects of dose, duration of exposure, and specificity of different ITC should be considered.

Graphical abstract: Mechanisms of action of isothiocyanates in cancer chemoprevention: an update

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
17 Jun 2011
Accepted
25 Aug 2011
First published
21 Sep 2011

Food Funct., 2011,2, 579-587

Mechanisms of action of isothiocyanates in cancer chemoprevention: an update

S. L. Navarro, F. Li and J. W. Lampe, Food Funct., 2011, 2, 579 DOI: 10.1039/C1FO10114E

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