Researchers Study Broccoli-Derived
Chemicals to Prevent Cancer
Source: ustoo.org/screamoutput/article.html?SMContentIndex=30&SMContentSet=0
NewsRx.com
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January 8, 2004
Fruits and
vegetables are good for overall health, and a newly funded study at the
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) may show that certain
vegetables, such as broccoli, also offer protection against prostate cancer.
UPCI researcher
Shivendra Singh, PhD, professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has received a $1.7 million grant from the U.S.
National Cancer Institute to study prostate cancer prevention by phytochemicals
found in broccoli called isothiocyanates (ITCs).
"Clearly, what
we eat has an effect on the development of diseases such as cancer," said
Singh, also co-leader of UPCI's cancer biochemoprevention program.
"However, we know little about the mechanisms by which certain edible
plants like broccoli help our bodies fight prostate cancer and other diseases.
Our goal with this study is to better understand the function and relationship
of substances in broccoli that appear to be linked to inhibiting prostate cancer
growth."
ITCs are substances
in vegetables that are generated when vegetables are either cut or chewed.
Previous research has demonstrated that ITCs are highly effective in affording
protection against cancer in animal models induced by carcinogens including
those in tobacco smoke. Epidemiological research also has shown that increased
consumption of vegetables that contain ITCs significantly reduces the risk for
prostate cancer.
Singh's laboratory
has found that some naturally occurring ITCs are highly effective in suppressing
the growth of human prostate cancer cells at concentrations that are achievable
through dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables such as watercress and
broccoli. In his current study, Singh seeks to further define the mechanisms by
which ITCs induce apoptosis, or cancer cell death, to provide insights into the
key structural relationships between ITCs and cell processes and to identify
potential biomarkers that could be useful for future intervention trials
involving ITCs.
"The knowledge
we gain from this study will help guide us in formulating practical and
effective nutritional strategies for the prevention and treatment of prostate
cancer," said Singh. In addition to studies involving broccoli, Singh also
is examining the effect of garlic on prostate cancer prevention.
In the United
States, only 23% of adults eat five or more fruits and vegetables per day. This
article was prepared by Biotech Law Week editors from staff and other reports.
Copyright 2004, Biotech Law Week via LawRx.com.
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