Paper
Selective responsiveness of human breast cancer cells to indole-3-carbinol, a chemopreventive agent.
Published Jan 19, 1994 · R. Tiwari, Li Guo, H. Bradlow
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
139
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0
Influential Citations
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound found in cabbage, broccoli, and brussels sprouts, inhibits the growth of mammary tumors when fed to certain strains of mice. The chemopreventive and antitumor effects of I3C depend on the species and tissue type. The mechanism of action and specific human cell types that respond to I3C are not known. PURPOSE Our purpose was to study the mechanism of action of I3C in estrogen-responsive (MCF-7) and estrogen-nonresponsive (MDA-MB-231) human breast cancer cell lines. METHODS Estrogen responsiveness was determined by the ability of estradiol to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells deprived of estrogen. The effect of I3C was measured on cell growth, estradiol metabolism, and level of cytochrome P-4501A1. Growth was measured by cell counts and soft-agar assay, estrogen metabolism was examined by a radiometric assay, and the level of cytochrome P-4501A1 was measured by Western blots with a polyclonal antibody. RESULTS I3C inhibits the growth of estrogen-responsive cell line MCF-7 but has little effect on estrogen-nonresponsive cell line MDA-MB-231. Specific C-2 hydroxylation of estrogen and induction of cytochrome P-4501A1 was enhanced by I3C in the MCF-7 but not in the MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION I3C has specific antigrowth effects in human breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of I3C may involve selective induction of estradiol metabolism and the related cytochrome P-450 system that may be limited to estrogen-sensitive cells.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedIndole-3-carbinol (I3C) has specific antigrowth effects in human breast cancer cells, potentially involving selective induction of estradiol metabolism and related cytochrome P-450 system in estrogen-sensitive cells.
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