Many vegetables have been shown to protect against cancer. One group of vegetables in particular are the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc.) A recent study discovered why broccoli have a protective anti-cancer effect: the presence of a molecule capable of turning off the gene involved in the onset of tumors. The investigation was carried out by a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA. The study was published in Science (May 2019).
ANTI-CANCER ENZYME DETECTED
The “magic” molecule present in crucifers is indole-3-carbon (I3C). It is a natural substance capable of activating PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene that guards cells and defends them from the WWP1 oncogene (an enzyme that, if abundant, causes the onset of tumors). The researchers carried out the investigation in the laboratory, using samples of human cells and animal models (mice). Through biochemical analyzes and computer simulations, they were able to identify the different molecules involved in the process. In particular, the I3C molecule contained in crucifers, capable of awakening the control systems against the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, in which the onco-suppressor PTEN is involved.
Scientists managed to activate PTEN (the “good guardian” of cells) by blocking WWP1 (a “bad switch” that keeps PTEN off), thanks to the I3C present in broccoli. Achieving a reduction in the size and weight of the tumor. The research focused on prostate cancer, but experts assure that this approach should also work on other types of cancer, such as breast and liver cancer, in which the WWP1 oncogene is very abundant.
PERSPECTIVES FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
The amount of broccoli we should eat is enormous, 7 kilos/15.5 lbs., but the research lays the foundation for new clinical trials to develop the compound in purity at a pharmacological level. This could be an important preventive action for the fight against cancer through molecules of plant origin.
SOURCE
Lee YR, Chen M, Pandolfi PP et Al. – Reactivation of PTEN tumor suppressor for cancer treatment through inhibition of a MYC-WWP1 inhibitory pathway – Science (2019 May)
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6441/eaau0159.long (last viewed 02/09/2022)
