Genotoxic effects of benzyl isothiocyanate, a natural chemopreventive agent

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is contained in cruciferous plants which are part of the human diet. Numerous reports indicate that BITC prevents chemically induced cancer in laboratory animals and it has been postulated that BITC might also be chemoprotective in humans. On the other hand, evidence is accumulating that this compound is a potent genotoxin in mammalian cells by itself. To further elucidate the potential hazards of BITC, we investigated its genotoxic effects in different in vitro genotoxicity tests and in animal models. In in vitro experiments [differential DNA repair assay with Escherichia coli, micronucleus assay with human HepG2 cells and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay with hepatocytes and gastrointestinal tract cells] pronounced dose-dependent genotoxic effects were found at low dose levels (