Rapid detection of inducers of enzymes that protect against carcinogens

Dietary composition is a major determinant of cancer risk in humans and experimental animals. Major and minor components of the diet may enhance or suppress the development of malignancy. Many dietary constituents also modify the metabolism of carcinogens by induction of enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, and this is one well-established mechanism for modulating the risk of cancer. We have developed a simple system for rapid detection and measurement of the induction of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens (phase II enzymes), based on the direct assay of the activity of quinone reductase [NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.2] in murine hepatoma cells grown in microtiter plate wells. Survey of extracts of a variety of commonly consumed, organically grown vegetables for quinone reductase inducer activity identified crucifers (and particularly those of the genus Brassica) as singularly rich sources. It is therefore of interest that high consumption of these types of vegetables has been correlated with decreased cancer risk in humans. The assay system also measures toxicity, which was unrelated to inducer potency among the vegetable extracts examined. By use of mutant hepatoma cells (defective in regulation of certain cytochrome P-450 enzymes) selective (monofunctional) inducers of protective phase II enzymes can be distinguished from (bifunctional) inducers that also elevate cytochromes P-450 (phase I enzymes) and thereby pose the risk of carcinogen activation. The assay system therefore permits not only rapid detection of inducers of anticarcinogenic enzymes in the human diet but also elucidation of effects of storage and processing on inducer activities.