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Isothiocyanate-containing mustard protects human cells against genotoxins in vitro and in vivo

Evelyn Lamy1, Stefan Schmitz, Angelika Krumbein

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. evelyn.lamy@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Mutation Research
|September 21, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mustard consumption, rich in isothiocyanates, demonstrated significant anti-genotoxicity against DNA damage in human cells and volunteers. This chemopreventive effect was observed even with short-term intake, suggesting protective benefits of dietary isothiocyanates.

Area of Science:

  • Chemoprevention research
  • Genotoxicity and anti-genotoxicity studies
  • Biomarker analysis in human intervention trials

Background:

  • Human intervention trials require cytogenetic biomarkers to validate chemopreventive efficacy.
  • Assessing the chemo-preventive potential of dietary components is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the genotoxic and anti-genotoxic properties of isothiocyanate-containing mustard.
  • To assess the chemo-preventive effect of mustard consumption in a pilot human intervention trial.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a human liver cell-line (HepG2) and a controlled pilot human intervention trial.
  • Analyzed blood from volunteers as surrogate tissue for time-kinetic assessment of mustard's effect.
  • Measured DNA damage and specific enzyme activities (GST, alpha-GST) in blood samples.

Main Results:

  • Mustard extracts showed significant anti-genotoxicity against benzo(a)pyrene in HepG2 cells.
  • Mustard supplementation protected against ex vivo DNA damage in volunteer blood within 12 hours, with effects increasing over time.
  • No genotoxicity was observed in human peripheral blood cells or adverse effects on liver parameters; plasma alpha-GST levels increased.

Conclusions:

  • Suggests that small amounts of isothiocyanate-containing foods can protect cells from DNA damage.
  • Highlights the potential of short-term dietary interventions with isothiocyanates for cellular protection.

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