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Induction of estradiol metabolism by dietary indole-3-carbinol in humans

J J Michnovicz1, H L Bradlow

  • 1Rockefeller University, New York, NY.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|June 6, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Dietary indoles, like indole-3-carbinol found in cruciferous vegetables, can alter estradiol metabolism. This suggests a potential new strategy for preventing estrogen-dependent diseases and cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Dietary indoles from cruciferous vegetables are known to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes.
  • These enzymes play a crucial role in metabolizing estradiol, a hormone linked to breast cancer risk.
  • Indoles show potential for preventing tumors in animal models, suggesting a similar effect on estrogen-responsive cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of dietary indoles on hepatic estradiol 2-hydroxylation.
  • To determine if indole-3-carbinol can alter estradiol metabolism in humans.
  • To explore the potential of indole-3-carbinol as a chemopreventive agent for estrogen-dependent diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Several indoles were tested in female Sprague-Dawley rats to assess their ability to induce hepatic estradiol 2-hydroxylation.
  • The most potent indole, indole-3-carbinol, was administered to human participants at a dosage of 500 mg daily for one week.
  • Estradiol 2-hydroxylation levels were measured before and after indole-3-carbinol administration in humans.

Main Results:

  • Indole-3-carbinol was identified as the most potent inducer of hepatic estradiol 2-hydroxylation in rats.
  • In human participants, indole-3-carbinol significantly increased estradiol 2-hydroxylation from 29.3% +/- 2.1% to 45.6% +/- 2.1% (P < .001).
  • These findings demonstrate a strong influence of indole-3-carbinol on human estradiol metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • Indole-3-carbinol significantly enhances estradiol 2-hydroxylation in humans.
  • This modulation of estradiol metabolism suggests indole-3-carbinol may offer a novel chemopreventive approach.
  • Further research into indole-3-carbinol could lead to new strategies for managing estrogen-dependent diseases and reducing cancer risk.

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