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Nrf2 targeting by sulforaphane: A potential therapy for cancer treatment

Maria Russo1, Carmela Spagnuolo1, Gian Luigi Russo1

  • 1a Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council , Avellino , Italy.

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
|December 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Sulforaphane, a compound from Brassica vegetables, shows promise in cancer prevention and treatment. This review explores its multifaceted anti-cancer effects and potential as an adjuvant therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Sulforaphane is a potent chemopreventive isothiocyanate derived from glucoraphanin, abundant in Brassica vegetables.
  • Extensive research highlights sulforaphane's activity against various cancer types at multiple stages.
  • Its pleiotropic effects involve complex molecular mechanisms influencing cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review experimental and clinical data on sulforaphane's therapeutic potential in cancer.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sulforaphane's anti-cancer activities.
  • To assess sulforaphane's viability as a natural adjuvant therapy for cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental and clinical studies on sulforaphane and cancer.
  • Analysis of data on sulforaphane's cellular and molecular effects.
  • Evaluation of clinical trial outcomes and limitations.

Main Results:

  • Sulforaphane demonstrates protective effects against DNA damage and modulates cell cycle progression.
  • Key anti-cancer activities include pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic properties.
  • Molecularly, sulforaphane activates the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, regulating cellular homeostasis.

Conclusions:

  • Sulforaphane exhibits significant potential as a therapeutic agent against various cancers.
  • Its ability to modulate multiple cancer pathways makes it a valuable candidate for adjuvant therapy.
  • Further clinical studies are warranted to fully establish sulforaphane's role in cancer treatment, despite current data limitations.
Keywords:
AntioxidantNrf2cancersulforaphane

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