Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of naturally occurring glucosinolates from by-products of Camelina sativa L. and their effect on human colorectal cancer cell line

“…Higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables (more than three servings per week) have been associated with significant reductions in the risk of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers, and with less Pagliari et al 10.3389/fnut.2022.901944 consistent reductions in the risk of prostatic, endometrial, and ovarian cancers (1)(2)(3)(4). Recent studies indicate that glucosinolates and their breakdown products including indoles and isothiocyanates have a beneficial health effect and may contribute to reduction of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases when taken as part of the diet [(5-7); Le (8,9)]. Glucosinolates (GLSs) are secondary metabolites produced by cruciferous plants.…”

Nrf2-Activating Bioactive Peptides Exert Anti-Inflammatory Activity through Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway

“…In our diet, some molecules, such as glucosinolates, exert anti-inflammatory effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway [19][20][21]. On the other hand, many reviews and papers ascribed the anti-inflammatory properties to bioactive peptides as they prevent the production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) [22,23].…”

“…Generally, Nrf2 inhibits NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus by preventing IκB degradation. Relevant to the anti-inflammatory effect is the overexpression of HO-1, which further upregulates anti-inflammatory cytokines and affects the NF-κB pathway activation [14,19,20,24].…”

Biological and Molecular Docking Evaluation of a Benzylisothiocyanate Semisynthetic Derivative From Moringa oleifera in a Pre-clinical Study of Temporomandibular Joint Pain

“…However, recent studies have shown that these compounds may exhibit various biological activities in animal cells, including anticancer, chemopreventive, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects ( Dhakad et al, 2019 ; Lopez-Rodriguez et al, 2020 ; Wu et al, 2021 ). In addition, there is evidence that isothiocyanates act to protect against neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases since they have the ability to produce varied and long-lasting responses that defend against oxidative stress, electrophilic stress, chronic inflammation, and apoptosis ( Brunelli et al, 2010 ; Kamal et al, 2022 ). Different from those present in cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and watercress, the isothiocyanates from M. oleifera have higher chemical stability due to the presence of an additional sugar bound to a benzene ring.…”