Epigenetic Regulation by Sulforaphane: Opportunities for Breast and Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables that has multiple molecular targets and anti-cancer properties. Researchers have demonstrated several chemopreventive benefits of SFN consumption, such as reductions in tumor growth, increases in cancer cell apoptosis, and disruption of signaling within tumor microenvironments both in vitro and in vivo. Emerging evidence indicates that SFN exerts several of its chemopreventive effects by altering epigenetic mechanisms. This review summarizes evidence of the impact of SFN on epigenetic events and how they relate to the chemopreventive effects of SFN observed in preclinical and clinical studies of breast and prostate cancers. Specific areas of focus include the role of SFN in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation, antioxidant defense, and cancer cell signaling and their relationships to epigenetic mechanisms. Finally, remaining challenges and research needs for translating mechanistic work with SFN into human studies and clinical intervention trials are discussed.

The impact of cruciferous vegetable isothiocyanates on histone acetylation and histone phosphorylation in bladder cancer

“…Here our observed outcome is inhibition of bladder cancer cell growth by broccoli ITCs, and we see this outcome associated with epigenetic modulations, including acetylation changes of histone H3 and hypo-phosphorylation of histone H1. Future studies will focus on the persistence of the effect of the epigenetic modification and cell viability [32, 48, 49]. …”

Sulforaphane prevents quinolinic acid‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in rat striatum

“…In a previous report, SFN was shown to prevent the QA‐induced neurotoxicity as a result of the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway . Thus, SFN activates the expression of a large range of cytoprotective genes involved in cellular survival and endogenous defense . However, this study was conducted using whole striatal tissue homogenates, and it did not distinguish between cytosolic and mitochondrial effect.…”

Activation of Nrf2 by Sulforaphane Inhibits High Glucose-Induced Progression of Pancreatic Cancer via AMPK Dependent Signaling

“…Previous studies have indicated that SFN has many biological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects [11,12]. SFN has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in many different cancers during cancer progression, including oral, breast, liver, colon, and prostate cancers [13][14][15][16]. In addition, it has been demonstrated that SFN has the ability to prevent carcinogen-induced initiation of oral cancer [14].…”