Review
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2009) 30: 501–512; doi: 10.1038/aps.2009.50
Are isothiocyanates potential anti-cancer drugs?
Xiang Wu1, Qing-hua Zhou1 and Ke Xu1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenviroment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
Correspondence: Prof Qing-hua Zhou, E-mail zhouqh1016@yahoo.com.cn; Prof Ke Xu, E-mail ke_xu@hotmail.com
Received 13 January 2008; Accepted 26 March 2009.
Abstract
Isothiocyanates are naturally occurring small molecules that are formed from glucosinolate precursors of cruciferous vegetables. Many isothiocyanates, both natural and synthetic, display anticarcinogenic activity because they reduce activation of carcinogens and increase their detoxification. Recent studies show that they exhibit anti-tumor activity by affecting multiple pathways including apoptosis, MAPK signaling, oxidative stress, and cell cycle progression. This review summarizes the current knowledge on isothiocyanates and focuses on their role as potential anti-cancer agents.
Keywords:
isothiocyanate, chemoprevention, anticarcinogenic, antitumor, apoptosis, cell cycle
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