Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of white cabbage and sauerkraut juices of different origin and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and diindolylmethane (DIM) on expression of CYP19 gene encoding aromatase, the key enzyme of estrogen synthesis. Methods Human breast cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and MCF10A) were examined to compare the action of cabbage juices versus their active components (I3C, DIM). Real-time PCR and Western blot were used in order to analyse CYP19 mRNA and protein, respectively. Results Remarkable differences in the effect on CYP19 transcript and protein level were found between the cabbage juices (in 2.5–25 mL/L concentrations) and indoles (in 2.5–50 μM doses) in the three cell lines. While cabbage juices at the lower doses diminished the aromatase expression in nontumorigenic/immortalized MCF10A breast cells (0.25–0.86-fold change, P < 0.05), I3C and DIM were more efficient in decreasing the aromatase expression in estrogen-dependant MCF7 breast cancer cells (0.24–0.82-fold change, P < 0.05). Inhibition of aromatase by juice obtained from cabbage grown on industrial farm was correlated with the induction of apoptosis (1.7–1.8-fold change, P < 0.01) in MCF10A cells. In estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells, up-regulation of CYP19 expression by I3C and DIM (1.5–2.0-fold change, P < 0.05) was observed. Similarly, in MCF7 cells juices increased aromatase expression (1.1–2.2-fold change, P < 0.05). Conclusion These results, particularly that obtained in nontumorigenic/immortalized MCF10A cells, suggest that chemopreventive activity of cabbage against breast cancer observed in epidemiological studies may be partly explained by inhibition of the aromatase expression.

Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of cabbage and sauerkraut is connected with significant reduction of breast cancer incidences. Estrogens are considered a major breast cancer risk factor and their metabolism by P450 enzymes substantially contributes to carcinogenic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cabbage and sauerkraut juices of different origin on the expression profile of the estrogen metabolism key enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1) in breast cell lines MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF10A. The effects of cabbage juices were compared with that exerted by indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM). The treatment with cabbage juices or indoles for 72 h affected the expression of CYP1 family genes in cell-type dependent manner. Their induction was found in all cell lines, but the ratio of CYP1A1 to CYP1B1 was 1.22- to 10.6-fold in favor to CYP1A1 in MCF7 and MCF10A cells. Increased levels of CYP1A2 in comparison with CYP1B1 were also observed in MCF7 cells. In contrast, in MDA-MB-231 cells CYP1B1 was preferentially induced. Since the cell lines investigated differ in invasion capacity, these results support epidemiological observations and partly explain the mechanism of the chemopreventive activity of white cabbage products.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environmentally sensitive transcription factor (TF) historically associated with carcinogenesis initiation via the activation of numerous carcinogens. Nowadays, the AhR has been attributed to multiple endogenous functions to maintain cellular homeostasis. Moreover, crosstalk, often reciprocal, has been found between the AhR and several other TFs, particularly estrogen receptors (ERs) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Adequate modulation of these signaling pathways seems to be an attractive strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Several naturally occurring and synthetically modified AhR or ER ligands and Nrf2 modulators have been described. Sulfur-containing derivatives of glucosinolates, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and stilbene derivatives are particularly interesting in this context. I3C and its condensation product, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), are classic examples of blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity through activation of the AhR. Still, they also affect multiple essential signaling pathways in preventing hormone-dependent cancer. Resveratrol is a competitive antagonist of several classic AhR ligands. Its analogs, with ortho-methoxy substituents, exert stronger antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity. In addition, they modulate AhR activity and estrogen metabolism. Their activity seems related to a number of methoxy groups introduced into the stilbene structure. This review summarizes the data on the chemopreventive potential of these classes of phytochemicals, in the context of AhR and its crosstalk modulation.