Accumulation of Sulforaphane and Alliin in Human Prostate Tissue

Abstract

Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables have been associated with a lower risk of incidence and progression of prostate cancer. Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate derived from 4-methylsulphinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin) that accumulates in certain of these vegetables, notably broccoli, has been implicated in their protective effects. Likewise, the consumption of garlic and its sulphur-containing compounds such as alliin have been associated with a reduction in risk of prostate cancer. In this study, we tested whether consuming glucoraphanin derived from broccoli seeds and alliin derived from garlic resulted in the occurrence of these potential bioactive compounds in the prostate, which may contribute to our understanding of the putative protective effects of these dietary components. We recruited 42 men scheduled for a trans-perineal prostate biopsy into a randomised, double-blinded, 2 × 2-factorial dietary supplement four-week intervention study, and 39 completed the study. The two active interventions were supplements providing glucoraphanin from broccoli (BroccoMax®) and alliin from garlic (Kwai Heartcare®). Following the intervention, prostate biopsy tissue was analysed for the presence of sulforaphane and its thiol conjugates and for alliin and associated metabolites. Sulforaphane occurred in significantly higher levels in the prostate tissue (both within the transition and peripheral zone) of men consuming the glucoraphanin containing supplements (p < 0.0001) compared to men not consuming these supplements. However, while alliin and alliin-derived metabolites were detected within the prostate, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of these compounds in the prostate of men consuming supplements derived from garlic compared to men not consuming these supplements.

Glucoraphanin Accumulation via Glucoraphanin Synthesis Promotion during Broccoli Germination

“…Unfortunately, humans cannot obtain glucoraphanin directly from broccoli seeds. Instead, humans often obtain glucoraphanin from broccoli sprouts or mature broccoli plants, which necessitates broccoli cultivation [ 35 ]. Researchers have also determined that glucoraphanin concentrations are significantly lower in broccoli seedlings than in broccoli seeds [ 36 ].…”

Blood metabolites mediate the causal relationship between circulating CX3CL1 levels and prostate cancer: A 2-step Mendelian randomization study

“…Although the exact mechanism by which CX3CL1 increases alliin levels in the body is not known, in a double-blind trial, it was found that there was no significant difference between the amounts of alliin present in prostate tissue in participants who took alliin supplements for 4 consecutive weeks and those who took a placebo, but the alliin concentrations varied more among different samples within the same group. [ 34 ] Based on these experimental results, we proposed that the alliin levels in prostate tissue are not affected by immediate supplementation. Various biochemical molecules and genetic factors may regulate the accumulation of alliin and metabolism in the prostate.…”

Apoptotic Potential of Glucomoringin Isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) Isolated from Moringa oleifera Lam Seeds on Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3)

“…In many cell and animal models, there have been various studies showing consistency of glucosinolates against prostate cancer. According to Tracey et al [ 48 ], there are three possibles ways of glucosinolates distribution in the prostate gland. First, it may be through hepatic metabolism which results in expression of NF-E2–related factor 2 (‘Nrf2’), which maintains the positive effect of healthy prostate gland tissues.…”