Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Inhibits In Vivo Growth of Xenograft Tumors of Human Glioblastoma Cells

Abstract

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) from cruciferous vegetables can inhibit the growth of various human cancer cells. In previous studies, we determined that PEITC inhibited the in vitro growth of human glioblastoma GBM 8401 cells by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting migration and invasion, and altering gene expression. Nevertheless, there are no further in vivo reports disclosing whether PEITC can suppress the growth of glioblastoma. Therefore, in this study we investigate the anti-tumor effects of PEITC in a xenograft model of glioblastoma in nude mice. Thirty nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with GBM 8401 cells. Mice with one palpable tumor were divided randomly into three groups: control, PEITC-10, and PEITC-20 groups treated with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 10 and 20 μmole PEITC/100 μL PBS daily by oral gavage, respectively. PEITC significantly decreased tumor weights and volumes of GBM 8401 cells in mice, but did not affect the total body weights of mice. PEITC diminished the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia 1) and XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC enhanced the levels of caspase-3 and Bax in GBM 8401 cells. The growth of glioblastoma can be suppressed by the biological properties of PEITC in vivo. These effects might support further investigations into the potential use of PEITC as an anticancer drug for glioblastoma.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Exposure Promotes Oxidative Stress and Suppresses Sp1 Transcription Factor in Cancer Stem Cells

“…Similarly, our previous study [ 34 ] also reported a marked reduction in tumorigenicity and metastasis in mice that had received a PEITC-treated hCSCs. These observations warrant a large-scale efficacy study in the future, similar to that reported by other colleagues [ 45 , 46 ]. Altogether, the animal study helped to further support our in vitro data on effects of PEITC targeting ALDH1 hi hCSCs tumorsphere formation.…”

Protective effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate on foam cell formation by combined treatment of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide in THP‐1 macrophage

“…Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is formed upon hydrolysis of the parent glucosinolates, which occurs in cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts (Park et al., 2017). In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that PEITC regulates cancer‐related gene expression, such as antioxidant response, resistance to apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and metastasis (Chou et al., 2018; Lam‐Ubol et al., 2018). Furthermore, in our previous study, we showed that PEITC supplementation in high fat/cholesterol diet‐fed mice reduced fat/cholesterol accumulation in the liver and aorta and decreased liver HFCD‐related inflammation (Gwon et al., 2020).…”

Seasonal Variation of Glucosinolate Hydrolysis Products in Commercial White and Red Cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

“…Consumption of ITCs can positively affect human health as they have antimicrobial, antidiabetogenic, chemopreventive, and anticarcinogenic properties [ 8 , 9 ]. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between ITC uptake and cancer prevention [ 8 , 10 , 11 ], and especially 4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl ITC (sulforaphane; 4MSOB-ITC) is valued for its anticarcinogenic potential [ 8 ]. Simple nitriles and ETNs on the other hand, seem to have less health beneficial effects [ 12 , 13 ].…”