Wheat Lignans: Promising Cancer Preventive Agents

Cytostatic inhibition of cancer cell growth by lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

“…Our 44 previous study demonstrated that SDG levels in wheat bran from various wheat cultivars were 45 correlated to antitumor activities in APC-Min mice [9]. We also found that dietary SDG at 46 0.01% significantly reduced azoxymethane-induced formation of aberrant crypt foci in F344 rats 47 [10]. In addition, we have shown that enterolactone and enterodiol or both in combinations 48 inhibit human cancer cell growth through inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [9].…”

“…The cell cycle analysis was done as previously described [9][10]. Briefly, the cells were 81 fixed in ethanol, centrifuged and then the pellet was resuspended in the phosphate buffer saline 82 solution at pH 7.4, containing 20 g/L propidium iodide and 5000 U/L of RNase (Promega) at 37 83 o C for 30 min.…”

“…Based 217 upon our previous experience in flavonoid apigenin [26] and lignan analysis [9][10]27] those potential metabolites in this moment. Although SDG and/or its metabolites were not 225 detectable in the treated cells, it should be noted that it was not expected for intact SDG to be 226 absorbed, since a phytochemical glycoside is usually deglycosilation by β-glucosidase or lactase 227 phlorozin hydrolase [28].…”

Enhancing lignan biosynthesis by over‐expressing pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase in transgenic wheat

“…Such strong enhancement in lignan levels could result in a significant promotion for wheat products in cancer prevention. Our previous studies demonstrated that the contents of SDG in wheat bran from various wheat cultivars were correlated with anti-tumor activity in a spontaneous APCP Min P mouse model [18][19]. According to that correlation, the anti-tumor activity in the transgenic wheat sub-line #4970 I5, when its SDG contents were averagely raised from 52.9 to 117.9 µg/g, could be extrapolated to elevate from ~36% up to ~58%.…”

“…It is interesting that the contents of lignans in wheat bran from various cultivars are correlated with anti-tumorigenesis in spontaneous Min mice with mutant adenomatous polyposis coli (APCP Min P) [18][19]. Lignans are abundant in flaxseed but not quite in wheat grains that usually contain about 4-50 µg/g [19].…”