broccoli component limits breast cancer stem cells

8/8/2019 Broccoli Component Limits Breast Cancer Stem Cells

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BERNAS, MA. AILEEN P. BSN 4-J

Broccoli Component Limits Breast CancerStem Cells, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (May 5, 2010) A compound derived from broccoli could help prevent or treat breast cancer by targeting cancer stem cells -- the small number of cells that fuela tumor's growth -- according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The study tested sulforaphane, a component of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, in bothmice and cell cultures. Researchers found sulforaphane targeted and killed the cancer stem cells and prevented new tumors from growing.

"Sulforaphane has been studied previously for its effects on cancer, but this studyshows that its benefit is in inhibiting the breast cancer stem cells. This new insight

suggests the potential of sulforaphane or broccoli extract to prevent or treat cancer bytargeting the critical cancer stem cells," says study author Duxin Sun, Ph.D., associateprofessor of pharmaceutical sciences at the U-M College of Pharmacy and aresearcher with the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Results of the study appear in the May 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research .

Current chemotherapies do not work against cancer stem cells, which is why cancer recurs and spreads. Researchers believe that eliminating the cancer stem cells is keyto controlling cancer.

In the current study, researchers took mice with breast cancer and injected varyingconcentrations of sulforaphane from the broccoli extract. Researchers then usedseveral established methods to assess the number of cancer stem cells in the tumors.These measures showed a marked decrease in the cancer stem cell population after treatment with sulforaphane, with little effect on the normal cells. Further, cancer cellsfrom mice treated with sulforaphane were unable to generate new tumors. Theresearchers then tested sulforaphane on human breast cancer cell cultures in the lab,finding similar decreases in the cancer stem cells.

"This research suggests a potential new treatment that could be combined with other

compounds to target breast cancer stem cells. Developing treatments that effectivelytarget the cancer stem cell population is essential for improving outcomes," says studyauthor Max S. Wicha, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Oncology and director of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The concentrations of sulforaphane used in the study were higher than what can beachieved by eating broccoli or broccoli sprouts. Prior research suggests theconcentrations needed to impact cancer can be absorbed by the body from the broccoli


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extract, but side effects are not known. While the extract is available in capsule form as

a supplement, concentrations are unregulated and will vary.This work has not been tested in patients, and patients are not encouraged to addsulforaphane supplements to their diet at this time.

Researchers are currently developing a method to extract and preserve sulforaphaneand will be developing a clinical trial to test sulforaphane as a prevention and treatmentfor breast cancer. No clinical trial is currently available.

Source:

University of Michigan Health System (2010, May 5). Broccoli component limitsbreast cancer stem cells, study finds. ScienceDaily . Retrieved June 17,2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503135432.htm

Summary:

A compound derived from broccoli could help prevent or treat breast cancer bytargeting cancer stem cells -- the small number of cells that fuel a tumor's growth --according to a new study from researchers at the University of MichiganComprehensive Cancer Center. The study tested sulforaphane, a component of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, in both mice and cell cultures. Researchers foundsulforaphane targeted and killed the cancer stem cells and prevented new tumors fromgrowing. In the current study, researchers took mice with breast cancer and injectedvarying concentrations of sulforaphane from the broccoli extract. Researchers thenused several established methods to assess the number of cancer stem cells in thetumors. These measures showed a marked decrease in the cancer stem cellpopulation after treatment with sulforaphane, with little effect on the normal cells.

Further, cancer cells from mice treated with sulforaphane were unable to generate newtumors. The researchers then tested sulforaphane on human breast cancer cellcultures in the lab, finding similar decreases in the cancer stem cells. This researchsuggests a potential new treatment that could be combined with other compounds totarget breast cancer stem cells. Developing treatments that effectively target thecancer stem cell population is essential for improving outcomes, says study author MaxS. Wicha, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Oncology and director of the U-MComprehensive Cancer Center.


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Readings:

There are a lot of benefits we could get from eating vegetables especially the greenones. I mayself, admit that I seldom eat green leafy vegetables because Im havingallergies in other kinds of leafy veggies. On the other side, eating green leafyvegetables has many good benefits in our body, aside from the fact that it helps makeour body strong, improves our immune system and healthy mind, it could cure of helpprevent other illness that could harm and attack our system. One of which is broccoli,the vegetable that is being studied in the above research. It is a curative and haspreventive properties. These are due to the presence of vitamins, minerals,phytochemicals and fiber. Some measures while cooking ensure maximum benefitsfrom broccoli. It has vital vitamins and minerals that has different good effects in our system. Vitamin B complex contributes to formation of red blood cells, healthy skin and

eyes. Vitamins B3 and B6 prevent cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin C boosts theimmune system, and delays aging. Therefore, broccoli also fights alzheimers disease.Vitamin K is responsible for protein production and clotting of blood. Iron and folic acidprevent anemia, while folic acid also helps to prevent heart diseases. Calcium, vital for strong bones, prevents osteoporosis and alleviates arthritis. The high potassiumcontent keeps blood pressure in check, while selenium maintains the elasticity of tissues. Though selenium is a trace mineral required only in small amounts, it plays avaluable role in making antioxidant enzymes when incorporated into proteins.Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage. The presence of essential nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants makesbroccoli a potent weapon against cancers, heart diseases, digestive problems anddegenerative conditions. Judicious use prevents loss of its nutrients, and enhances thetaste. Introduced in England in the early 16th century, broccoli is universally recognizedtoday as a vegetable that is highly nutritious, tasty, and easy to cook.

broccoli component limits breast cancer stem cells

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