Chemopreventive properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane in breast cancer: evidence from experimental and human studies.

ABSTRACT: Diet is a modifiable factor associated with the risk of several cancers, with convincing evidence showing a link between diet and breast cancer. The role of bioactive compounds of food origin, including those found in cruciferous vegetables, is an active area of research in cancer chemoprevention. This review focuses on 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), the major bioactive indole in crucifers. Research of the cancer-preventive activity of DIM has yielded basic mechanistic, animal, and human trial data. Further, this body of evidence is largely supported by observational studies. Bioactive DIM has demonstrated chemopreventive activity in all stages of breast cancer carcinogenesis. This review describes current evidence related to the metabolism and mechanisms of DIM involved in the prevention of

SUBMITTER: Thomson CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5059820 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature