Mechanism of action of isothiocyanates. A review

Isothiocyanates (ITC), originating from the enzymatic degra- dation of glucosinolates (GSL), which are secondary metabolites of Brassicaceae plants, exhibit anticarcinogenic properties due to their ability to induce cytoprotective genes. The mechanisms of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of ITC include induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell cycle progression and inhibition of angiogenesis. Regulation of apoptosis by ITC is accomplished primarily through the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, Bcl-2 family regulation, MAPK signaling and subsequent activation of caspases. A significant portion of the chemopreventive effects of ITC may be associated with the inhibition of the metabolic activation of carcinogens by cytochrome P450 (phase I), along with increased induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes.