A study from Hiroshima University has found that broccoli and cabbage could offer cancer treatment. Researchers have found that these vegetables contain a compound that metabolism into 3,3’- Diindolylmethane (DIM), which can cause death in colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells.
Researchers conducted tests in yeast
Researchers also found that DIM could kill cells and elicit cellular component recycling in fission yeast. However, they have not shown that this can be replicated in humans.
According to Masaru Ueno, a study author and associate professor from the Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, finding the process in yeast can help the team conclude how the process could occur in other species. Ueno also points out that DIM destroyed the membranes of yeast cells.
The scientists also point out that the nuclear membrane separates the cell’s genetic information from the other organelles. This genetic information sometimes replicates and pinches off, resulting in two different cells. The process is known as cell division.
Cell division is often a normal process. However, when the nuclear membrane has problems, it could lead to diseases and health problems. Ueno explains that mutations of the nuclear membrane often speed up aging. He adds that it is common for the membrane to rupture then repair as the cells migrate.
Another natural process in the life cycle of a cell is autophagy. Here, the cell dies then recycles its organelles. Autophagy is a term that means self-eating. It refers to how cells eat their internal organelles to save energy and prolong their lives. Ueno states that this process can also play a role in accelerated aging.
DIM triggers apoptosis of cancer cells
Another stage in the lifecycle of a cell is apoptosis which refers to as programmed cell death. This stage refers to the death of a cell after it fails to repair itself. Many anticancer drugs trigger apoptosis to kill cancerous cells. Researchers believe that controlling this process could help them treat cancer.
The team found that DIM could be beneficial in this way. They concluded that DIM would target cells that multiplied uncontrollably, such as cancer cells. As a result, the yeast lived longer as it was healthier.
The team concluded that the compound could elicit apoptosis in various types of cancer, including pancreatic, gastric, prostate, and breast cancer.
