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Antioxidant and pro‐oxidant capacities of ITCs
Author(s) -
Valgimigli Luca,
Iori Renato
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
environmental and molecular mutagenesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1098-2280
pISSN - 0893-6692
DOI - 10.1002/em.20468
Subject(s) - antioxidant , pro oxidant , chemistry , enzyme , mutagen , in vivo , in vitro , biochemistry , redox , biology , genetics , organic chemistry , carcinogen
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are breakdown products of glucosinolates contained in cruciciferous vegetables. This heterogeneous family of molecules has the NCS group as its common structural feature and possesses important cytoprotective properties. Their biological interactions are strongly related to modulation of cellular redox status, and a number of studies have documented their indirect antioxidant properties, particularly related to induction of phase‐2 enzymes. On the other hand, some direct antioxidant behavior has also been observed for a limited number of ITCs. Paradoxically relevant pro‐oxidant properties have also been documented, possibly related to the simultaneous induction of phase‐1 enzymes. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the prevailing mechanisms for the antioxidant and pro‐oxidant activity of ITCs, both in vivo and in vitro. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.