Selective cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of glucosinolates hydrolysis products on human colon cancer cells in vitro

Glucosinolates hydrolysis products are attracting increasing attention since many studies have suggested that they may be involved in the anticarcinogenic property of cruciferous vegetables. In this study, we show that diindolylmethane (DIM) and sulforaphane, produced during the hydrolysis of glucobrassicin and glucoraphanin, respectively, exert a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on human colon adenocarcinoma HT39 cells. Moreover, these produces are able to inhibit quiescent cell to re-enter the cell cycle. Interestingly, our results clearly show that low doses of DIM and sulforaphane, although very effect on undifferentiated intestinal HT29 cells, do not affect the viability of the differentiated CaCo2 cells. The reversibility of their effects has also been teste and is discussed. [(C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.].