Increased estrogen 2-hydroxylation in obese women using oral indole-3-carbinol.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the dietary phytochemical, indole-3-carbinol (13C), influences the level of estradiol 2-hydroxylation in obese women.


METHODS
A clinical intervention study involving the ingestion of purified 13C, 400 mg, for two months.


METHODS
Five healthy, overweight, premenopausal women (age: 35-47 y, body mass index (BMI): 27-53 kg/m2).


METHODS
Two estrogen metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1) and estriol (E3), were measured by radioimmunoassay in untimed overnight urine samples, before and after ingestion of 13C.


RESULTS
The ratio of urinary estrogens, 2OHE1/E3, was significantly increased in obese women following 13C, reflecting induction of 2-hydroxylation in these women.


CONCLUSIONS
Obese premenopausal women experience increased estrogen 2-hydroxylation in response to the dietary agent, 13C, similar to non-obese women. This response to 13C may result in a hormonal milieu that helps reduce estrogen-dependent cancer risk.
Michnovicz
J J
JJ
The Foundation for Preventive Oncology, F.D.R. Station, New York, NY 10150, USA.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D004964:Estriol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006894:Hydroxyestrones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D006900:Hydroxylation; D007211:Indoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D017697:Premenopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine
D000975:Antioxidants; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D006894:Hydroxyestrones; D007211:Indoles; D004958:Estradiol; C016517:indole-3-carbinol; D004964:Estriol; C024980:2-hydroxyestrone