外科理论与实践

外科理论与实践 >

2026 , Vol. 31 >Issue 02: 163 - 168

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16139/j.1007-9610.2026.02.11

综述

3-吲哚甲醇抗肿瘤作用的研究进展

  • 王贵民 ,
  • 樊昊 ,
  • 周乐其 ,
  • 温镕博 综述 ,
  • 于冠宇 ,
  • 郝立强 ,
  • 张卫 审校
展开
  • 海军军医大学附属长海医院肛肠外科， 上海 200433
作者贡献/Authors’ contributions

王贵民负责资料收集和撰写；樊昊、周乐其、温镕博、于冠宇负责指导、审查；郝立强、张卫负责指导并修改文章。所有作者均阅读并确认最终稿。

张卫，E-mail: weizhang2000cn@163.com; 郝立强，E-mail：hao_liqiang@139.com

收稿日期: 2025-12-11

  网络出版日期: 2026-06-23

基金资助

国家自然科学基金(82072750)

收起

Progress in the anti-tumor effects of indole-3-carbinol

  • WANG Guimin ,
  • FAN Hao ,
  • ZHOU Leqi ,
  • WEN Rongbo ,
  • YU Guanyu ,
  • HAO Liqaing ,
  • ZHANG Wei
Expand
  • Colorectal Surgery Department, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China

Received date: 2025-12-11

  Online published: 2026-06-23

Fold

摘要

近年来，3-吲哚甲醇（I3C）引入肿瘤治疗的研究中，在抑制和干扰多种肿瘤的发生、发展方面起了关键作用。本文深入探讨I3C及其在胃酸环境中转化的吲哚衍生物3，3-二吲哚基甲烷（DIM）作为有效的天然化学预防剂抗多种肿瘤的机制。介绍I3C的理化特性及其流行病学研究，强调其安全性和有效性。详细讨论I3C抗肿瘤的分子机制，包括磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/哺乳动物雷帕霉素[PI3K/PKB(AKT)/mTOR]和芳香烃受体(AHR)等多种信号通路，为深入I3C的研究提供参考。

关键词： 3-吲哚甲醇; 磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B通路; 芳香烃受体; 抗肿瘤

本文引用格式

王贵民 , 樊昊 , 周乐其 , 温镕博 综述 , 于冠宇 , 郝立强 , 张卫 审校 . 3-吲哚甲醇抗肿瘤作用的研究进展[J]. 外科理论与实践, 2026 , 31(02) : 163 -168 . DOI: 10.16139/j.1007-9610.2026.02.11

Abstract

In recent years, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) has been introduced into tumor therapy research, playing a key role in inhibiting and interfering with the occurrence and development of various tumors. This article explored the mechanisms by which I3C and its indole-derived metabolite, 3, 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), which is converted in the acidic environment of the stomach, serve as effective natural chemopreventive agents against multiple tumors. The physicochemical properties of I3C were presented alongside epidemiological studies, emphasizing its safety and efficacy. Furthermore, it provided a detail discussion of the molecular mechanisms of I3C's anti-tumor effects, including various signaling pathways such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin [PI3K/PKB(AKT)/mTOR] and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathways. This article served as a valuable reference for further research on I3C.

Key words： Indole-3-carbinol(I3C); Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B [PI3K/PKB(AKT) pathway]; Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR); Anti-tumor

参考文献

[1] KATZ E, NISANI S, CHAMOVITZ D A. Indole-3-carbinol: a plant hormone combatting cancer[J]. F1000Res, 2018,7:F1000 Faculty Rev-689.
[2] AHMAD A, BIERSACK B, LI Y, et al. Targeted regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling by indole compounds and their derivatives: mechanistic details and biological implications for cancer therapy[J]. Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2013, 13(7):1002-1013.
[3] SHAPIRO T A, FAHEY J W, WADE K L, et al. Human metabolism and excretion of cancer chemoprotective glucosinolates and isothiocyanates of cruciferous vegetables[J]. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 1998, 7(12):1091-1100.
[4] HERR I, BUCHLER M W. Dietary constituents of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables: implications for prevention and therapy of cancer[J]. Cancer Treat Rev, 2010, 36(5):377-383.
[5] BAEZ-GONZALEZ A S, CARRAZCO-CARRILLO J A, FIGUEROA-GONZALEZ G, et al. Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells[J]. Biochem Biophys Rep, 2023,35:101492.
[6] BRADFIELD C A, BJELDANES L F. Structure-activity relationships of dietary indoles: a proposed mechanism of action as modifiers of xenobiotic metabolism[J]. J Toxicol Environ Health, 1987, 21(3):311-323.
[7] DASHWOOD R H, FONG A T, ARBOGAST D N, et al. Anticarcinogenic activity of indole-3-carbinol acid products: ultrasensitive bioassay by trout embryo microinjection[J]. Cancer Res, 1994, 54(13):3617-3619.
[8] DASHWOOD R H, UYETAKE L, FONG A T, et al. In vivo disposition of the natural anti-carcinogen indole-3-carbinol after po administration to rainbow trout[J]. Food Chem Toxicol, 1989, 27(6):385-392.
[9] AMARAKOON D, LEE W J, TAMIA G, et al. Indole-3-carbinol: occurrence, health-beneficial properties, and cellular/molecular mechanisms[J]. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol, 2023,14:347-366.
[10] POPOLO A, PINTO A, DAGLIA M, et al. Two likely targets for the anti-cancer effect of indole derivatives from cruciferous vegetables: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor[J]. Semin Cancer Biol, 2017,46:132-137.
[11] SHAW R J, CANTLEY L C. Ras, PI(3)K and mTOR signalling controls tumour cell growth[J]. Nature, 2006, 441(7092):424-430.
[12] WENDEL H G, DE STANCHINA E, FRIDMAN J S, et al. Survival signalling by AKT and eIF4E in oncogenesis and cancer therapy[J]. Nature, 2004, 428(6980):332-337.
[13] TEE A R, FINGAR D C, MANNING B D, et al. Tuberous sclerosis complex-1 and -2 gene products function together to inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated downstream signaling[J]. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2002, 99(21):13571-13576.
[14] CHUANG H Y, HSU L Y, PAN C M, et al. The E3 ubi-quitin ligase NEDD4-1 mediates temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma through PTEN attenuation and redox imbalance in Nrf2-HO-1 Axis[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2021, 22(19):10247.
[15] CHEN H, GAO B, LI J, et al. Indole-3-carbinol prevented tumor progression and potentiated PD1ab therapy by upregulating PTEN in colorectal cancer[J]. Discov Oncol, 2025, 16(1):224.
[16] QIAN X, MELKAMU T, UPADHYAYA P, et al. Indole-3-carbinol inhibited tobacco smoke carcinogen-induced lung adenocarcinoma in A/J mice when administered during the post-initiation or progression phase of lung tumorigenesis[J]. Cancer Letters, 2011, 311(1):57-65.
[17] MAO C G, TAO Z Z, CHEN Z H E, et al. Indole-3-carbinol inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth in vivo and in vitro through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway[J]. Exp Ther Med, 2014, 8(1):207-212.
[18] WANG Y Q, CHEN C, CHEN Z H E, et al. Indole-3-carbinol inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in Hep-2 laryngeal cancer cells[J]. Oncol Rep, 2013, 30(1):227-233.
[19] ZHU J, LI Y, GUAN C, et al. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 3,3′-diindolylmethane in human cervical cancer cells[J]. Oncol Rep, 2012, 28(3):1063-1068.
[20] MENG R Y, LI C S, HU D, et al. Inhibition of the interaction between Hippo/YAP and AKT signaling with ursolic acid and 3'3-diindolylmethane suppresses esophageal cancer tumorigenesis[J]. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol, 2023, 27(5):493-511.
[21] NAKAMURA Y, YOGOSAWA S, IZUTANI Y, et al. A combination of indol-3-carbinol and genistein synergistically induces apoptosis in human colon cancer HT-29 cells by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation and progression of autophagy[J]. Mol Cancer, 2009,8:100.
[22] SKINNER H D, ZHENG J Z, FANG J, et al. Vascular endothelial growth factor transcriptional activation is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha, HDM2, and p70S6K1 in response to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling[J]. J Biol Chem, 2004, 279(44):45643-45651.
[23] WANG M L, SHIH C K, CHANG H P, et al. Antiangiogenic activity of indole-3-carbinol in endothelial cells stimulated with activated macrophages[J]. Food Chem, 2012, 134(2):811-820.
[24] HAJRA S, PATRA A R, BASU A, et al. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) enhances the sensitivity of murine breast adenocarcinoma cells to doxorubicin (DOX) through inhibition of NF-κβ, blocking angiogenesis and regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway[J]. Chem Biol Interact, 2018,290:19-36.
[25] SADDIQ A A, EL-FAR A H, MOHAMED ABDULLAH S A, et al. Curcumin, thymoquinone, and 3, 3'-diindolylmethane combinations attenuate lung and liver cancers progression[J]. Front Pharmacol, 2022,13:936996.
[26] SHILPA G, LAKSHMI S, JAMSHEENA V, et al. Studies on the mode of action of synthetic diindolylmethane derivatives against triple negative breast cancer cells[J]. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 2022, 131(4):224-240.
[27] CHINNI S R, SARKAR F H. AKT inactivation is a key event in indole-3-carbinol-induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells[J]. Clin Cancer Res, 2002, 8(4):1228-1236.
[28] LI Y, CHINNI S R, SARKAR F H. Selective growth regulatory and pro-apoptotic effects of dim is mediated by AKT and NF-kappab pathways in prostate cancer cells[J]. Front Biosci, 2005,10:236-243.
[29] SINGH A A, JO S H, KIDDANE A T, et al. Indole-3-carbinol induces apoptosis in AGS cancer cells via mitochondrial pathway[J]. Chem Biol Drug Des, 2023, 101(6):1367-1381.
[30] SONG Q Q, LIN L P, CHEN Y L, et al. Characterization of LTr1 derived from cruciferous vegetables as a novel anti-glioma agent via inhibiting TrkA/PI3K/AKT pathway[J]. Acta Pharmacol Sin, 2023, 44(6):1262-1276.
[31] DAN H C, COOPER M J, COGSWELL P C, et al. AKT-dependent regulation of NF-{kappa}b is controlled by mTOR and raptor in association with IKK[J]. Genes Dev, 2008, 22(11):1490-1500.
[32] SAFA M, TAVASOLI B, MANAFI R, et al. Indole-3-carbinol suppresses NF-κb activity and stimulates the p53 pathway in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells[J]. Tumour Biol, 2015, 36(5):3919-3930.
[33] RAHMAN K M, LI Y, SARKAR F H. Inactivation of AKT and NF-kappab play important roles during indole-3-carbinol-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells[J]. Nutr Cancer, 2004, 48(1):84-94.
[34] WENG J R, BAI L Y, CHIU C F, et al. The dietary phytochemical 3,3′-diindolylmethane induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma by modulating AKT-NF-κb, MAPK, and p53 signaling[J]. Chem Biol Interact, 2012, 195(3):224-230.
[35] TAKADA Y, ANDREEFF M, AGGARWAL B B. Indole-3-carbinol suppresses NF-κb and IκBα kinase activation, causing inhibition of expression of NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic and metastatic gene products and enhancement of apoptosis in myeloid and leukemia cells[J]. Blood, 2005, 106(2):641-649.
[36] WANG T T, SCHOENE N W, MILNER J A, et al. Broccoli-derived phytochemicals indole-3-carbinol and 3,3'-diindolylmethane exerts concentration-dependent pleiotropic effects on prostate cancer cells: comparison with other cancer preventive phytochemicals[J]. Mol Carcinog, 2012, 51(3):244-256.
[37] SAFE S, CHENG Y, JIN U H. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a drug target for cancer chemotherapy[J]. Curr Opin Toxicol, 2017,2:24-29.
[38] KOLLURI S K, JIN U H, SAFE S. Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in carcinogenesis and potential as an anti-cancer drug target[J]. Arch Toxicol, 2017, 91(7):2497-2513.
[39] SAITO N, KANNO Y, YAMASHITA N, et al. The differential selectivity of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists towards AhR-dependent suppression of mammosphere formation and gene transcription in human breast cancer cells[J]. Biol Pharm Bull, 2021, 44(4):571-578.
[40] WANG J, JIANG Y F. Natural compounds as anticancer agents: experimental evidence[J]. World J Exp Med, 2012, 2(3):45-57.
[41] W WATSON G, M BEAVER L, E WILLIAMS D, et al. Phytochemicals from cruciferous vegetables, epigenetics, and prostate cancer prevention[J]. AAPS J, 2013, 15(4):951-961.
[42] CARUSO J A, CAMPANA R, WEI C, et al. Indole-3-carbinol and its N-alkoxy derivatives preferentially target ERα-positive breast cancer cells[J]. Cell Cycle, 2014, 13(16):2587-2599.
[43] DAS S, SOMISETTY V S, ULVEN S M, et al. Resveratrol and 3,3'-diindolylmethane differentially regulate aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor alpha activity through multiple transcriptomic targets in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2023, 24(19).
[44] DEGNER S C, PAPOUTSIS A J, SELMIN O, et al. Targeting of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by the indole-3-carbinol metabolite 3,3'-diindolylmethane in breast cancer cells[J]. J Nutr, 2009, 139(1):26-32.
[45] MARCONETT C N, SUNDAR S N, POINDEXTER K M, et al. Indole-3-carbinol triggers aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent estrogen receptor (ER)alpha protein degradation in breast cancer cells disrupting an ERalpha-GATA3 transcriptional cross-regulatory loop[J]. Mol Biol Cell, 2010, 21(7):1166-1177.
[46] MOHAMMADI S, SEYEDHOSSEINI F S, BEHNAMPOUR N, et al. Indole-3-carbinol induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor in THP-1 monocytic cell line[J]. J Recept Signal Transduct Res, 2017, 37(5):506-514.
[47] DIAZ-DIAZ C J, RONNEKLEIV-KELLY S M, NUKAYA M, et al. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a repressor of inflammation-associated colorectal tumorigenesis in mouse[J]. Ann Surg, 2016, 264(3):429-436.
[48] ALA M. Tryptophan metabolites modulate inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer by affecting immune system[J]. Int Rev Immunol, 2021, 41(3):326-345.
[49] ARELLANO-GUTIERREZ C V, QUINTAS-GRANADOS L I, CORTES H, et al. Indole-3-carbinol, a phytochemical aryl hydrocarbon receptor-ligand, induces the mrna overexpression of UBE2L3 and cell proliferation arrest[J]. Curr Issues Mol Biol, 2022, 44(5):2054-2068.
[50] WANG T, PHAM Q, KIM Y. Elucidating the role of CD84 and AhR in modulation of lps-induced cytokines production by cruciferous vegetable-derived compounds indole-3-carbinol and 3,3′-diindolylmethane[J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2018, 19(2):339.
Options
文章导航

/

〈 〉