In the study released online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Berkeley scientists honed in on how I3C inhibits elastase, an enzyme which at high levels in breast cancer cells reduces the effectiveness of cancer-fighting chemotherapy and endocrine treatments. They found that I3C prevents elastase from shortening cyclin E, a cellular chemical that controls the cell cycle. At the moment, I3C is a supplement used as a treatment option for non-malignant tumors of the larynx. The Berkeley researchers say that now they have connected the dots on one extremely important pathway, scientists will be able to create an improved version of the I3C supplement to help fight against a broader range of breast and prostate tumors (and possibly against other types of cancer as well). Additionally, since I3C is derived from a natural source, it would have fewer side effects than traditional treatments, as well. Via PhsyOrg
