Indolecarbinol: Mechanisms of action, effects and prospects for clinical use

This article describes the protective effects of indolecarbinol (IC) and its derivative diindolylmethane (DIM) on the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, as well as the liver. Experimental data indicate that IC and DIM provide organ and tissue protection through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, immunomodulatory, and xenobiotic properties. To date, most reports of the protective effects of IC and DIM in the treatment of various diseases have been obtained only in preclinical studies; this underscores the urgent need for large-scale clinical trials of these promising phytochemicals. The molecular mechanisms of action of IC and DIM, their pharmacokinetics, and experimental side effects are discussed. Data on the clinical efficacy and safety of an IC-based medicinal product in clinical practice are presented. Further in-depth studies of the efficacy and safety of IC/DIM preparations will significantly expand the arsenal of pharmacological agents for combating socially significant diseases. The studies we analysed have demonstrated that DIM and IC have common and several unique anti-tumour mechanisms, which efficacy depends on the tumour type and/or genotype of the cancer cell line. For example, both compounds influence BC cell cycle progression and inhibit cell growth and migration. In addition, these compounds enhance the expression of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes by the activation of the Nrf2-dependent pathway and can also influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and immunity. This article examines all the major mechanisms of antitumor action.