Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the dietary phytochemical, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), influences the level of estradiol 2-hydroxylation in obese women. DESIGN: A clinical intervention study involving the ingestion of purified I3C, 400 mg, for two months. SUBJECTS: Five healthy, overweight, premenopausal women (age: 35–47 y, body mass index (BMI): 27–53 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS: Two estrogen metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1) and estriol (E3), were measured by radioimmunoassay in untimed overnight urine samples, before and after ingestion of I3C. RESULTS: The ratio of urinary estrogens, 2OHE1/E3, was significantly increased in obese women following I3C, reflecting induction of 2-hydroxylation in these women. CONCLUSIONS: Obese premenopausal women experience increased estrogen 2-hydroxylation in response to the dietary agent, I3C, similar to non-obese women. This response to I3C may result in a hormonal milieu that helps reduce estrogen-dependent cancer risk.

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