Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a plant metabolite produced in the cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. This agent has proved chemoprotective against chemically induced carcinogens, blocking the initiation of tumors in the rat tissues, including liver, colon and mammary gland. The mechanism of this chemoprotective effect is not entirely understood, but has probably been linked to the induction of detoxification enzymes, including phase I enzymes (cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases) and phase II enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18). Therefore it is suggested that consumption of the diets rich in cruciferous vegetables has been associated with the decreased risk of cancer. The effect of I3C on lipid metabolism has not been evaluated, so far. The experiment was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats. The animals were assigned randomly into 3 groups (n=8). Diet and drinking water were available ad libitum. The control group was given vehicle alone by oral gavage in dose 1.5 ml /100g body weight. Indole-3-carbinol was given daily in doses: low 50 mg/kg b.w. and high 150 mg/kg b.w. by oral administration during 7 days. The serum and tissues were used for the estimation of lipid parameters and detoxification enzymes. The results of the present study demonstrate enhancing effect of I3C on induction of hepatic GST. This agent caused a significant increase of GST activity (p ≤ 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) activity was negligible decreased. Total cholesterol concentration was significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01) in liver only. Other lipid indices in serum and liver have shown slight changes.

5-11