Sunday Nov 30, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Stress is known to boost cancer risk.   But a new study published in the August, 2008 edition of the International Journal of Oncology showed that eating broccoli may offset the cancer-promoting effect.

The study led by Chan C and colleagues from Columbus Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine found sulforaphane found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables affected the stress-associated hormone, norepinephrine.

For the study, the researchers examined the possible growth promoting effects of the stress-associated hormone, norepinephrine, on immortalized human pancreatic duct epithelial cells.   The hormone increased proliferation of human pancreatic duct epithelial cells, the researchers said in their study report.

They also examined if norepinephrine induced interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), all of which promoted oncogenesis of immortalized human pancreatic duct epithelial cells.

The found norepinephrine increased the levels of IL-6 and VEGF but not IL-10 levels secreted by human pancreatic duct epithelial cells. IL-5 and VEGF are believed to promote cancer of pancreatic duct epithelial cells.

Two dietary agents namely sulforaphane and resveratrol were tested to see if any would inhibit norepinephrine-mediated increases in cell proliferation in human pancreatic duct epithelial cells.

The researchers found sulforaphane but not resveratrol found in red wine and grapes inhibited norepinephrine-mediated increases in cell viability in human pancreatic duct epithelial cells. This compound also inhibited increase in IL-6 levels but not VEGF levels.

The results suggest that stress can boost cancer risk while eating cruciferous vegetables may offset the cancer promoting effect.

Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, mustard, and watercress to name a few.