Glutathione S-transferase activity: enhancement by compounds inhibiting chemical carcinogenesis and by dietary constituents.

Benzyl isothiocyanate, beta-naphthoflavone, coumarin, alpha-angelicalactone, disulfiram, indole-3-carbinol and indole-3-acetonitrile induced increased glutathione (GSH) S-transferase activity in the liver and small intestine in female ICR/Ha mice. All seven compounds are inhibitors of chemical carcinogenesis. In additional work, several dietary constituents increased GSH S-transferase activity. Consumption of diets containing dried powdered preparations of brussels sprouts, cabbage, coffee beans, or tea leaves resulted in increased GSH S-transferase activity. Mice fed an unrefined diet (Purina Rat Chow) had a higher GSH S-transferase activity than those fed a semipurified diet. The results of the present study indicated that the composition of the diet can alter the activity of an important enzyme system having the capacity to detoxify chemical carcinogens.