位于爱知县的日本中部大学应用生物学教授三轮锭司率领的研究小组，17日在美国科学杂志《公共科学图书馆综合》发表论文称，芥末的辣味成分对防止人类衰老和疾病有一定效果。
三轮教授的分析认为，辣味成分异硫氰酸烯丙酯（AITC）能促进人体内某种酶的活动，而此种酶能防止引起衰老和疾病的氧化应激。
在研究小组的实验中，对土壤中体长约1毫米的线虫进行氧化应激，6小时后使用AITC的线虫的存活率接近60％，而未使用AITC的线虫只有不到20％的存活率。
三轮教授说：“自古以来就有芥末有益于身体健康的说法，现在终于用科学证明了这一点。”
推荐原始出处：
PLoS ONE 5(2): e9267. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0009267
Allyl Isothiocyanate that Induces GST and UGT Expression Confers Oxidative Stress Resistance on C. elegans, as Demonstrated by Nematode Biosensor
Koichi Hasegawa, Satsuki Miwa, Kaname Tsutsumiuchi, Johji Miwa*
College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
Background
Electrophilic xenobiotics and endogenous products from oxidative stresses induce the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), which form a large family within the phase II enzymes over both animal and plant kingdoms. The GSTs thus induced in turn detoxify these external as well as internal stresses. Because these stresses are often linked to ageing and damage to health, the induction of phase II enzymes without causing adverse effects would be beneficial in slowing down ageing and keeping healthy conditions.
Methodology/Principal Findings
We have tested this hypothesis by choosing allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a functional ingredient in wasabi, as a candidate food ingredient that induces GSTs without causing adverse effects on animals' lives. To monitor the GST induction, we constructed a gst::gfp fusion gene and used it to transform Caenorhabditis elegans for use as a nematode biosensor. With the nematode biosensor, we found that AITC induced GST expression and conferred tolerance on the nematode against various oxidative stresses. We also present evidence that the transcription factor SKN-1 is involved in regulating the GST expression induced by AITC.
Conclusions/Significance
We show the applicability of the nematode biosensor for discovering and evaluating functional food substances and chemicals that would provide anti-ageing or healthful benefits.
