Modulating testosterone stimulated prostate growth by phenethyl isothiocyanate via Sp1 and androgen receptor down-regulation.

Background: The effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), present naturally in cruciferous vegetables, on androgen-influenced growth of the prostate such as benign hyperplasia, was investigated.

Methods: Rats dosed with cyproterone acetate and testosterone, were fed at the same time with either PEITC or vehicle control. The growth of the prostates was compared to untreated rats.