3,3'-diindolylmethane modulates estrogen metabolism in patients with thyroid proliferative disease: a pilot study.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled single-arm phase I pilot trial
PubMed 21254914 · doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0245
What was done
In a pilot phase I clinical trial, patients with thyroid proliferative disease (thyroid cancer or goiter) received 300 mg of oral 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) daily for 14 days prior to undergoing total or partial thyroidectomy. Serum and urine samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation, and thyroid tissue was collected during surgery to measure DIM concentrations and estrogen metabolite profiles.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values. Following 14 days of supplementation, DIM was detectable in thyroid tissue, serum, and urine. Urinary analysis demonstrated an increase in the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone (C-2) to 16α-hydroxyestrone (C-16), indicating an antiestrogenic shift in estrogen metabolism.
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary evidence that orally administered DIM reaches human thyroid tissue and alters systemic estrogen metabolism, supporting further research into its potential role in thyroid proliferative disorders.
Limits
The abstract omits the sample size, patient demographic details, the proportion of cancer versus goiter, and all quantitative data or statistical metrics. The trial was a brief 14-day uncontrolled study without a placebo comparator or evaluation of clinical endpoints.
Cited by
- supports Diindolylmethane (DIM) can inhibit or lower estrogen levels.