A dietary compound which is the sulforaphane is found in broccoli. This specific compound has the ability to prevent certain types of cancer like prostate. Because of this new finding, researchers suggest that broccoli is really good for the health.

The compound sulforaphane influence the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These are types of "junk DNA" that has no value anymore. But, researchers provide some evidence that lncRNAs might play a critical role especially in triggering cells to be malignant that spreads throughout the body. The study was done by the researchers from Oregon State University.

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There are thousands of lncRNAs that play a very important role in the cell biology and development. They often control the genes that were expressed so that they can carry out their own kind of genetic function. When lncRNAs were dysregulated they can make a contribution in developing multiple disease processes like cancer. lncRNAs are also special interest to scientists because they are highly cell and tissue-specific.

LINC01116 is a particular kind of lncRNA. Its level increased in the cell line of prostate cancer, but, it can also be decreased with sulforaphane. In data of the researchers, sulforaphane can normalize the level of lncRNA.

The LINC01116 is also overexpressed in other types of cancer like lung, colon, and brain cancer. Other lncRNAs were also found at high levels among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, stomach, breast, prostate, and lung cancer.

As per Laura Beaver the lead author on the study, this finding can help the researchers to develop more than just cancer prevention, but to develop great methods to slow down the progression of cancer and avoid it to become invasive. Researchers also noted that, eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli which is high in sulforaphane decrease the risk of prostate cancer.