Broccoli sprouts powder could improve serum triglyceride and oxidized LDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Unveiling the Nutritional Veil of Sulforaphane: With a Major Focus on Glucose Homeostasis Modulation

Abnormal glucose homeostasis is associated with metabolic syndromes including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, highlighting the significance of maintaining a balanced glucose level for optimal biological function. This highlights the importance of maintaining normal glucose levels for proper biological functioning. Sulforaphane (SFN), the primary bioactive compound in broccoli from the Cruciferae or Brassicaceae family, has been shown to enhance glucose homeostasis effectively while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. This paper assesses the impact of SFN on glucose homeostasis in vitro, in vivo, and human trials, as well as the molecular mechanisms that drive its regulatory effects. New strategies have been proposed to enhance the bioavailability and targeted delivery of SFN in order to overcome inherent instability. The manuscript also covers the safety evaluations of SFN that have been documented for its production and utilization. Hence, a deeper understanding of the favorable influence and mechanism of SFN on glucose homeostasis, coupled with the fact that SFN is abundant in the human daily diet, may ultimately offer theoretical evidence to support its potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Adjustments of the Phytochemical Profile of Broccoli to Low and High Growing Temperatures: Implications for the Bioactivity of Its Extracts

Climate change causes shifts in temperature patterns, and plants adapt their chemical content in order to survive. We compared the effect of low (LT) and high (HT) growing temperatures on the phytochemical content of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. cymosa Duch.) microgreens and the bioactivity of their extracts. Using different spectrophotometric, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and statistical methods, we found that LT increased the total phenolics and tannins in broccoli. The total glucosinolates were also increased by LT; however, they were decreased by HT. Soluble sugars, known osmoprotectants, were increased by both types of stress, considerably more by HT than LT, suggesting that HT causes a more intense osmotic imbalance. Both temperatures were detrimental for chlorophyll, with HT being more impactful than LT. HT increased hormone indole-3-acetic acid, implying an important role in broccoli's defense. Ferulic and sinapic acid showed a trade-off scheme: HT increased ferulic while LT increased sinapic acid. Both stresses decreased the potential of broccoli to act against H2O2 damage in mouse embryonal fibroblasts (MEF), human keratinocytes, and liver cancer cells. Among the tested cell types treated by H2O2, the most significant reduction in ROS (36.61%) was recorded in MEF cells treated with RT extracts. The potential of broccoli extracts to inhibit α-amylase increased following both temperature stresses; however, the inhibition of pancreatic lipase was increased by LT only. From the perspective of nutritional value, and based on the obtained results, we conclude that LT conditions result in more nutritious broccoli microgreens than HT.

Microgreens on the rise: Expanding our horizons from farm to fork

Escalating public health concerns necessitate innovative approaches to food sources. Microgreens, nutrient-rich seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have gained recognition as functional foods. This review explores the evolution of microgreens, cultivation methods, biochemical changes during germination, nutritional content, health benefits, and commercial significance. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that microgreens have an elevated level of various nutrients. Further, in vitro and in vivo research validated their antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic properties. Microgreens, termed "desert food," show promise for sustainable food production in climate-vulnerable regions. This paper synthesizes recent research on microgreens, addressing challenges and gaps in understanding their nutritional content and health benefits. It contributes valuable insights for future research, fostering sustainable agriculture and enhancing understanding of microgreens in human health and nutrition.

Prospective cohort study of broccoli consumption frequency and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks

Background

Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with broad health benefits, but its intake frequency and dose-response relationship with mortality risk remain unclear.

Methods

Using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006, 12,486 adults were included. Broccoli intake frequency was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks were followed up. The relationship between broccoli intake and mortality risk was analyzed using Cox models.

Results

Compared with never consumption of broccoli, different frequencies of broccoli consumption were associated with significantly decreased risks of all-cause mortality (p for trend <0.001). Consuming broccoli 1-2 times per week was associated with a 32-43% lower mortality risk. More frequent broccoli consumption was negatively correlated with cardiovascular and cancer mortality risks (p < 0.05). Consuming broccoli 1-2 times per week for males and ≥ 3 times per week for females could significantly reduce all-cause mortality risk.

Conclusion

Moderate and frequent consumption of broccoli may reduce the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Optimal intake frequencies may differ by gender.

Brassica-derived isothiocyanates as anticancer therapeutic agents and their nanodelivery

The isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from the precursor glucosinolate molecules present in Brassica vegetables are bioactive organo-sulfur compounds with numerous pharmacologically important properties such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. Over the years, ITCs have been the focus of several research investigations associated with cancer treatment. Due to their potent chemo-preventive action, ITCs have been considered to be promising therapeutics for cancer therapy in place of the already existing conventional anticancer drugs. However, their wide spread use at the clinical stage is greatly restricted due to several factors such as low solubility in an aqueous medium, low bioavailability, low stability, and hormetic effect. To overcome these hindrances, nanotechnology can be exploited to develop nano-scale delivery systems that have the potential to enhance stability, and bioavailability and minimize the hermetic effect of ITCs.

A mechanistic overview of sulforaphane and its derivatives application in diabetes and its complications

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a type of phytochemical found in many cruciferous vegetables that has been shown to positively benefit the control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The search was done from 2000 until December 2022 using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases. We included all in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. Sulforaphane has been demonstrated to activate the PI3K/AKT and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways and the glucose transporter type 4 to increase insulin production and reduce insulin resistance. Interestingly, SFN possesses protective effects against diabetes complications, such as diabetic-induced hepatic damage, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, nephropathy, and neuropathy via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activation that leads to the translation of several anti-oxidant enzymes and regulation glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid metabolism, glutamine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Furthermore, multiple clinical trial studies emphasized the ameliorating effects of SFN on T2DM patients. This review provides sufficient evidence for further research and development of sulforaphane as a hypoglycemic drug.

Hydrogen sulfide and sulfaceutic or sulfanutraceutic agents: Classification, differences and relevance in preclinical and clinical studies

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been extensively studied as a signal molecule in the body for the past 30 years. Researchers have conducted studies using both natural and synthetic sources of H2S, known as H2S donors, which have different characteristics in terms of how they release H2S. These donors can be inorganic salts or have various organic structures. In recent years, certain types of sulfur compounds found naturally in foods have been characterized as H2S donors and explored for their potential health benefits. These compounds are referred to as "sulfanutraceuticals," a term that combines "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical". It is used to describe products derived from food sources that offer additional health advantages. By introducing the terms "sulfaceuticals" and "sulfanutraceuticals," we categorize sulfur-containing substances based on their origin and their use in both preclinical and clinical research, as well as in dietary supplements.

Sulforaphane: A nutraceutical against diabetes-related complications

There is an increasing interest in the use of nutraceuticals and plant-derived bioactive compounds from foods for their potential health benefits. For example, as a major active ingredient found from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of sulforaphane against diverse metabolic complications. The past decade has seen an extensive growth in literature reporting on the potential health benefits of sulforaphane to neutralize pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation, which may be essential in protecting against diabetes-related complications. In fact, preclinical evidence summarized within this review supports an active role of sulforaphane in activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 or effectively modulating AMP-activated protein kinase to protect against diabetic complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, as well as other metabolic complications involving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. With clinical evidence suggesting that foods rich in sulforaphane like broccoli can improve the metabolic status and lower cardiovascular disease risk by reducing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. This information remains essential in determining the therapeutic value of sulforaphane or its potential use as a nutraceutical to manage diabetes and its related complications. Finally, this review discusses essential information on the bioavailability profile of sulforaphane, while also covering information on the pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation that drive the development and progression of diabetes.

Lipid Biomarkers and Atherosclerosis-Old and New in Cardiovascular Risk in Childhood

Lipids are a complex group of molecules in the body, essential as structural, functional and metabolic components. When disbalanced, they are regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor, traditionally in cholesterol level evaluation. However, due to their complex nature, much research is still needed for a comprehensive understanding of their role in atherosclerosis, especially in the young. Several new lipid biomarkers are emerging, some already researched to a point, such as lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Other lipid molecules are also being increasingly researched, including oxidized forms due to oxidative inflammation in atherosclerosis, and sphingolipids. For many, even those less new, the atherogenic potential is not clear and no clinical recommendations are in place to aid the clinician in using them in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, lipids' involvement in atherogenesis in children has yet to be elucidated. This review summarizes the current knowledge on lipids as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.

Beneficial Effects of Sulforaphane-Yielding Broccoli Sprout on Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Cruciferous vegetables are complementary dietary therapies for disease prevention and health promotion. Sulforaphane-yielding broccoli sprouts are gaining popularity in managing cardiometabolic diseases. Objectives: Given the increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases worldwide, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study the cardiometabolic implications of broccoli sprout supplementation within the literature. Methods: Eligible literature was retrieved through Pubmed and Scopus up to June 2022. Results: Ten clinical trials investigating broccoli sprout supplementation and cardiometabolic health among human subjects were extracted for meta-analysis. The earliest study was published in 2004, and the most recent was released in 2019. Seven studies included control groups for valid comparison. Overall, the dietary intake of broccoli sprouts significantly reduced systolic (-10.9 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -17.0, -4.86) and diastolic (-6.95 mmHg; 95% CI: -10.6, -3.28) blood pressures. Marginally significant changes were also detected in blood lipid biomarkers compared to the baseline. Conclusions: Our results confirm the hypotensive properties of broccoli sprout and highlight the potential sulforaphane-dependent effects of this vegetable.

The effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies on the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile have reported inconclusive findings. Due to the high prevalence of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and their importance as predictors of chronic diseases, the present meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile. A systematic search of the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochran Library was performed up to October 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile were included in the study. The search results were limited to English-language publications. Finally, nine RCTs, including 548 participants, were selected for the present study. Pooled analysis indicated a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -0.28, 95%CI: 0.48 to 0.08; p = 0.005) following Brassica vegetables consumption. Overall, Brassica vegetables had no significant impact on serum levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin. Consumption of Brassica vegetables had a statistically significant effect on TC concentration. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of these plants.

Sulfur compounds: From plants to humans and their role in chronic disease prevention

Sulfur is essential for the health of plants and is an indispensable dietary component for human health and disease prevention. Its incorporation into our food supply is heavily reliant upon the uptake of sulfur into plant tissue and our subsequent intake. Dietary requirements for sulfur are largely calculated based upon requirements for the sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), cysteine and methionine, to meet the demands for synthesis of proteins, enzymes, co-enzymes, vitamins, and hormones. SAA are found in abundance in animal sources and are relatively low in plants. However, some plants, particularly cruciferous and allium vegetables, produce many protective sulfur-containing secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates and cysteine sulfoxides. The variety and quantity of these sulfur-containing metabolites are extensive and their effects on human health are wide-reaching. Many benefits appear to be related to sulfur's role in redox biochemistry, protecting against uncontrolled oxidative stress and inflammation; features consistent within cardiometabolic dysfunction and many chronic metabolic diseases of aging. This narrative explores the origins and importance of sulfur, its incorporation into our food supply and dietary sources. It also explores the overarching potential of sulfur for human health, particularly around the amelioration of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, and subsequent chronic disease prevention.

Pre-diagnosis Cruciferous Vegetables and Isothiocyanates Intake and Ovarian Cancer Survival: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The associations of the consumption of cruciferous vegetables (CVs) and their bioactive components, isothiocyanates (ITCs), with ovarian cancer (OC) mortality have been unclear, owing to limited studies and inconsistent findings. To date, no studies have evaluated these associations among Chinese patients with OC. This study aims to provide more evidence indicating the relationships of pre-diagnosis CVs and ITC intake with OC survival.

Methods: We examined the associations of pre-diagnosis CV and ITC intake with OC mortality in a hospital-based cohort (n = 853) of Chinese patients with epithelial OC between 2015 and 2020. Pre-diagnosis dietary information was evaluated with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained until March 31, 2021 via medical records and active follow-up. The associations were examined with the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for potential confounders, and stratified by menopausal status, residual lesions, histological type, and body mass index (BMI).

Results: During a median follow-up of 37.2 months (interquartile: 24.7–50.2 months), we observed 130 deaths. The highest tertile of total CV intake was associated with better survival than the lowest tertile intake [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.98, p trend < 0.05]. In addition, higher intake of ITCs from CVs was associated with better survival (HR_T3VS.T1 = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.36–0.99, p trend = 0.06). Significant inverse associations were also observed for subgroup analyses stratified by menopausal status, residual lesions, histological type, and BMI, although not all associations showed statistical significance.

Conclusion: Increasing pre-diagnosis consumption of CVs and ITCs was strongly associated with better survival in patients with OC.

Strategies of Elicitation to Enhance Bioactive Compound Content in Edible Plant Sprouts: A Bibliometric Study

Vegetable sprouts are a food source that presents high content of bioactive compounds which can also be enhanced through elicitation mechanisms. To better understand the scientific production and research trends on this topic, a bibliometric analysis by means of the Web of Science database was carried out. The results showed significant growth in research on the elicitation of edible plants sprouts. The three most productive journals were the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, followed by Food Chemistry and LWT-Food Science and Technology. The co-occurrence of keyword analysis of the different authors showed that the main research topics in this domain were 'germination', 'antioxidant activity', 'sprouts', 'glucosinolates' and 'phenolics'. The countries with the highest number of scientific publications were China, followed by India and USA. The productivity patterns of the authors conformed to Lotka's law. This study provides an overview of research on elicitation to enrich bioactive compounds in sprouts, and the need to review and update the trends on this subject.

Ferroptosis as a Major Factor and Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Mounting evidence suggests that ferroptosis is not just a consequence but also a fundamental contributor to the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ferroptosis is characterized as iron-dependent regulated cell death caused by excessive lipid peroxidation, leading to plasma membrane rupture, release of damage-associated molecular patterns, and neuroinflammation. Due to the crucial role of intracellular iron in mediating the production of reactive oxygen species and the formation of lipid peroxides, ferroptosis is intimately controlled by regulators involved in many aspects of iron metabolism, including iron uptake, storage and export, and by pathways constituting the antioxidant systems. Translational and transcriptional regulation of iron homeostasis and redox status provide an integrated network to determine the sensitivity of ferroptosis. We herein review recent advances related to ferroptosis, ranging from fundamental mechanistic discoveries and cutting-edge preclinical animal studies, to clinical trials in PD and the regulation of neuroinflammation via ferroptosis pathways. Elucidating the roles of ferroptosis in the survival of dopaminergic neurons and microglial activity can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of PD and provide opportunities for the development of novel prevention and treatment strategies.

The Antioxidant Transcription Factor Nrf2 in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that controls cellular defense responses against toxic and oxidative stress by modulating the expression of genes involved in antioxidant response and drug detoxification. In addition to maintaining redox homeostasis, Nrf2 is also involved in various cellular processes including metabolism and inflammation. Nrf2 activity is tightly regulated at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels, which allows cells to quickly respond to pathological stress. In the present review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of Nrf2. We also focus on the impact of Nrf2 in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, a condition that stimulates the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Finally, we analyze the protective effect of several natural and synthetic compounds that induce Nrf2 activation and protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart and other organs, and their potential clinical application.

Bioactive Foods and Medicinal Plants for Cardiovascular Complications of Type II Diabetes: Current Clinical Evidence and Future Perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, not all patients are fully satisfied with the current available treatments. Medicinal plants have been globally investigated regarding their effect in CVD, yet the field is far from getting exhausted. The current paper aims to provide an evidence-based review on the clinically evaluated medicinal plants and their main therapeutic targets for the management of CVD in T2DM. Electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 2000 until November 2019, and related clinical studies were included. Lipid metabolism, glycemic status, systemic inflammation, blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and anthropometric parameters are the key points regulated by medicinal plants in T2DM. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are the two most important mechanisms since inflammation and oxidative stress are the first steps triggering a domino of molecular pathological pathways leading to T2DM and, subsequently, CVD. Polyphenols with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, essential oil-derived compounds with vasorelaxant properties, and fibers with demonstrated effects on obesity are the main categories of phytochemicals beneficial for CVD of T2DM. Some medicinal plants such as garlic (Allium sativum) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum) have strong evidences regarding their beneficial effects; however, others have low level of evidence which reveals the need for further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants for the management of CVD in T2DM.

Phytochemicals as Therapeutic Interventions in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 200 million people worldwide, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, yet treatment options remain limited. Among the manifestations of PAD is a severe functional disability and decline, which is thought to be the result of different pathophysiological mechanisms including oxidative stress, skeletal muscle pathology, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Thus, compounds that target these mechanisms may have a therapeutic effect on walking performance in PAD patients. Phytochemicals produced by plants have been widely studied for their potential health effects and role in various diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. In this review, we focus on PAD and discuss the evidence related to the clinical utility of different phytochemicals. We discuss phytochemical research in preclinical models of PAD, and we highlight the results of the available clinical trials that have assessed the effects of these compounds on PAD patient functional outcomes.

Protective Effect of Isothiocyanates from Cruciferous Vegetables on Breast Cancer: Epidemiological and Preclinical Perspectives

BACKGROUND

The effect of cruciferous vegetable intake on breast cancer survival is controversial at present. Glucosinolates are the naturally occurring constituents found across the cruciferous vegetables. Isothiocyanates are produced from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates and this reaction is catalysed by the plant-derived enzyme myrosinase. The main Isothiocyanates (ITCs) from cruciferous vegetables are sulforaphane, benzyl ITC, and phenethyl ITC, which had been intensively investigated over the last decade for their anti-breast cancer effects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to systematically review the evidence from all types of studies, which examined the protective effect of cruciferous vegetables and/or their isothiocyanate constituents on breast cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 27 April 2020. Peer-reviewed studies of all types (in vitro studies, animal studies, and human studies) were selected.

RESULTS

The systematic literature search identified 16 human studies, 4 animal studies, and 65 in vitro studies. The effect of cruciferous vegetables and/or their ITCs intake on breast cancer survival was found to be controversial and varied greatly across human studies. Most of these trials were observational studies conducted in specific regions, mainly in the US and China. Substantial evidence from in vitro and animal studies was obtained, which strongly supported the protective effect of sulforaphane and other ITCs against breast cancer. Evidence from in vitro studies showed that sulforaphane and other ITCs reduced cancer cell viability and proliferation via multiple mechanisms and pathways. Isothiocyanates inhibited cell cycle, angiogenesis and epithelial mesenchymal transition, as well as induced apoptosis and altered the expression of phase II carcinogen detoxifying enzymes. These are the essential pathways that promote the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. Noticeably, benzyl ITC showed a significant inhibitory effect on breast cancer stem cells, a new dimension of chemo-resistance in breast cancer treatment. Sulforaphane and other ITCs displayed anti-breast cancer effects at variable range of concentrations and benzyl isothiocyanate appeared to have a relatively lower inhibitory concentration IC₅₀. The mechanisms underlying the cancer protective effect of sulforaphane and other ITCs have also been highlighted in this article.

CONCLUSION

Current preclinical evidence strongly supports the role of sulforaphane and other ITCs as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer, either as adjunct therapy or combined therapy with current anti-breast cancer drugs, with sulforaphane displaying the greatest potential.

Effect of Red Cabbage Sprouts Treating with Organic Acids on the Content of Polyphenols, Antioxidant Properties and Colour Parameters

In recent years, there has been a great deal of consumer interest in consuming vegetables in the form of sprouts, characterized by high nutritional value. The disadvantage of sprouts is the loss of bioactive compounds during storage and the relatively short shelf life, due to the fact that they are a good medium for microorganisms, especially yeasts and molds. The aim of the study was to compare the content of polyphenols, antioxidant properties, color and microbiological quality of red cabbage sprouts preserved by the use of mild organic acids: Citric, ascorbic, lactic, acetic and peracetic. In the study, the content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of sprouts was examined using the spectrophotometric method, instrumental color measurement was done using an “electronic eye” and the content of mold, yeast and the total number of mesophilic microorganisms was determined using the plate inoculation method. Taking into account the content of polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of sprouts, it was found that the addition of all organic acids contributed to the preservation of the tested compounds during their 14-day storage under refrigerated conditions, depending on the type of organic acid used, from 71 to 86% for polyphenols and from 75 to 96% for antioxidant properties. The best results were obtained by treating the sprouts with peracetic acid and ascorbic acid, respectively, at a concentration of 80 ppm and 1%. The conducted research on the possibility of extending the storage life and preserving the bioactive properties of fresh sprouts showed that the use of peracetic acid in the form of an aqueous solution during pre-treatment allows to reduce the content of microorganisms by one logarithmic order. Ascorbic acid did not reduce the content of microorganisms in the sprout samples tested. Considering the content of bioactive ingredients, as well as the microbiological quality of fresh sprouts, it can be said that there is a great need to use mild organic acids during the pre-treatment of sprouts in order to maintain a high level of health-promoting ingredients during their storage, which may also contribute to their prolongation durability.

Nanodelivery of natural isothiocyanates as a cancer therapeutic

Natural isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals abundant in cruciferous vegetables with the general structure, R-NCS. They are bioactive organosulfur compounds derived from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates by myrosinase. A significant number of isothiocyanates have been isolated from different plant sources that include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard, wasabi, and watercress. Several ITCs have been demonstrated to possess significant pharmacological properties including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antimicrobial activities. Due to their chemopreventive effects on many types of cancer, ITCs have been regarded as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic agent without major toxicity concerns. However, their clinical application has been hindered by several factors including their low aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, instability as well as their hormetic effect. Moreover, the typical dietary uptake of ITCs consumed for promotion of good health may be far from their bioactive (or cytotoxic) dose necessary for cancer prevention and/or treatment. Nanotechnology is one of best options to attain enhanced efficacy and minimize hormetic effect for ITCs. Nanoformulation of ITCs leads to enhance stability of ITCs in plasma and emphasize on their chemopreventive effects. This review provides a summary of the potential bioactivities of ITCs, their mechanisms of action for the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as the recent research progress in their nanodelivery strategies to enhance solubility, bioavailability, and anti-cancer efficacy.

Dietary broccoli improves markers associated with glucose and lipid metabolism through modulation of gut microbiota in mice

OBJECTIVE

Broccoli is a "functional food" that contains bioactive compounds and phytochemicals that have beneficial health-promoting effects. This study aimed at investigating the effects of broccoli consumption on lipid and glucose metabolism and gut microbiota.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice (7-8 wk old) were fed ad libitum with a normal diet supplemented with or without 10% (w/w) broccoli florets or broccoli stalks. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at week 15. After 17 wk, blood and tissues were collected. Serum parameters, histology, gene and protein expression, and intestinal microbiota composition were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stalk supplementation led to reductions in fasting glucose levels, serum insulin, and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Liver enzymes improved in both experimental groups, and broccoli florets decreased total triacylglycerols. The stalks group had elevated fatty acid oxidation-related genes and proteins (AMPK, PPARα, and CPT1). Diverse microbiota populations were observed in both broccoli groups. Broccoli stalks were found to be richer in Akkermansia muciniphila, while broccoli florets reduced Mucispirillum schaedleri abundance and increased bacterial richness.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term whole broccoli supplementation decreased inflammation, improved lipid parameters and insulin sensitivity, and altered the gut microbiome in mice. Our data provide new information regarding the potential benefits of broccoli stalks in metabolic parameters.

Perspectives on the Clinical Development of NRF2-Targeting Drugs

The transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) triggers homeostatic responses against a plethora of environmental or endogenous deviations in redox metabolism, inflammation, proteostasis, etc. Therefore, pharmacological activation of NRF2 is a promising therapeutic strategy for several chronic diseases that are underlined by low-grade oxidative inflammation and dysregulation of redox metabolism, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. While NRF2 activation is useful in inhibiting carcinogenesis, its inhibition is needed in constituted tumors where NRF2 provides a survival advantage in the challenging tumor niche. This review describes the electrophilic and non-electrophilic NRF2 activators with clinical projection in various chronic diseases. We also analyze the status of NRF2 inhibitors, which are for the moment in a proof-of-concept stage. Advanced in silico screening and medicinal chemistry are expected to provide new or repurposing small molecules with increased potential for fostering the development of targeted NRF2 modulators. The nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (NRF2) is rapidly degraded by proteasomes under a basal condition in a Keap1-dependent manner. ROS oxidatively modifies Keap1 to release NRF2 and allow its nuclear translocation. Here it binds to the antioxidant response element to regulate gene transcription. An alternative mechanism controlling NRF2 stability is glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3)-induced phosphorylation. Indicated in blue are NRF2-activating and NRF2-inhibiting drugs.

Fish protein intake is a novel dietary approach for managing diabetes-associated complications in diabetic Wistar rat model

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with short term as well as long-term undesirable complications caused by persistent hyperglycemia. Recently, there has been emerging evidence that natural foods and their bioactive compounds are the key contributors to the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of a fish protein-rich diet for managing diabetes and associated complications in the diabetic Wistar rat model. A high-protein (HP) diet (45% and 55% fish protein rich in ω3 fatty acids) was given to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for monitoring serum glucose, oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, kidney function markers, serum proteins, and liver function markers. Results indicated that there was a noteworthy control (p < .05) of serum glucose, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in HP diet treated diabetic rats. Treatment with 45% and 55% fish diet appreciably improved the concentration of serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and exhibited a vibrant improvement in renal functions. Our results confirmed that the HP diet restored total protein and albumin concentration in blood. The HP diet treatment also restored the normal serum aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase concentration.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in endothelial dysfunction: Pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

The vascular endothelium represents a fundamental mechanical and biological barrier for the maintenance of vascular homeostasis along the entire vascular tree. Changes in its integrity are associated to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, all linked to the peculiar condition named endothelial dysfunction, which is referred to the loss of endothelial physiological functions, comprehending the regulation of vascular relaxation and/or cell redox balance, the inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and the production of NO. Among the endothelium-released vasoactive factors, in the last years hydrogen sulfide has been viewed as one of the main characters involved in the regulation of endothelium functionality, and many studies demonstrated that H2S behaves as a vasoprotective gasotransmitter in those cardiovascular diseases where endothelial dysfunction seems to be the central issue.

AIM

The role of hydrogen sulfide in endothelial dysfunction-related cardiovascular diseases is discussed in this review.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS

Possible therapeutic approaches using molecules able to release H2S.

A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.

Pharmacological modulation of the hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) system by dietary H2 S-donors: A novel promising strategy in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents the most common age-related metabolic disorder, and its management is becoming both a health and economic issue worldwide. Moreover, chronic hyperglycemia represents one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular complications. In the last years, the emerging evidence about the role of the endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM led to increasing interest in the pharmacological modulation of endogenous "H₂ S-system". Indeed, H₂ S directly contributes to the homeostatic maintenance of blood glucose levels; moreover, it improves impaired angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, H₂ S promotes significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, thus preventing hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Therefore, H₂ S-releasing molecules represent a promising strategy in both clinical management of T2DM and prevention of macro- and micro-vascular complications associated to hyperglycemia. Recently, growing attention has been focused on dietary organosulfur compounds. Among them, garlic polysulfides and isothiocyanates deriving from Brassicaceae have been recognized as H₂ S-donors of great pharmacological and nutraceutical interest. Therefore, a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring H₂ S-donors may pave the way to a more rational use of these nutraceuticals in the modulation of H₂ S homeostasis in T2DM.

Sprouts vs. Microgreens as Novel Functional Foods: Variation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiles and Their In Vitro Bioactive Properties

The aim of the study was to analyze potential health-promoting and nutritional components (polyphenols, L-ascorbic acid, carotenoids, chlorophylls, amino acids, organic acid, sugars, ash and pectins) of selected sprouts (radish, lentil, black medick, broccoli, sunflower, leek, beetroot, mung beans) and microgreens (kale, radish, beetroot, green peas, amaranth). Moreover, antioxidant capacity (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)), in vitro anti-diabetic potential (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase), and anti-obesity (pancreatic lipase) and anti-cholinergic (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) activity were evaluated. The results of this study show that sprouts are effective in antioxidant capacity as a result of a high content of polyphenols and L-ascorbic acid. Additionally, sprouts are better sources of amino acids, pectins and sugars than microgreens. Microgreens were characterized by high content of carotenoids and chlorophylls, and organic acid, without any sugars, exhibiting higher anti-diabetic and anti-cholinergic activity than sprouts. Some selected sprouts (broccoli, radish, lentil) and microgreens (radish, amaranths, kale) should be used daily as superfoods or functional food.

Pre- and Post-harvest Factors Affecting Glucosinolate Content in Broccoli

Owing to several presumed health-promoting biological activities, increased attention is being given to natural plant chemicals, especially those frequently entering the human diet. Glucosinolates (GLs) are the main bioactive compounds found in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck). Their regular dietary assumption has been correlated with reduced risk of various types of neoplasms (lung, colon, pancreatic, breast, bladder, and prostate cancers), some degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and decreased incidence of cardiovascular pathologies. GL's synthesis pathway and regulation mechanism have been elucidated mainly in Arabidopsis. However, nearly 56 putative genes have been identified as involved in the B. oleracea GL pathway. It is widely recognized that there are several pre-harvest (genotype, growing environment, cultural practices, ripening stage, etc.) and post-harvest (harvesting, post-harvest treatments, packaging, storage, etc.) factors that affect GL synthesis, profiles, and levels in broccoli. Understanding how these factors act and interact in driving GL accumulation in the edible parts is essential for developing new broccoli cultivars with improved health-promoting bioactivity. In this regard, any systematic and comprehensive review outlining the effects of pre- and post-harvest factors on the accumulation of GLs in broccoli is not yet available. Thus, the goal of this paper is to fill this gap by giving a synoptic overview of the most relevant and recent literature. The existence of substantial cultivar-to-cultivar variation in GL content in response to pre-harvest factors and post-harvest manipulations has been highlighted and discussed. The paper also stresses the need for adapting particular pre- and post-harvest procedures for each particular genotype in order to maintain nutritious, fresh-like quality throughout the broccoli value chain.

Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Sprouts and Microgreens: An Updated Overview from a Nutraceutical Perspective

Sprouts and microgreens, the edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have received increasing attention in recent years and are considered as functional foods or superfoods owing to their valuable health-promoting properties. In particular, the seedlings of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) have been highly prized for their substantial amount of bioactive constituents, including glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and essential minerals. These secondary metabolites are positively associated with potential health benefits. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that broccoli seedlings possess various biological properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antidiabetic activities. The present review summarizes the updated knowledge about bioactive compounds and bioactivities of these broccoli products and discusses the relevant mechanisms of action. This review will serve as a potential reference for food selections of consumers and applications in functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Thrombotic complications of COVID-19 may reflect an upregulation of endothelial tissue factor expression that is contingent on activation of endosomal NADPH oxidase

The high rate of thrombotic complications associated with COVID-19 seems likely to reflect viral infection of vascular endothelial cells, which express the ACE2 protein that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade cells. Various proinflammatory stimuli can promote thrombosis by inducing luminal endothelial expression of tissue factor (TF), which interacts with circulating coagulation factor VII to trigger extrinsic coagulation. The signalling mechanism whereby these stimuli evoke TF expression entails activation of NADPH oxidase, upstream from activation of the NF-kappaB transcription factor that drives the induced transcription of the TF gene. When single-stranded RNA viruses are taken up into cellular endosomes, they stimulate endosomal formation and activation of NADPH oxidase complexes via RNA-responsive toll-like receptor 7. It is therefore proposed that SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells evokes the expression of TF which is contingent on endosomal NADPH oxidase activation. If this hypothesis is correct, hydroxychloroquine, spirulina (more specifically, its chromophore phycocyanobilin) and high-dose glycine may have practical potential for mitigating the elevated thrombotic risk associated with COVID-19.

Recent progress in the development of small molecule Nrf2 activators: a patent review (2017-present)

Introduction: The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is the first line of defense against a plethora of environmental or endogenous deviations in redox metabolism, proteostasis, inflammation, etc. Therefore, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is a potential therapeutic approach for several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.Areas covered: The authors first describe the biological function of Nrf2 and the molecular regulatory mechanism of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE ((Kelch-like ECH-Associating protein 1)-Nrf2-(antioxidant response element)). Then, they review recent progress of covalent activators and non-covalent Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors from patents and publications in 2017-present, consisting of new chemical molecules, structure optimization of reported activators and progress in preclinical or clinical trials.Expert opinion: Despite significant achievements in the development of Nrf2 activators, the selectivity is the primary consideration. Due to reacting with redox-sensitive cysteines in proteins except for Keap1, electrophilic activators often exhibit off-target effects. For Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors, how to enhance in vivo efficacy and/or penetrate blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach central nervous system (CNS) is also challenging. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), carboxylic acid bioisosteric replacement and prodrug approach might be used to circumvent this challenge. Moreover, the possibility of cancer risk caused by Nrf2 activation needs to be considered carefully.

Organic Isothiocyanates as Hydrogen Sulfide Donors

Significance: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), the "new entry" in the series of endogenous gasotransmitters, plays a fundamental role in regulating the biological functions of various organs and systems. Consequently, the lack of adequate levels of H₂S may represent the etiopathogenetic factor of multiple pathological alterations. In these diseases, the use of H₂S donors represents a precious and innovative opportunity. Recent Advances: Natural isothiocyanates (ITCs), sulfur compounds typical of some botanical species, have long been investigated because of their intriguing pharmacological profile. Recently, the ITC moiety has been proposed as a new H₂S-donor chemotype (with a l-cysteine-mediated reaction). Based on this recent discovery, we can clearly observe that almost all the effects of natural ITCs can be explained by the H₂S release. Consistently, the ITC function was also used as an original H₂S-releasing moiety for the design of synthetic H₂S donors and original "pharmacological hybrids." Very recently, the chemical mechanism of H₂S release, resulting from the reaction between l-cysteine and some ITCs, has been elucidated. Critical Issues: Available literature gives convincing demonstration that H₂S is the real player in ITC pharmacology. Further, countless studies have been carried out on natural ITCs, but this versatile moiety has been used only rarely for the design of synthetic H₂S donors with optimal drug-like properties. Future Directions: The development of more ITC-based synthetic H₂S donors with optimal drug-like properties and selectivity toward specific tissues/pathologies seem to represent a stimulating and indispensable prospect of future experimental activities.

Sulforaphane: Its "Coming of Age" as a Clinically Relevant Nutraceutical in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease

A growing awareness of the mechanisms by which phytochemicals can influence upstream endogenous cellular defence processes has led to intensified research into their potential relevance in the prevention and treatment of disease. Pharmaceutical medicine has historically looked to plants as sources of the starting materials for drug development; however, the focus of nutraceutical medicine is to retain the plant bioactive in as close to its native state as possible. As a consequence, the potency of a nutraceutical concentrate or an extract may be lower than required for significant gene expression. The molecular structure of bioactive phytochemicals to a large extent determines the molecule's bioavailability. Polyphenols are abundant in dietary phytochemicals, and extensive in vitro research has established many of the signalling mechanisms involved in favourably modulating human biochemical pathways. Such pathways are associated with core processes such as redox modulation and immune modulation for infection control and for downregulating the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines. Although the relationship between oxidative stress and chronic disease continues to be affirmed, direct-acting antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, and others have not yielded the expected preventive or therapeutic responses, even though several large meta-analyses have sought to evaluate the potential benefit of such supplements. Because polyphenols exhibit poor bioavailability, few of their impressive in vitro findings have been replicated in vivo. SFN, an aliphatic isothiocyanate, emerges as a phytochemical with comparatively high bioavailability. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to produce favourable outcomes in conditions for which there are few satisfactory pharmaceutical solutions, foreshadowing the potential for SFN as a clinically relevant nutraceutical. Although myrosinase-inert broccoli sprout extracts are widely available, there now exist myrosinase-active broccoli sprout supplements that yield sufficient SFN to match the doses used in clinical trials.

Relation of Fruits and Vegetables with Major Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Markers of Oxidation, and Inflammation

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are considered to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have been recognized as a risk factor for almost all NCDs (type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases). The main aim of this review is to examine the possible protective effect that fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds may have on the development of NCDs such as atherosclerosis. The accumulated evidence on the protective effects of adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in some cases, or the lack of evidence in others, are summarized in the present review. The main conclusion of this review is that well-designed, large-scale, long-term studies are needed to truly understand the role fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds have in atherosclerosis.

Activators and Inhibitors of NRF2: A Review of Their Potential for Clinical Development

The transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) triggers the first line of homeostatic responses against a plethora of environmental or endogenous deviations in redox metabolism, proteostasis, inflammation, etc. Therefore, pharmacological activation of NRF2 is a promising therapeutic approach for several chronic diseases that are underlined by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. A particular case is cancer, where NRF2 confers a survival advantage to constituted tumors, and therefore, NRF2 inhibition is desired. This review describes the electrophilic and nonelectrophilic NRF2 activators with clinical projection in various chronic diseases. We also analyze the status of NRF2 inhibitors, which at this time provide proof of concept for blocking NRF2 activity in cancer therapy.

Current Status and Challenges of NRF2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of heart failure and death in patients with diabetes mellitus. Reactive oxygen species produced excessively in diabetes mellitus cause necrosis, apoptosis, ferroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis of the myocardium as well as impair the cardiac structure and function. It is increasingly clear that oxidative stress is a principal cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy. The transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2) activates the transcription of more than 200 genes in the human genome. Most of the proteins translated from these genes possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-ferroptotic, and anti-fibrotic actions. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that NRF2 and its target genes are crucial in preventing high glucose-induced oxidative damage in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Recently, many natural and synthetic activators of NRF2 are shown to possess promising therapeutic effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy in animal models of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Targeting NRF2 signaling by pharmacological entities is a potential approach to ameliorating diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the persistent high expression of NRF2 in cancer tissues also protects the growth of cancer cells. This "dark side" of NRF2 increases the challenges of using NRF2 activators to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, some NRF2 activators were found to have off-target effects. In this review, we summarize the current status and challenges of NRF2 as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Sulforaphane Improves Lipid Metabolism by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis In Vivo and In Vitro

SCOPE

Sulforaphane (SFN) is reported to reduce the accumulation of lipids. However, the underling mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the potential of SFN to improve lipid metabolism is investigated through altering mitochondrial function and biogenesis-related mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The abnormal lipid metabolism model was established both in HHL-5 cells and in rats by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. The current findings suggest that SFN alleviates the swelling of mitochondria and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. The reduced expression of NRF1 and TFAM, were reversed by SFN. SFN increases the levels of antioxidant compounds via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) activation. Furthermore, SFN improves multiple mitochondrial bioactivities, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, and the electron transfer chain based on PGC-1α pathway. SFN also activates lipolysis by transcriptionally upregulating adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

CONCLUSIONS

SFN enhances utilization of lipids via both the PGC- 1α-dependent promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and Nrf2 dependent improvement of mitochondrial function.

Activation of Nrf2 signaling by natural products-can it alleviate diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached pandemic proportions and effective prevention strategies are wanted. Its onset is accompanied by cellular distress, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor boosting cytoprotective responses, and many phytochemicals activate Nrf2 signaling. Thus, Nrf2 activation by natural products could presumably alleviate DM. We summarize function, regulation and exogenous activation of Nrf2, as well as diabetes-linked and Nrf2-susceptible forms of cellular stress. The reported amelioration of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and diabetic complications by activated Nrf2 as well as the status quo of Nrf2 in precision medicine for DM are reviewed.

Isothiocyanates: Translating the Power of Plants to People

Isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables have been studied extensively in cells and in animals for their disease preventive and therapeutic effects. However, translating their utility to human populations has been both limited and challenging. Herein, clinical trials employing two isothiocyanates, sulforaphane (SFN; 1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl) butane) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC; 2-isothiocyanatoethylbenzene) that are isolated principally from broccoli and watercress, respectively, are summarized and discussed. Both of these compounds have been used in small human clinical trials, either within food matrices or as single agents, against a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to autism. Results suggest an opportunity to incorporate them, or more likely preparations derived from their source plants, into larger human disease mitigation efforts. The context for the applications of these compounds and plants in evidence-based food and nutritional policy is also evaluated.

The DrugPattern tool for drug set enrichment analysis and its prediction for beneficial effects of oxLDL on type 2 diabetes

Enrichment analysis methods, e.g., gene set enrichment analysis, represent one class of important bioinformatical resources for mining patterns in biomedical datasets. However, tools for inferring patterns and rules of a list of drugs are limited. In this study, we developed a web-based tool, DrugPattern, for drug set enrichment analysis. We first collected and curated 7019 drug sets, including indications, adverse reactions, targets, pathways, etc. from public databases. For a list of interested drugs, DrugPattern then evaluates the significance of the enrichment of these drugs in each of the 7019 drug sets. To validate DrugPattern, we employed it for the prediction of the effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a factor expected to be deleterious. We predicted that oxLDL has beneficial effects on some diseases, most of which were supported by evidence in the literature. Because DrugPattern predicted the potential beneficial effects of oxLDL in type 2 diabetes (T2D), animal experiments were then performed to further verify this prediction. As a result, the experimental evidences validated the DrugPattern prediction that oxLDL indeed has beneficial effects on T2D in the case of energy restriction. These data confirmed the prediction accuracy of our approach and revealed unexpected protective roles for oxLDL in various diseases. This study provides a tool to infer patterns and rules in biomedical datasets based on drug set enrichment analysis. DrugPattern is available at http://www.cuilab.cn/drugpattern.

The Effects of Boswellia serrata Gum Resin on the Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile of Diabetic Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Regarding preclinical evidence for antidiabetic effects of Boswellia serrata, we evaluated antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in type 2 diabetic patients. Fifty-six diabetic patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups to receive 250 mg of the Boswellia serrata gum resin or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks in addition to their routine antidiabetic treatments. Although there was a considerable reduction after the intervention in the field of fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and triglyceride in the Boswellia serrata gum resin group, no significant difference was observed in all outcome measures between the 2 groups at the end of the study. The current study showed that 8 weeks of complementary use of Boswellia serrata gum resin with a daily dose of 500 mg had no better glucose and lipid-lowering effect than placebo in diabetic patients.

Untargeted Metabolomic Screen Reveals Changes in Human Plasma Metabolite Profiles Following Consumption of Fresh Broccoli Sprouts

SCOPE

Several lines of evidence suggest that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables is beneficial to human health. Yet, underlying mechanisms and key molecular targets that are involved with achieving these benefits in humans are still not fully understood. To accelerate this research, we conduct a human study to identify potential molecular targets of crucifers for further study. This study aims to characterize plasma metabolite profiles in humans before and after consuming fresh broccoli sprouts (a rich dietary source of bioactive sulforaphane).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ten healthy adults consume fresh broccoli sprouts (containing 200 μmol sulforaphane equivalents) at time 0 and provide blood samples at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. An untargeted metabolomics screen reveals that levels of several plasma metabolites are significantly different before and after sprout intake, including fatty acids (14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, and 18:1), glutathione, glutamine, cysteine, dehydroepiandrosterone, and deoxyuridine monophosphate. Evaluation of all time points is conducted using paired t-test (R software) and repeated measures analysis of variance for a within-subject design (Progenesis QI).

CONCLUSION

This investigation identifies several potential molecular targets of crucifers that may aid in studying established and emerging health benefits of consuming cruciferous vegetables and related bioactive compounds.

Nrf2 at the heart of oxidative stress and cardiac protection

The NFE2L2 gene encodes the transcription factor Nrf2 best known for regulating the expression of antioxidant and detoxification genes. Gene knockout approaches have demonstrated its universal cytoprotective features. While Nrf2 has been the topic of intensive research in cancer biology since its discovery in 1994, understanding the role of Nrf2 in cardiovascular disease has just begun. The literature concerning Nrf2 in experimental models of atherosclerosis, ischemia, reperfusion, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and diabetes supports its cardiac protective character. In addition to antioxidant and detoxification genes, Nrf2 has been found to regulate genes participating in cell signaling, transcription, anabolic metabolism, autophagy, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and organ development, suggesting that Nrf2 governs damage resistance as well as wound repair and tissue remodeling. A long list of small molecules, most derived from natural products, have been characterized as Nrf2 inducers. These compounds disrupt Keap1-mediated Nrf2 ubquitination, thereby prohibiting proteasomal degradation and allowing Nrf2 protein to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus, where Nrf2 interacts with sMaf to bind to ARE in the promoter of genes. Recently alternative mechanisms driving Nrf2 protein increase have been revealed, including removal of Keap1 by autophagy due to p62/SQSTM1 binding, inhibition of βTrCP or Synoviolin/Hrd1-mediated ubiquitination of Nrf2, and de novo Nrf2 protein translation. We review here a large volume of literature reporting historical and recent discoveries about the function and regulation of Nrf2 gene. Multiple lines of evidence presented here support the potential of dialing up the Nrf2 pathway for cardiac protection in the clinic.

Sulforaphane ameliorates glucose intolerance in obese mice via the upregulation of the insulin signaling pathway

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary component with multiple bioactivities; however, its role in obesity-related metabolic derangement remains unclear.

KEAP1 and Done? Targeting the NRF2 Pathway with Sulforaphane

BACKGROUND

Since the re-discovery of sulforaphane in 1992 and the recognition of the bioactivity of this phytochemical, many studies have examined its mode of action in cells, animals and humans. Broccoli, especially as young sprouts, is a rich source of sulforaphane and broccoli-based preparations are now used in clinical studies probing efficacy in health preservation and disease mitigation. Many putative cellular targets are affected by sulforaphane although only one, KEAP1-NRF2 signaling, can be considered a validated target at this time. The transcription factor NRF2 is a master regulator of cell survival responses to endogenous and exogenous stressors.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This review summarizes the chemical biology of sulforaphane as an inducer of NRF2 signaling and efficacy as an inhibitor of carcinogenesis. It also provides a summary of the current findings from clinical trials using a suite of broccoli sprout preparations on a series of short-term endpoints reflecting a diversity of molecular actions.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Sulforaphane, as a pure chemical, protects against chemical-induced skin, oral, stomach, colon, lung and bladder carcinogenesis and in genetic models of colon and prostate carcinogenesis. In many of these settings the antitumorigenic efficacy of sulforaphane is dampened in Nrf2-disrupted animals. Broccoli preparations rich in glucoraphanin or sulforaphane exert demonstrable pharmacodynamic action in over a score of clinical trials. Measures of NRF2 pathway response and function are serving as guideposts for the optimization of dose, schedule and formulation as clinical trials with broccoli-based preparations become more commonplace and more rigorous in design and implementation.