[Retracted] Sulforaphane regulates apoptosis‑ and proliferation‑related signaling pathways and synergizes with cisplatin to suppress human ovarian cancer

Following the publication of this paper, the authors realized that they had made an error in assembling the data shown in Fig. 6B on p. 2455, and requested the publication of a corrigendum to rectify this error. However, following an independent investigation of the data published in this paper made by the Editorial Office, it was noted that one set of the immunofluorescence assay images shown in Fig. 4A appeared to be strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in a paper published previously in the journal BMC Medicine by different authors at different research institutes [Jing Y‑Y, Han Z‑P, Sun K, Zhang S‑S, Hou J, Liu Y, Li R, Gao L, Zhao X, Zhao Q‑D et al: Tanshinone IIA reduces SW837 colorectal cancer cell viability via the promotion of mitochondrial fission by activating JNK‑Mff signaling pathways. BMC Medicine 10: 98, 2012]. Owing to the fact that the abovementioned data in Fig. 4A had already been published prior to its submission to International Journal of Molecular Medicine, the Editor has chosen to decline the authors' request to publish a corrigendum, and decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal instead. After having been in contact with the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 2447‑2458, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3860].

NRF2 signaling cascade in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: bridging the gap between promise and reality

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a very disabling disease due to the degeneration of motor neurons. Symptoms include muscle weakness and atrophy, spasticity, and progressive paralysis. Currently, there is no treatment to reverse damage to motor neurons and cure amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The only two treatments actually approved, riluzole and edaravone, have shown mitigated beneficial effects. The difficulty to find a cure lies in the complexity and multifaceted pattern of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis. Among mechanisms, abnormal RNA metabolism, nucleocytoplasmic transport defects, accumulation of unfolded protein, and mitochondrial dysfunction would in fine induce oxidative damage and vice versa. A potent therapeutic strategy will be to find molecules that break this vicious circle. Sharpening the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 signaling may fulfill this objective since nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 has a multitarget profile controlling antioxidant defense, mitochondrial functioning, and inflammation. We here discuss the interest of developing nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2-based therapy in regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms and we provide a general overview of the attempted clinical assays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

[Retracted] Sulforaphane sensitizes human cholangiocarcinoma to cisplatin via the downregulation of anti‑apoptotic proteins

Following the publication of the above article and a corrigendum that was published in October 2023 to address the issue of misplaced control β‑actin western blots comparing between Figs. 3 and 4A (doi: 10.3892/or.2023.8646), an attentive reader drew to the authors' attention that the first author had apparently made additional unreported corrections to the revised version of Fig. 4 presented in the corrigendum. Although these image discrepancies did not alter the study's primary conclusions, they were such that they did cast doubt on the data's integrity. Consequently, the authors have decided to retract the paper and the Editor of Oncology Reports has agreed to the authors' request. The authors deeply regret any confusion or inconvenience this retraction may cause, and offer their sincere apologies to the Editor of Oncology Reports and the readership. [Oncology Reports 37: 3660‑3666, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5622].

The synthesis of broccoli sprout extract-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles as efficient drug delivery vehicles: development and characterization

Targeted drug delivery of biological molecules using the development of biocompatible, non-toxic and biodegradable nanocarriers can be a promising method for cancer therapy. In this study, silk fibroin protein nanoparticles (SFPNPs) were synthesized as a targeted delivery system for sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE). The BSE-loaded SFPNPs were conjugated with polyethylene glycol and folic acid, and then their physicochemical properties were characterized via UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, DLS, FE-SEM and EDX analyses. In vitro, the release profile, antioxidant and anticancer activities of NPs were also studied. The FE-SEM and DLS analyses indicated stable NPs with an average size of 88.5 nm and high zeta potential (-32 mV). The sulforaphane release profile from NPs was pH-dependent, with the maximum release value (70%) observed in simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 7.4). Encapsulation of BSE also decreased the release rate of sulforaphane from the capsules compared to free BSE. In vitro cytotoxicity of BSE and NPs on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was concentration-dependent, and the IC50 for BSE and NPs were 54 and 210 μg ml-1, respectively. Moreover, the NPs demonstrated no appreciable cytotoxicity in normal mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines. These results indicated that biocompatible NPs synthesized as controlled and long-term targeted drug delivery systems can be a potential candidate for breast cancer therapy.

Do Brassica Vegetables Affect Thyroid Function?-A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Brassica vegetables are widely consumed all over the world, especially in North America, Asia, and Europe. They are a rich source of sulfur compounds, such as glucosinolates (GLSs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs), which provide health benefits but are also suspected of having a goitrogenic effect. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of dietary interventions on thyroid function, in terms of the potential risk for people with thyroid dysfunctions. We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells. We also presented the mechanisms of the goitrogenic potential of GLSs and ITCs, the limitations of the studies included, as well as further research directions. The vast majority of the results cast doubt on previous assumptions claiming that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans. Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.

Sulforaphane Ameliorates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Abnormalities in Young and Middle-Aged Obese Male Mice

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still a fast-growing health problem globally. It is evident that chronic insulin resistance (IR) and progressive loss of β-cell mass and function are key features of T2D etiology. Obesity is a leading pathogenic factor for developing IR. The aim of the present study was to determine whether sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, can prevent (prevention approach) or treat (treatment approach) obesity and IR in mouse models. We show that dietary intake of SFN (0.5 g/kg of HFD) for 20 weeks suppressed high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fat accumulation by 6.04% and improved insulin sensitivity by 23.66% in young male mice. Similarly, dietary provision of SFN (0.25 g/kg) significantly improved blood lipid profile, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity of the middle-aged male mice while it had little effects on body composition as compared with the HFD group. In the treatment study, oral administration of SFN (40 mg/kg) induced weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid profile in the diet-induced-obesity (DIO) male mice. In all three studies, the metabolic effects of SFN administration were not associated with changes in food intake. In vitro, SFN increased glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and increased fatty acid and pyruvate oxidation in primary human skeletal muscle cells. Our results suggest that SFN may be a naturally occurring insulin-sensitizing agent that is capable of improving the metabolic processes in HFD-induced obesity and IR and thereby may be a promising compound for T2D prevention.

Patient-derived response estimates from zero-passage organoids of luminal breast cancer

Background

Primary luminal breast cancer cells lose their identity rapidly in standard tissue culture, which is problematic for testing hormone interventions and molecular pathways specific to the luminal subtype. Breast cancer organoids are thought to retain tumor characteristics better, but long-term viability of luminal-subtype cases is a persistent challenge. Our goal was to adapt short-term organoids of luminal breast cancer for parallel testing of genetic and pharmacologic perturbations.

Methods

We freshly isolated patient-derived cells from luminal tumor scrapes, miniaturized the organoid format into 5 μl replicates for increased throughput, and set an endpoint of 14 days to minimize drift. Therapeutic hormone targeting was mimicked in these "zero-passage" organoids by withdrawing β-estradiol and adding 4-hydroxytamoxifen. We also examined sulforaphane as an electrophilic stress and commercial neutraceutical with reported anti-cancer properties. Downstream mechanisms were tested genetically by lentiviral transduction of two complementary sgRNAs and Cas9 stabilization for the first week of organoid culture. Transcriptional changes were measured by RT-qPCR or RNA sequencing, and organoid phenotypes were quantified by serial brightfield imaging, digital image segmentation, and regression modeling of cellular doubling times.

Results

We achieved >50% success in initiating luminal breast cancer organoids from tumor scrapes and maintaining them to the 14-day zero-passage endpoint. Success was mostly independent of clinical parameters, supporting general applicability of the approach. Abundance of ESR1 and PGR in zero-passage organoids consistently remained within the range of patient variability at the endpoint. However, responsiveness to hormone withdrawal and blockade was highly variable among luminal breast cancer cases tested. Combining sulforaphane with knockout of NQO1 (a phase II antioxidant response gene and downstream effector of sulforaphane) also yielded a breadth of organoid growth phenotypes, including growth inhibition with sulforaphane, growth promotion with NQO1 knockout, and growth antagonism when combined.

Conclusions

Zero-passage organoids are a rapid and scalable way to interrogate properties of luminal breast cancer cells from patient-derived material. This includes testing drug mechanisms of action in different clinical cohorts. A future goal is to relate inter-patient variability of zero-passage organoids to long-term outcomes.

Unravelling Glucoraphanin and Glucoerucin Metabolism across Broccoli Sprout Development: Insights from Metabolite and Transcriptome Analysis

Variations in the concentration of glucoraphanin (GRA) and glucoerucin (GER), as well as the corresponding breakdown products, isothiocyanates (ITCs) and nitriles, were investigated during the growth of broccoli sprouts. The concentrations of GRA and GER decreased sharply from 33.66 µmol/g to 11.48 µmol/g and 12.98 µmol/g to 8.23 µmol/g, respectively, after seed germination. From the third to the seventh day, both GRA and GER were maintained as relatively stable. The highest concentrations of sulforaphane (17.16 µmol/g) and erucin (12.26 µmol/g) were observed on the first day. Hereafter, the concentrations of nitrile hydrolyzed from GRA or GER were higher than those of the corresponding ITCs. Moreover, the ratio of sulforaphane to sulforaphane nitrile decreased from 1.35 to 0.164 from 1 d to 5 d, with a similar trend exhibited for erucin/erucin nitrile after 2 d. RNA-seq analysis showed that BolMYB28 and BolCYP83A1, involved in aliphatic glucosinolate (GSL) biosynthesis, remained largely unexpressed until the third day. In contrast, the genes operating within the GSL-myrosinase hydrolysis pathway were highly expressed right from the beginning, with their expression levels increasing significantly after the third day. Additionally, we identified two BolESPs and six BolNSPs that might play important roles in promoting the production of nitriles during the development of broccoli sprouts.

Sulforaphane inhibits the growth of prostate cancer by regulating the microRNA-3919/DJ-1 axis

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common solid cancer among men worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate compound, has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on a variety of cancers. However, the biological function of SFN in PCa has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was conducted to further investigate the possible underlying mechanism of SFN in PCa using in vitro cell culture and in vivo tumor model experiments.

Methods

Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing assay, transwell assay, or flow cytometry. Expression of microRNA (miR)-3919 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or in situ hybridization assay. Xenograft assay was conducted to validated the antitumor effect of miR-3919. The targeting relationship between miR-3919 and DJ-1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The level of DJ-1was measured by qRT-PCR or western blotting (WB).

Results

In the present study, SFN downregulated mRNA and protein expression of DJ-1, an oncogenic gene. Small RNA sequencing analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that microRNA (miR)-3919 directly targeted DJ-1 to inhibition its expression. Furthermore, miR-3919 overexpression impeded viability, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of PCa cells. Tumor growth in nude mice was also inhibited by miR-3919 overexpression, and miR-3919 expression in PCa tissues was lower than that in peritumoral tissues in an in situ hybridization assay. Transfection with miR-3919 inhibitors partially reversed the effects of SFN on cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

Conclusion

Overall, the miR-3919/DJ-1 axis may be involved in the effects of SFN on the malignant biological behavior of PCa cells, which might be a new therapeutic target in PCa.

Current understanding and future directions of cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals to combat neurological diseases

Neurological disorders incidences are increasing drastically due to complex pathophysiology, and the nonavailability of disease-modifying agents. Several attempts have been made to identify new potential chemicals to combat these neurological abnormalities. At present, complete abolishment of neurological diseases is not attainable except for symptomatic relief. However, dietary recommendations to help brain development or improvement have increased over the years. In recent times, cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals have been identified from preclinical and clinical investigations as potential neuroprotective agents. The present review highlights the beneficial effects and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals such as indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane, sulforaphane, kaempferol, selenium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins of cruciferous vegetables against neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, autism spectra disorders, anxiety, depression, and pain. Most of these cruciferous phytochemicals protect the brain by eliciting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Regular dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables may benefit the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The present review suggests that there is a lacuna in identifying the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals. Therefore, high-quality future studies should firmly establish the efficacy of the above-mentioned cruciferous phytochemicals in clinical settings.

Application of Tryptophan and Methionine in Broccoli Seedlings Enhances Formation of Anticancer Compounds Sulforaphane and Indole-3-Carbinol and Promotes Growth

Broccoli is a popular cruciferous vegetable that is well known for its abundant health-promoting biochemicals. The most important of these beneficial biochemicals are glucosinolates, including glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin. Glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin can be broken down by myrosinases into sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which have been demonstrated to have potent cancer-preventive properties. Efforts to increase glucoraphanin in broccoli seedlings have long been a focus; however, increasing glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin simultaneously, as well as enhancing myrosinase activity to release more sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, have yet to be investigated. This study aims to investigate the impact of the combined application of tryptophan and methionine on the accumulation of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, as well as their precursors. Furthermore, we also examined whether this application has any effects on seedling growth and the presence of other beneficial compounds. We found that the application of methionine and tryptophan not only increased the glucoraphanin content by 2.37 times and the glucobrassicin content by 3.01 times, but that it also caused a higher myrosinase activity, resulting in a1.99 times increase in sulforaphane and a 3.05 times increase in indole-3-carbinol. In addition, better plant growth and an increase in amino acids and flavonoids were observed in broccoli seedlings with this application. In conclusion, the simultaneous application of tryptophan and methionine to broccoli seedlings can effectively enhance their health-promoting value and growth. Our study provides a cost-effective and multi-benefit strategy for improving the health value and yield of broccoli seedlings, benefiting both consumers and farmers.

Sulforaphane Inhibits Adhesion and Migration of Cisplatin- and Gemcitabine-Resistant Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro

Only 20% of patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma respond to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Since the natural phytochemical sulforaphane (SFN) exhibits antitumor properties, its influence on the adhesive and migratory properties of cisplatin- and gemcitabine-sensitive and cisplatin- and gemcitabine-resistant RT4, RT112, T24, and TCCSUP bladder cancer cells was evaluated. Mechanisms behind the SFN influence were explored by assessing levels of the integrin adhesion receptors β1 (total and activated) and β4 and their functional relevance. To evaluate cell differentiation processes, E- and N-cadherin, vimentin and cytokeratin (CK) 8/18 expression were examined. SFN down-regulated bladder cancer cell adhesion with cell line and resistance-specific differences. Different responses to SFN were reflected in integrin expression that depended on the cell line and presence of resistance. Chemotactic movement of RT112, T24, and TCCSUP (RT4 did not migrate) was markedly blocked by SFN in both chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant cells. Integrin-blocking studies indicated β1 and β4 as chemotaxis regulators. N-cadherin was diminished by SFN, particularly in sensitive and resistant T24 and RT112 cells, whereas E-cadherin was increased in RT112 cells (not detectable in RT4 and TCCSup cells). Alterations in vimentin and CK8/18 were also apparent, though not the same in all cell lines. SFN exposure resulted in translocation of E-cadherin (RT112), N-cadherin (RT112, T24), and vimentin (T24). SFN down-regulated adhesion and migration in chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant bladder cancer cells by acting on integrin β1 and β4 expression and inducing the mesenchymal-epithelial translocation of cadherins and vimentin. SFN does, therefore, possess potential to improve bladder cancer therapy.

Dermal thirdhand smoke exposure induced epidermal alterations in human keratinocyte cells through oxidative damage and MMP-1 expression

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the residual cigarette smoke that settles on indoor surface fabrics, dust and can accumulate in the environment. Therefore, it can be a risk factor for individuals who have frequent dermal contact with THS-contaminated surfaces. In the present study, it was aimed to elucidate the toxicity of dermal THS exposure in HaCaT human keratinocytes. The THS was extracted from terrycloth exposed to 3R4F research cigarette smoke in a closed chamber and the adverse outcomes induced by THS were determined through assessment of cytotoxicity tests (MTT and NRU), intracellular GSH level, total SOD activity, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and IL-6 levels. The wound healing capacity of THS-exposed keratinocytes was evaluated via scratch assay. A potent antioxidant isothiocyanate compound, sulforaphane (SFN), was used as a negative control. THS was dose-dependently cytotoxic (12.5%-100%, v/v) to the HaCaT cells through mitochondrial cell dysfunction (p < 0.01), which was ameliorated by SFN (0.62 μM) pre-treatment. In parallel, THS exposure significantly decreased the intracellular GSH deposits and T-SOD activity in keratinocytes. Collagen degradation through elevated MMP-1 expression was observed in THS-exposed cells in parallel with the delay of wound healing and increased pro-inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The findings are expected to raise awareness about THS as an environmental pollutant for skin, particularly in the highest-ranked countries in cigarette consumption. To conclude, these results might contribute to the studies on the importance of dermal exposure to THS in the pathogenesis of epidermal alterations and the other skin diseases.

Sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis by activating Nrf2 signaling axis

Recently, we characterized the ferroptotic phenotype in the liver of diabetic mice and revealed nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inactivation as an integral part of hepatic injury. Here, we aim to investigate whether sulforaphane, an Nrf2 activator and antioxidant, prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis and the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control (vehicle-treated), diabetic (streptozotocin-induced; 40 mg/kg, from Days 1 to 5), diabetic sulforaphane-treated (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42) and non-diabetic sulforaphane-treated group (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42). Results showed that diabetes-induced inactivation of Nrf2 and decreased expression of its downstream antiferroptotic molecules critical for antioxidative defense (catalase, superoxide dismutases, thioredoxin reductase), iron metabolism (ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), ferroportin 1), glutathione (GSH) synthesis (cystine-glutamate antiporter system, cystathionase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalitic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, glutathione synthetase), and GSH recycling - glutathione reductase (GR) were reversed/increased by sulforaphane treatment. In addition, we found that the ferroptotic phenotype in diabetic liver is associated with increased ferritinophagy and decreased FTH1 immunopositivity. The antiferroptotic effect of sulforaphane was further evidenced through the increased level of GSH, decreased accumulation of labile iron and lipid peroxides (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, lipofuscin), decreased ferritinophagy and liver damage (decreased fibrosis, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Finally, diabetes-induced increase in serum glucose and triglyceride level was significantly reduced by sulforaphane. Regardless of the fact that this study is limited by the use of one model of experimentally induced diabetes, the results obtained demonstrate for the first time that sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis in vivo through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways. This nominates sulforaphane as a promising phytopharmaceutical for the prevention/alleviation of ferroptosis in diabetes-related pathologies.

Sulforaphane and Sulforaphane-Nitrile Metabolism in Humans Following Broccoli Sprout Consumption: Inter-individual Variation, Association with Gut Microbiome Composition, and Differential Bioactivity

SCOPE

The glucosinolate glucoraphanin from broccoli is converted to sulforaphane (SFN) or sulforaphane-nitrile (SFN-NIT) by plant enzymes or the gut microbiome. Human feeding studies typically observe high inter-individual variation in absorption and excretion of SFN, however, the source of this variation is not fully known. To address this, a human feeding trial to comprehensively evaluate inter-individual variation in the absorption and excretion of all known SFN metabolites in urine, plasma, and stool, and tested the hypothesis that gut microbiome composition influences inter-individual variation in total SFN excretion has been conducted.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants (n = 55) consumed a single serving of broccoli or alfalfa sprouts and plasma, stool, and total urine are collected over 72 h for quantification of SFN metabolites and gut microbiome profiling using 16S gene sequencing. SFN-NIT excretion is markedly slower than SFN excretion (72 h vs 24 h). Members of genus Bifidobacterium, Dorea, and Ruminococcus torques are positively associated with SFN metabolite excretion while members of genus Alistipes and Blautia has a negative association.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of SFN-NIT metabolite levels in human plasma, urine, and stool following consumption of broccoli sprouts. The results help explain factors driving inter-individual variation in SFN metabolism and are relevant for precision nutrition.

The Immunomodulatory Effects of Sulforaphane in Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Prospective Nutraceutical

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a promising molecule for developing phytopharmaceuticals due to its potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. A plethora of research conducted in vivo and in vitro reported the beneficial effects of SFN intervention and the underlying cellular mechanisms. Since SFN is a newly identified nutraceutical in sports nutrition, only some human studies have been conducted to reflect the effects of SFN intervention in exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, we briefly discussed the effects of SFN on exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. We discussed human and animal studies that are related to exercise intervention and mentioned the underlying cellular signaling mechanisms. Since SFN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent, we mentioned briefly its synergistic attributes with other potential nutraceuticals that are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Given its health-promoting effects, SFN could be a prospective nutraceutical at the forefront of sports nutrition.

Facile Preparation of Magnetic COF-on-COF for Rapid Adsorption and Determination of Sulforaphane from Cruciferous Vegetables

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate compound widely abundant in cruciferous vegetables with multiple bioactive functions. However, traditional analytical methods for the extraction and determination of SFN are cumbersome, time-consuming, and low sensitivity with large amounts of organic solvents. Herein, novel magnetic COF-on-COFs (MB-COFs) were fabricated using Fe3O4 as a magnetic core and COFs-1 grown with COFs-2 as a shell, and they were used as efficient adsorbents of magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction for rapid quantification of SFN in cruciferous vegetables by combining with HPLC-MS/MS. At the optimal ratio of COFs-1 to COFs-2, MB-COFs had a spherical cluster-like structure and a rough surface, with a sufficient magnetic response for rapid magnetic separation (1 min). Due to the introduction of Fe3O4 and COFs-2, MB-COFs exhibited outstanding extraction efficiencies for SFN (92.5-97.3%), which was about 18-72% higher than that of the bare COFs. Moreover, MB-COFs showed good adsorption capacity (Qm of 18.0 mg/g), rapid adsorption (5 min) and desorption (30 s) to SFN, and favorable reusability (≥7 cycles) by virtue of their unique hierarchical porous structure. The adsorption kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order, Ritchie-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich models, while the adsorption isotherm data were highly consistent with the Langmuir, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson models. Finally, under the optimized conditions, the developed method showed a wide linear range (0.001-0.5 mg/L), high sensitivity (limits of quantification of 0.18-0.31 μg/L), satisfactory recoveries (82.2-96.2%) and precisions (1.8-7.9%), and a negligible matrix effect (0.82-0.97). Compared to previous methods, the proposed method is faster and more sensitive and significantly reduces the use of organic solvents, which can achieve the efficient detection of large-scale samples in practical scenarios. This work reveals the high practical potential of MB-COFs as adsorbents for efficient extraction and sensitive analysis of SFN in cruciferous vegetables.

Sulforaphane-A Compound with Potential Health Benefits for Disease Prevention and Treatment: Insights from Pharmacological and Toxicological Experimental Studies

Sulforaphane (SFN), which is a hydrolysis product from glucoraphanin, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly in disease prevention and treatment. SFN has proven to be effective in combating different types of cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of tumors and triggering apoptosis. This dual action has been demonstrated to result in a reduction in tumor size and an enhancement of survival rates in animal models. SFN has also shown antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects, improving glucose tolerance and reducing fat accumulation. SFN's ability to activate Nrf2, a transcription factor regulating oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, is a primary mechanism behind its anticancerogenic and antidiabetic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties are also suggested to provide beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential health benefits of SFN have led to increased interest in its use as a dietary supplement or adjunct to chemotherapy, but there are insufficient data on its efficacy and optimal doses, as well as its safety. This review aims to present and discuss SFN's potential in treating various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on its mechanisms of action. It also summarizes studies on the pharmacological and toxicological potential of SFN in in vitro and animal models and explores its protective role against toxic compounds through in vitro and animal studies.

Comparative Studies of Extracts Obtained from Brassica oleracea L. Plants at Different Stages of Growth by Isolation and Determination of Isothiocyanates: An Assessment of Chemopreventive Properties of Broccoli

The main goal of this work was to develop analytical procedures for the isolation and determination of selected isothiocyanates. As an example, particularly sulforaphane from plants of the Brassicaceae Burnett or Cruciferae Juss family. The applied methodology was mainly based on classical extraction methods and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the release of isothiocyanates from plant cells was considered. The cytotoxic activity of the obtained plant extracts against a selected cancer cell line has also been included. The results allow evaluating the usefulness of obtained plant extracts and raw sprouts regarding their content of isothiocyanates-bioactive compounds with chemopreventive properties.

The Dual Role of Sulforaphane-Induced Cellular Stress-A Systems Biological Study

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. When ER stress is generated, an autophagic self-digestive process is activated to promote cell survival; however, cell death is induced in the case of excessive levels of ER stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a natural compound called sulforaphane (SFN) upon ER stress. Our goal was to investigate how SFN-dependent autophagy activation affects different stages of ER stress induction. We approached our scientific analysis from a systems biological perspective using both theoretical and molecular biological techniques. We found that SFN induced the various cell-death mechanisms in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The short SFN treatment at low concentrations promoted autophagy, whereas the longer treatment at higher concentrations activated cell death. We proved that SFN activated autophagy in a mTORC1-dependent manner and that the presence of ULK1 was required for its function. A low concentration of SFN pre- or co-treatment combined with short and long ER stress was able to promote cell survival via autophagy induction in each treatment, suggesting the potential medical importance of SFN in ER stress-related diseases.

Stable Sulforaphane Targets the Early Stages of Osteoclast Formation to Engender a Lasting Functional Blockade of Osteoclastogenesis

Sulforaphane, the native but unstable form of SFX-01, is an antioxidant that activates the NRF2 and inhibits the NF-KB pathways to achieve its actions. Resolving the mechanism(s) by which SFX-01 serves to control the various osteoclastogenic stages may expose pathways that could be explored for therapeutic use. Here we seek to identify the stage of osteoclastogenesis targeted by SFX-01 and explore whether, like SFN, it exerts its actions via the NRF2 and NF-KB pathways. Osteoclasts generated from the bone marrow (BM) of mice were cultured with SFX-01 at different timepoints to examine each phase of osteoclastogenesis separately. This showed that SFX-01 exerted actions throughout the process of osteoclastogenesis, but had its largest effects in the early osteoclast precursor differentiation stage. Thus, treatment with SFX-01 for the duration of culture, for the initial 3 days differentiation or for as little as the first 24 h was sufficient for effective inhibition. This aligned with data suggesting that SFX-01 reduced DC-STAMP levels, osteoclast nuclear number and modified cytoskeletal architecture. Pharmacological regulation of the NRF2 pathways, via selective inhibitors/activators, supported the anti-osteoclastogenic roles of an SFX-01-mediated by NRF2 activation, as well as the need for tight NF-KB pathway regulation in osteoclast formation/function.

Novel Sulforaphane Analog Disrupts Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B Pathway and Inhibits Cancer Cell Progression via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Caspase-Independent Apoptosis

Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, has gained attention due to its tremendous anticancer potential. Thus, an array of sulforaphane analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic potentials on a wide range of malignant cell lines. Among these derivatives, compound 4a displayed exceptional potency in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cell lines and a negligible effect on normal cell lines through G2/M phase arrest. The lead compound induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies established the interaction of the compound 4a with the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-R1) and blocking of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) pathway. This led to suppression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) protein expression, thus increasing the free radicals in the tumor cells. Moreover, compound 4a induced ROS-mediated caspase-independent apoptosis. Finally, compound 4a reduced tumor progression in a 4T1 injected BALB/c syngeneic mice tumor model. In conclusion, this study summarizes the mechanism of compound 4a-mediated ROS-mediated caspase-independent apoptosis. According to the study's findings, compound 4a can be used as a powerful new anticancer agent to enhance cancer treatment.

Therapeutic efficacy of sulforaphane in autism spectrum disorders and its association with gut microbiota: animal model and human longitudinal studies

Introduction

Sulforaphane (SFN) has been found to alleviate complications linked with several diseases by regulating gut microbiota (GM), while the effect of GM on SFN for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the effects of SFN on childhood ASD and GM through animal model and human studies.

Methods

We evaluated the therapeutic effects of SFN on maternal immune activation (MIA) induced ASD-like rat model and pediatric autism patients using three-chamber social test and OSU Autism Rating Scale-DSM-IV (OARS-4), respectively, with parallel GM analysis using 16SrRNA sequencing.

Results

SFN significantly improved the sniffing times of ASD-like rats in the three-chamber test. For human participants, the average verbal or non-verbal communication (OSU-CO) scores of SFN group had changed significantly at the 12-wk endpoint. SFN was safe and no serious side effects after taking. GM changes were similar for both ASD-like rats and ASD patients, such as consistent changes in order Bacillales, family Staphylococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus. Although the gut microbiota composition was significantly altered in SFN-treated ASD-like rats, the alteration of GM was not evident in ASD patients after 12 weeks of SFN treatment. However, in the network analysis, we found 25 taxa correlated with rats' social behavior, 8 of which were associated with SFN treatment in ASD-like rats, For ASD patients, we found 35 GM abundance alterations correlated with improvements in ASD symptoms after SFN treatment. Moreover, family Pasteurellaceae and genus Haemophilus were found to be associated with SFN administration in the network analyses in both ASD-like rats and ASD patients.

Discussion

These findings suggest that SFN could provide a novel avenue for preventing and treating ASD, and its therapeutic effects might be related to gut microbiota.

Harnessing Sulforaphane Potential as a Chemosensitizing Agent: A Comprehensive Review

Recent advances in oncological research have highlighted the potential of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Notably, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, has exhibited potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types of bone, brain, breast, lung, skin, etc. Chemosensitization refers to the enhancement of cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, counteracting the chemoresistance often developed by tumor cells. Mechanistically, SFN orchestrates this sensitization by modulating an array of cellular signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin), and regulating the expression and activity of pivotal genes, proteins, and enzymes (e.g., p53, p21, survivin, Bcl-2, caspases). When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, SFN synergistically inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis while potentiating drug-induced apoptosis. This positions SFN as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy to augment the efficacy of standard treatments. Ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations aim to further delineate the therapeutic potential of SFN in oncology. This review illuminates the multifaceted role of this phytochemical, emphasizing its potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer agents, suggesting its prospective contributions to cancer chemosensitization and management.

Sulforaphane Supplementation Did Not Modulate NRF2 and NF-kB mRNA Expressions in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have reduced expression of erythroid nuclear factor-related factor 2 (NRF2) and increased nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). "Food as medicine" has been proposed as an adjuvant therapeutic alternative in modulating these factors. No studies have investigated the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) in cruciferous vegetables on the expression of these genes in patients with CKD.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of SFN on the expression of NRF2 and NF-κB in patients on hemodialysis (HD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was performed on 30 patients on regular HD. Fourteen patients were randomly allocated to the intervention group (1 sachet/day of 2.5 g containing 1% SFN extract with 0.5% myrosinase) and 16 patients to the placebo group (1 sachet/day of 2.5 g containing corn starch colored with chlorophyll) for 2 months. After a washout period of 2 months, the groups were switched. NRF2 and NF-κB mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Malondialdehyde was evaluated as a marker of lipid peroxidation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (17 women, 55 [interquartile range = 19] years and 55 [interquartile range = 74] months on HD) completed the study. There was no significant difference concerning the expression of mRNA NRF2 (P = .915) and mRNA NF-κB (P = .806) after supplementation with SFN. There was no difference in pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

150 μmol of SFN for 2 months had no antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in patients with CKD undergoing HD.

Sulforaphane Is Protective against Warm Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

Sulforaphane (SFN) has various beneficial effects on organ metabolism. However, whether SFN affects inflammatory mediators induced by warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) is unclear. To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of SFN using an in vivo model of HIRI and partial hepatectomy (HIRI + PH), rats were subjected to 15 min of hepatic ischemia with blood inflow occlusion, followed by 70% hepatectomy and release of the inflow occlusion. SFN (5 mg/kg) or saline was randomly injected intraperitoneally 1 and 24 h before ischemia. Alternatively, ischemia was prolonged for 30 min to evaluate the effect on mortality. The influence of SFN on the associated signaling pathways was analyzed using the interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-treated primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In the HIRI + PH-treated rats, SFN reduced serum liver enzyme activities and the frequency of pathological liver injury, such as apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration. SFN suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression and inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by HIRI + PH. Mortality was significantly reduced by SFN. In IL-1β-treated hepatocytes, SFN suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Taken together, SFN may have hepatoprotective effects in HIRI + PH in part by inhibiting the induction of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, via the suppression of NF-κB in hepatocytes.

Exogenous Melatonin Promotes Glucoraphanin Biosynthesis by Mediating Glutathione in Hairy Roots of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Planch)

To investigate the mechanism of melatonin (MT)-mediated glutathione (GSH) in promoting glucoraphanin (GRA) and sulforaphane (SF) synthesis, the gene expression pattern and protein content of hairy broccoli roots under MT treatment were analyzed by a combination of RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry tagging (TMT) techniques in this study. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that both proteins and mRNAs with the same expression trend were enriched in the "Glutathione metabolism (ko00480)" and "Proteasome (ko03050)" pathways, and most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) regulating the two pathways were downregulated. The results showed that endogenous GSH concentration and GR activity were increased in hairy roots after MT treatment. Exogenous GSH could promote the biosynthesis of GRA and SF, and both exogenous MT and GSH could upregulate the expression of the GSTF11 gene related to the sulfur transport gene, thus promoting the biosynthesis of GRA. Taken together, this study provides a new perspective to explore the complex molecular mechanisms of improving GRA and SF synthesis levels by MT and GSH regulation.

Early life exposure to broccoli sprouts confers stronger protection against enterocolitis development in an immunological mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease

IMPORTANCE

To our knowledge, IL-10-KO mice have not previously been used to investigate the interactions of host, microbiota, and broccoli, broccoli sprouts, or broccoli bioactives in resolving symptoms of CD. We showed that a diet containing 10% raw broccoli sprouts increased the plasma concentration of the anti-inflammatory compound sulforaphane and protected mice to varying degrees against disease symptoms, including weight loss or stagnation, fecal blood, and diarrhea. Younger mice responded more strongly to the diet, further reducing symptoms, as well as increased gut bacterial richness, increased bacterial community similarity to each other, and more location-specific communities than older mice on the diet intervention. Crohn's disease disrupts the lives of patients and requires people to alter dietary and lifestyle habits to manage symptoms. The current medical treatment is expensive with significant side effects, and a dietary intervention represents an affordable, accessible, and simple strategy to reduce the burden of symptoms.

[Sulforaphane reverses Aβ fiber-mediated M1 type microglia polarization and neuroinflammation-mediated necroptosis of neural stem cells by downregulating the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) and Aβ25-35 fibers (fAβ25-35) on M1/M2 polarization of BV-2 cells and neuroinflammation-mediated programmed necrosis of neural stem cells.

METHODS

BV-2 cells treated with different concentrations of fAβ25-35 and SFN were examined for changes in cell viability using the CCK-8 kit. The effect of fAβ25-35 alone or in combination with SFN or SB203580 on expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA and proteins were assessed in BV-2 cells using RT-qPCR and ELISA. CD16/32 and CD206 in the treated cells were analyzed with flow cytometry, and the cellular expressions of p-p38 and p-p65 protein were detected with Western blotting. C17.2 cells co-cultured with BV-2 cells for 24 h were examined for p-mlkl protein expression using Western blotting.

RESULTS

fAβ25-35 at the concentration of 6.25 μmol/L significantly increased the viability of BV-2 cells (P < 0.01) whereas fAβ25-35 beyond 50 μmol/L decreased the cell viability (P < 0.0001). Treatment of BV-2 cells with SFN below 10 μmol/L for 24 h did not significant affect the cell viability (P > 0.05). BV-2 cells treated with fAβ25-35 alone, as compared with the cells in the other 3 groups, showed significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA and protein expressions (P < 0.001), enhanced CD16/32 expression (P < 0.05), lowered CD206 expression (P < 0.01), and increased protein expressions of p-p38 and p- p65 (P < 0.01). C17.2 cells co-cultured with BV-2 cells treated with fAβ25-35, compared with the combined treatments, showed a significant reduction in the protein expression of p-mlkl (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SFN reverses M1 type microglia polarization and neuroinflammation-mediated programmed necrosis of neural stem cells by downregulating the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in Aβ25-35-activated BV-2 cells.

Open-Label Sulforaphane Trial in FMR1 Premutation Carriers with Fragile-X-Associated Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)

Fragile X (FMR1) premutation is a common mutation that affects about 1 in 200 females and 1 in 450 males and can lead to the development of fragile-X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Although there is no targeted, proven treatment for FXTAS, research suggests that sulforaphane, an antioxidant present in cruciferous vegetables, can enhance mitochondrial function and maintain redox balance in the dermal fibroblasts of individuals with FXTAS, potentially leading to improved cognitive function. In a 24-week open-label trial involving 15 adults aged 60-88 with FXTAS, 11 participants successfully completed the study, demonstrating the safety and tolerability of sulforaphane. Clinical outcomes and biomarkers were measured to elucidate the effects of sulforaphane. While there were nominal improvements in multiple clinical measures, they were not significantly different after correction for multiple comparisons. PBMC energetic measures showed that the level of citrate synthase was higher after sulforaphane treatment, resulting in lower ATP production. The ratio of complex I to complex II showed positive correlations with the MoCA and BDS scores. Several mitochondrial biomarkers showed increased activity and quantity and were correlated with clinical improvements.

[Corrigendum] Sulforaphane sensitizes human cholangiocarcinoma to cisplatin via the downregulation of anti‑apoptotic proteins

Following the publication of this article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Figs. 3 and 4A on p. 3664, the respective β‑actin controls for the cell lines TFK‑1 and HuCCT‑1 appeared to have mixed up, comparing the western blots between the two figures. After re‑examining their data, the authors have realized that the control blots in Fig. 4A were inadvertently presented the wrong way around. The corrected version of Fig. 4, showing the correctly presented western blotting data in Fig. 4A, is shown on the next page. Note that this error did not grossly affect the results or the conclusions reported in this paper. The authors sincerely apologize for the error that was introduced during the preparation of this figure, and thank the Editor of Oncology Reports for allowing them the opportunity to publish a corrigendum. Furthermore, they regret any inconvenience caused to the readership. [Oncology Reports 37: 3660‑3666, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5622].

Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity: A case study with sulforaphane

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause severe liver injury and acute liver failure. The only clinically approved antidote, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is highly effective but has a narrow therapeutic window. In the last 2 decades, activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates acute phase proteins and antioxidant defense genes, has emerged as a putative new therapeutic target against APAP hepatotoxicity. However, virtually all studies that propose Nrf2 activation as mechanism of protection used prolonged pretreatment, which is not a clinically feasible approach to treat a drug overdose. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess if therapeutic activation of Nrf2 is a viable approach to treat liver injury after APAP overdose. We used the water-soluble Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN; 5 mg/kg) in a murine model of APAP hepatotoxicity (300 mg/kg). Our results indicate that short-term treatment (≤3 h) with SFN alone did not activate Nrf2 or its target genes. However, posttreatment with SFN after APAP partially protected at 6 h likely due to more rapid activation of the Nrf2-target gene heme oxygenase-1. A direct comparison of SFN with NAC given at 1 h after APAP showed a superior protection with NAC, which was maintained at 24 h unlike with SFN. Thus, Nrf2 activators have inherent problems like the need to create a cellular stress to activate Nrf2 and delayed adaptive responses which may hamper sustained protection against APAP hepatotoxicity. Thus, compared to the more direct acting antidote NAC, Nrf2 activators are less suitable for this indication.

Sulforaphane Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Enhancing Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Skeletal Muscle via the HDAC8-PGC1α Axis

SCOPE

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of various genes which can contribute to metabolic disorders. Although sulforaphane (SFN), a natural HDAC inhibitor, has been reported to alleviate obesity in humans and mice, the specific mechanisms and how HDACs contribute to SFN's anti-obesity effects remain unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Oral administration of SFN in mice fed high-fat diet increases peroxisome proliferator activating receptor γ coactivator (PGC1α)-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. Among HDACs, SFN specifically inhibits HDAC8 activity. SFN enhances mitochondrial DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in C2C12 myotubes, similar to the action of PCI34051, a synthetic HDAC8-specific inhibitor. These effects are mediated by increased expression of PGC1α via upregulation of cAMP response element binding (CREB, Ser133 ) phosphorylation and p53 (Lys379 ) acetylation. These SFN-induced effects are not observed in cells with a genetic deletion of HDAC8, suggesting the existence of a regulatory loop between HDAC8 and PGC1α in SFN's action.

CONCLUSION

SFN prevents obesity-related metabolic dysregulation by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and function via targeting the HDAC8-PGCα axis. These results suggest SFN as a beneficial anti-obesity agent providing new insight into the role of HDAC8 in the PGC1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, which may be a novel and promising drug target for metabolic diseases.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Yeast-Fermented Cabbage

Microbial fermentation is often used to improve the functionality of plant-based food materials. Herein, we investigated changes in the physicochemical and functional properties of cabbage during yeast fermentation to develop new products using fermented cabbage. Among the 8 types of food-grade yeast, both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii fermented 10% cabbage powder solution (w/w) the most effectively, leaving no soluble sugars after 12 h of fermentation. In addition, the yeast fermentation of cabbage resulted in functionally positive outcomes in terms of sulforaphane content, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, the yeast-fermented cabbages contained about 500% more sulforaphane. The soluble fraction (5 μg/ml) of yeast-fermented cabbage had no cytotoxicity in murine RAW 264.7 cells, and the radical-scavenging capacity was equivalent to 1 μg/ml of ascorbic acid. Moreover, cabbage fermented with S. boulardii significantly suppressed both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production and LPS-induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect. These results support the idea that yeast fermentation is promising for developing functionally improved cabbage products.

Steamed broccoli sprouts alleviate DSS-induced inflammation and retain gut microbial biogeography in mice

IMPORTANCE

Evaluating bacterial communities across different locations in the gut provides a greater insight than fecal samples alone and provides an additional metric by which to evaluate beneficial host-microbe interactions. Here, we show that 10% steamed broccoli sprouts in the diet protects mice from the negative effects of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, that colitis erases biogeographic patterns of bacterial communities in the gut, and that the cecum is not likely to be a significant contributor to colonic bacteria of interest in the DSS mouse model of ulcerative colitis. Mice fed the broccoli sprout diet during colitis performed better than mice fed the control diet while receiving DSS. The identification of accessible dietary components and concentrations that help maintain and correct the gut microbiome may provide universal and equitable approaches to IBD prevention and recovery, and broccoli sprouts represent a promising strategy.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Is Involved in the Repair of Oxidative Damage Induced by Oxidized Fish Oil in Litopenaeus vannamei by Sulforaphane

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which could be highly induced under the stimulation of oxidative stress, functions in reducing the damage caused by oxidative stress, and sulforaphane (SFN) is an antioxidant. This study aims to investigate whether HO-1 is involved in the repair of oxidative damage induced by oxidized fish oil (OFO) in Litopenaeus vannamei by sulforaphane (SFN). The oxidative stress model of L. vannamei was established by feeding OFO feed (OFO accounts for 6%), and they were divided into the following four groups: control group (injected with dsRNA-EGFP and fed with common feed), dsRNA-HO-1 group (dsRNA-HO-1, common feed), dsRNA-HO-1 + SFN group (dsRNA-HO-1, supplement 50 mg kg-1 SFN feed), and SFN group (dsRNA-EGFP, supplement 50 mg kg-1 SFN feed). The results showed that the expression level of HO-1 in the dsRNA-HO-1 + SFN group was significantly increased compared with the dsRNA-HO-1 group (p < 0.05). The activities of SOD in muscle and GPX in hepatopancreas and serum of the dsRNA-HO-1 group were significantly lower than those of the control group, and MDA content in the dsRNA-HO-1 group was the highest among the four groups. However, SFN treatment increased the activities of GPX and SOD in hepatopancreas, muscle, and serum and significantly reduced the content of MDA (p < 0.05). SFN activated HO-1, upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes (CAT, SOD, GST, GPX, Trx, HIF-1α, Nrf2, prx 2, Hsp 70), and autophagy genes (ATG 3, ATG 5), and stabilized the expression of apoptosis genes (caspase 2, caspase 3) in the hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). In addition, knocking down HO-1 aggravated the vacuolation of hepatopancreas and increased the apoptosis of hepatopancreas, while the supplement of SFN could repair the vacuolation of hepatopancreas and reduce the apoptosis signal. In summary, HO-1 is involved in the repair of the oxidative damage induced by OFO in L. vannamei by SFN.

Optimization of a Microencapsulation Process Using Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsion to Increase Thermal Stability of Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a bioactive compound widely studied for its potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries since it offers health benefits due to its nature as a Phase 2 enzyme inducer. Its application in the food industry has been limited because SFN is unstable at high temperatures in an aqueous milieu. An option to increase SFN stability and protect it from thermal degradation is microencapsulation. The aim of this work was to optimize a microencapsulation process using oil-in-water emulsion to increase the thermal stability of SFN. The operation conditions that gave the highest entrapment efficiency were determined via experimental design and response surface methodology. Thermal degradation of microencapsulated SFN was studied at 37, 50, 60, and 70 °C. The optimum microencapsulation conditions were 8 min stirring, SFN/Gum Arabic ratio of 0.82, and surfactant/oil ratio of 1.0, resulting in an entrapment efficiency of 65%, which is the highest reported so far. The thermal stability of microencapsulated SFN was greatly enhanced compared with free SFN, with a 6-fold decrease in the degradation kinetic constant and a 41% increase in the activation energy. These results will contribute to a more efficient incorporation of SFN in various food matrices and explore new microencapsulation technologies to maximize the efficiency and stability of SFN.

Sulforaphane Bioavailability in Healthy Subjects Fed a Single Serving of Fresh Broccoli Microgreens

Cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with numerous health benefits attributed to the phytochemical sulforaphane (SFN) that exerts antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, among other bioactive compounds. Broccoli sprouts, rich in SFN precursor glucoraphanin (GRN), have been investigated in numerous clinical trials. Broccoli microgreens are similarly rich in GRN but have remained largely unexplored. The goal of this study was to examine SFN bioavailability and the microbiome profile in subjects fed a single serving of fresh broccoli microgreens. Eleven subjects participated in a broccoli microgreens feeding study. Broccoli microgreens GRN and SFN contents and stability were measured. Urine and stool SFN metabolite profiles and microbiome composition were examined. Broccoli microgreens had similar GRN content to values previously reported for broccoli sprouts, which was stable over time. Urine SFN metabolite profiles in broccoli microgreens-fed subjects were similar to those reported previously in broccoli sprouts-fed subjects, including the detection of SFN-nitriles. We also reported the detection of SFN metabolites in stool samples for the first time. A single serving of broccoli microgreens did not significantly alter microbiome composition. We showed in this study that broccoli microgreens are a significant source of SFN. Our work provides the foundation for future studies to establish the health benefits of broccoli microgreens consumption.

The Southern European Atlantic Diet and Its Supplements: The Chemical Bases of Its Anticancer Properties

Scientific evidence increasingly supports the strong link between diet and health, acknowledging that a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer. This perspective opens the door to developing precision diets, particularly tailored for individuals at risk of developing cancer. It encompasses a vast research area and involves the study of an expanding array of compounds with multilevel "omics" compositions, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, miRNomics, and metabolomics. We review here the components of the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) from both a chemical and pharmacological standpoint. The information sources consulted, complemented by crystallographic data from the Protein Data Bank, establish a direct link between the SEAD and its anticancer properties. The data collected strongly suggest that SEAD offers an exceptionally healthy profile, particularly due to the presence of beneficial biomolecules in its foods. The inclusion of olive oil and paprika in this diet provides numerous health benefits, and scientific evidence supports the anticancer properties of dietary supplements with biomolecules sourced from vegetables of the brassica genus. Nonetheless, further research is warranted in this field to gain deeper insights into the potential benefits of the SEAD's bioactive compounds against cancer.

Cooking Methods for Preserving Isothiocyanates and Reducing Goitrin in Brassica Vegetables

Glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables can be hydrolyzed into various products, e.g., chemopreventive agents, isothiocyanates (ITCs) and anti-thyroid substance, goitrin. Cooking can reduce goitrin but destroy isothiocyanates. This study aimed to optimize cooking conditions for reducing goitrin while preserving isothiocyanates in Brassica vegetables. Cabbage and Chinese kale samples were divided evenly into raw, blanched, steamed, and water-based stir-fried samples. Cooking temperature and time were varied at 60, 80, or 100 °C for 2, 4, or 6 min. The levels of goitrin, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and sulforaphane (SFN) were measured using LC-MS/MS. Response surface model (RSM) was used to identify the optimal cooking conditions to reduce goitrin but preserve ITCs. Results showed that goitrin content in cabbage depended on the cooking methods, temperature, and time, while that of Chinese kale only depended on the methods. In contrast, the concentrations of SFN in cabbage and BITC in kale depended on the cooking temperature and time but not methods. Based on RSM analysis, the suggested household cooking methods for preserving isothiocyanates and reducing goitrin are steaming cabbage at 80-100 °C for 4 min and stir-frying Chinese kale at 60-100 °C for 2 min. Such methods may preserve the bioactive compounds while reducing food hazards.

Sulforaphane's Multifaceted Potential: From Neuroprotection to Anticancer Action

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It has been widely studied for its potential as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence supporting the neuroprotective and anticancer effects of SFN and the potential mechanisms through which it exerts these effects. SFN has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, the modulation of neuroinflammation, and epigenetic mechanisms. In cancer treatment, SFN has demonstrated the ability to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells, inhibit histone deacetylase, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. SFN has also shown chemoprotective properties through inhibiting phase I metabolizing enzymes, modulating phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and targeting cancer stem cells. In addition to its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders and cancer treatment, SFN has shown promise as a potential treatment for cerebral ischemic injury and intracranial hemorrhage. Finally, the ongoing and completed clinical trials on SFN suggest potential therapeutic benefits, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness. Overall, SFN holds significant promise as a natural compound with diverse therapeutic applications.

Sulforaphane and bladder cancer: a potential novel antitumor compound

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common form of urinary tract tumor, and its incidence is increasing annually. Unfortunately, an increasing number of newly diagnosed BC patients are found to have advanced or metastatic BC. Although current treatment options for BC are diverse and standardized, it is still challenging to achieve ideal curative results. However, Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate present in cruciferous plants, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent that has shown significant efficacy against various cancers, including bladder cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that Sulforaphane not only induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in BC cells, but also inhibits the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells. Additionally, it can inhibit BC gluconeogenesis and demonstrate definite effects when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs/carcinogens. Sulforaphane has also been found to exert anticancer activity and inhibit bladder cancer stem cells by mediating multiple pathways in BC, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)/beta-catenin (β-Catenin), miR-124/cytokines interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R)/transcription 3 (STAT3). This article provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence and molecular mechanisms of Sulforaphane against BC. Furthermore, we explore the effects of Sulforaphane on potential risk factors for BC, such as bladder outlet obstruction, and investigate the possible targets of Sulforaphane against BC using network pharmacological analysis. This review is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for future research and the development of new drugs to treat BC.

CO-Sprout-A Pilot Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Randomised Trial of Broccoli Sprout Powder Supplementation for Pregnant Women with COVID-19 on the Duration of COVID-19-Associated Symptoms: Study Protocol

Since its discovery in late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been estimated to be responsible for at least 769.3 million infections and over 6.95 million deaths. Despite significant global vaccination efforts, there are limited therapies that are considered safe and effective for use in the management of COVID-19 during pregnancy despite the common knowledge that pregnant patients have a much higher risk of adverse outcomes. A bioactive compound found in broccoli sprout-sulforaphane-is a potent inducer of phase-II detoxification enzymes promoting a series of potentially beneficial effects notably as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral. A pilot, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial is to be conducted in Melbourne, Australia, across both public and private hospital sectors. We will assess a commercially available broccoli sprout extract in pregnant women between 20+0 and 36+0 weeks gestation with SARS-CoV-2 infection to investigate (i) the duration of COVID-19 associated symptoms, (ii) maternal and neonatal outcomes, and (iii) biomarkers of infection and inflammation. We plan to enrol 60 outpatient women with COVID-19 irrespective of vaccination status diagnosed by PCR swab or RAT (rapid antigen test) within five days and randomised to 14 days of oral broccoli sprout extract (42 mg of sulforaphane daily) or identical microcrystalline cellulose placebo. The primary outcome of this pilot trial will be to assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial investigating the duration (days) of COVID-19-associated symptoms using a broccoli sprout supplement for COVID-19-affected pregnancies. Pregnant patients remain an at-risk group for severe disease following infection with SARS-CoV-2 and currently unclear consequences for the offspring. Therefore, this study will assess feasibility of using a broccoli sprout supplement, whilst providing important safety data for the use of sulforaphane in pregnancy.

Design and Evaluation of Liposomal Sulforaphane-Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol (PVA/PEG) Hydrogels as a Novel Drug Delivery System for Wound Healing

Hydrogel scaffold has been widely applied as drug delivery systems for treating skin injuries. However, the poor drug loading and rapid drug release of hydrogel restricted their application. In the current study, we present a nanoliposome containing sulforaphane (SF) as a nano-drug delivery system that is encapsulated within the scaffold hydrogel system to overcome these limitations and improve wound healing. The hydrogel substrate consisting of 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/5% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) was prepared by the freeze-thaw method, and the nanoliposomal system was manufactured by the thin film hydration method at different molar ratios of cholesterol: SPC: DPPC: DSPE-PEG2000. The nanoliposome and hydrogel system was characterized by physicochemical analyses. The findings achieved from the optimization of the sulforaphane-loaded nanoliposome (SFNL) displayed an increase in the molar ratio of SPC, leading to a higher entrapment efficiency and a gradual release profile. Narrow size distribution, optimal electrical charge, and the lack of molecular interactions between SF and nanoliposome components in the FTIR analysis make SFNL a suitable drug delivery system for the wound healing process. The obtained SFNL-encapsulated freeze-thawed hydrogel system has sufficient and specific swelling ability at different pH values and increased mechanical strength and elongation. Additionally, the release pattern of SFNL at different pH values showed that the release of SF from liposomes depends on the pH value of the environment and accelerates in line with decreasing pH values. Encapsulation of nanoliposomal SF in the hydrogel structure provides a sustained release pattern of SF compared to its free form and increased as the pH environments continued to raise. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of SFNL-loaded hydrogels against human skin fibroblasts (HFF cell line) were investigated. The in vitro analyses displayed that the toxicity properties of SF and SFNL were dose-dependent, and SFNL exhibited lower toxicity compared to free SF. Furthermore, the proper cell compatibility of the prepared hydrogel against the HFF cell line was confirmed by the MTT assay. These findings imply that the hydrogel scaffold loaded with SFNL may have wound-healing potential.

Isothiocyanates as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors-Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

Among the various substances that interfere with the microtubule formation process, isothiocyanates (ITCs) are the group of compounds for which the binding mode and mechanism of action have not yet been explained. To better understand the structure-activity relationship of tubulin-isothiocyanate interactions, we designed and synthesized a series of sixteen known and novel, structurally diverse ITCs, including amino acid ester-derived isothiocyanates, bis-isothiocyanates, analogs of benzyl isothiocyanate, and phosphorus analogs of sulforaphane. All synthesized compounds and selected natural isothiocyanates (BITC, PEITC, AITC, and SFN) were tested in vitro to evaluate their antiproliferative activity, tubulin polymerization inhibition potential, and influence on cell cycle progression. The antiproliferative activity of most of the newly tested compounds exceeded the action of natural isothiocyanates, with four structures being more potent as tubulin polymerization inhibitors than BITC. As a confirmation of anti-tubulin activity, the correlation between polymerization inhibition and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase was observed for the most active compounds. In light of the biological results indicating significant differences in the impact of structurally diverse isothiocyanate on tubulin polymerization, in silico analysis was conducted to analyze the possible mode of isothiocyanate-tubulin binding and to show how it can influence the polymerization reaction.

Preclinical investigations on broccoli-derived sulforaphane for the treatment of ophthalmic disease

Vision loss causes a significant burden on individuals and communities on a financial, emotional and social level. Common causes include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa (RP; also known as 'rod-cone dystrophy'). As the population continues to grow and age globally, an increasing number of people will experience vision loss. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop therapies that can curb early pathological events. The broccoli-derived compound, sulforaphane (SFN), is reported to have multiple health benefits and modes of action. In this review, we outline the preclinical findings on SFN in ocular diseases and discuss the future clinical testing of this compound.

italica) Sprouts through Inhibiting Salicylic Acid Synthesis

As a vegetable with high nutritional value, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds. Glucosinolates (GLs) are one of the important functional components widely found in cruciferous vegetables, and their hydrolysate sulforaphane (SFN) plays a key function in the anti-cancer process. Herein, we revealed that blue light significantly induced the SFN content in broccoli sprouts, and salicylic acid (SA) was involved in this process. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of SFN accumulation with blue light treatment in broccoli sprouts and the relationship between SFN and SA. The results showed that the SFN accumulation in broccoli sprouts was significantly increased under blue light illumination, and the expression of SFN synthesis-related genes was particularly up-regulated by SA under blue light. Moreover, blue light considerably decreased the SA content compared with white light, and this decrease was more suppressed by paclobutrazol (Pac, an inhibitor of SA synthesis). In addition, the transcript level of SFN synthesis-related genes and the activity of myrosinase (MYR) paralleled the trend of SFN accumulation under blue light treatment. Overall, we concluded that SA participates in the SFN accumulation in broccoli sprouts under blue light.

The Rationale for Sulforaphane Favourably Influencing Gut Homeostasis and Gut-Organ Dysfunction: A Clinician's Hypothesis

Given the increasing scientific, clinical and consumer interest in highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders, appropriate therapeutic strategies are needed to address the many aspects of digestive dysfunction. Accumulating evidence for the crucifer-derived bioactive molecule sulforaphane in upstream cellular defence mechanisms highlights its potential as a therapeutic candidate in targeting functional gastrointestinal conditions, as well as systemic disorders. This article catalogues the evolution of and rationale for a hypothesis that multifunctional sulforaphane can be utilised as the initial step in restoring the ecology of the gut ecosystem; it can do this primarily by targeting the functions of intestinal epithelial cells. A growing body of work has identified the colonocyte as the driver of dysbiosis, such that targeting gut epithelial function could provide an alternative to targeting the microbes themselves for the remediation of microbial dysbiosis. The hypothesis discussed herein has evolved over several years and is supported by case studies showing the application of sulforaphane in gastrointestinal disorders, related food intolerance, and several systemic conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the effects of sulforaphane have been reported in a clinical environment, with several of its key properties within the gut ecosystem appearing to be related to its nutrigenomic effects on gene expression.

Bioavailable Sulforaphane Quantitation in Plasma by LC-MS/MS Is Enhanced by Blocking Thiols

Quantifying sulforaphane (SFN) and its thiol metabolites in biological samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is complicated by SFN's electrophilic nature and the facile dissociation of SFN-thiol conjugates. SFN can be lost during sample preparation due to conjugation with protein thiols, which are precipitated and discarded. We observe that only 32 ± 3% of SFN is recovered 2 h after spiking into fetal bovine serum. The SFN-glutathione conjugate prepared at 10 mM in 0.1% formic acid in water (pH 3) dissociated by approximately 95% to free SFN, highlighting the difficulty in preparing thiol metabolite standards. We used the alkylating agent iodoacetamide (IAA) to both release SFN from protein thiols and force the dissociation of SFN metabolites. This thiol-blocking method increased SFN percent recovery from serum from 32 to 94 ± 5%, with a 4.7 nM method limit of quantitation. Applying the method to clinical samples, SFN concentrations were on average 6 times greater than when IAA was omitted. The IAA thiol-blocking method streamlines the analysis of bioavailable SFN in plasma samples.

Therapeutic potential of sulforaphane in liver diseases: a review

The burden of liver diseases such as metabolic-associated fatty liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma has increased rapidly worldwide over the past decades. However, pharmacological therapies for these liver diseases are insufficient. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate that is mainly found in cruciferous vegetables, has been found to have a broad spectrum of activities like antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetic, and anticancer effects. Recently, a growing number of studies have reported that SFN could significantly ameliorate hepatic steatosis and prevent the development of fatty liver, improve insulin sensitivity, attenuate oxidative damage and liver injury, induce apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation of hepatoma cells through multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, many clinical studies have demonstrated that SFN is harmless to the human body and well-tolerated by individuals. This emerging evidence suggests SFN to be a promising drug candidate in the treatment of liver diseases. Nevertheless, limitations exist in the development of SFN as a hepatoprotective drug due to its special properties, including instability, water insolubility, and high inter-individual variation of bioavailability when used from broccoli sprout extracts. Herein, we comprehensively review the recent progress of SFN in the treatment of common liver diseases and the underlying mechanisms, with the aim to provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of SFN in liver diseases.