Broccoli Sprout Extract Effects on Allergic Inflammation in the Nose

Antioxidant enzymes are proteins produced by the body to protect cells against the harmful effects of chemicals, such as those found in air pollution. Particulate air pollution and diesel exhaust in particular have been shown to cause and also exacerbate allergic airway disease. While there are ongoing efforts to improve air quality, there remains a need for alternative methods to address and prevent the adverse health effects of ambient air pollution, such as allergic rhinitis,, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Currently, there are no therapeutic options which, directly target and address the effects of air pollutants in susceptible populations.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of broccoli sprout extract on airway inflammation caused by diesel exhaust particles. This study will analyze whether broccoli sprout extract will increase the levels of the natural, helpful, antioxidant enzymes in the nose and as a result decrease the inflammation caused by nasal exposure to diesel exhaust particles.

Participants will attend up to ten clinical visits, which include three screening visits. Some visits (2, 4, and 9) will last approximately 1 hour and require that the participants return to the clinic after 6 hours. The remaining visits (excluding Visit 1, which will also last about 1 hour) will take less than 30 minutes. Participants are restricted from consuming certain vegetables three days prior to, and during the course of the study.

During the screening phase, which will last from 4-5 days, and after giving informed consent participants will undergo a baseline evaluation that includes a medical history, a physical exam, blood drawing, allergy skin testing, nose washing, and a diesel exhaust particle (DEP) challenge test. For the DEP test, a small amount of fluid containing DEP particles will be sprayed in the nose (this amount is equivalent to the DEP that one breathes in over 2 days in Los Angeles). Investigators will also screen for natural antioxidant-related genes antioxidant enzymes and other indicators of DEP sensitivity. Female participants of child bearing potential will have a urine pregnancy test.

Participants will be asked to drink broccoli sprout extract for four days in a row (visits 6, 7, 8, and 9). The dosage is less than 1 cup and requires that participants fast 2 hours before the study visits when broccoli sprout extract is ingested. This study requires that participants be allergic to cat. An allergy skin test will be performed to determine whether they have this kind of allergy.

Inclusion criteria

• Able and willing to provide informed consent
• DEP responder as defined in protocol
• Ability to refrain from consuming cruciferous vegetables 3 days prior to starting study and while on study. Cruciferous vegetables include: Broccoli, Kale, Chard, Kohlrabi, Brussels Sprouts, Parsley, Watercress, Daikon, Cabbage, Rutabagas, Cauliflower, Bok Choy, Arugula, Turnips, Radish, Mustard and Collard greens.
• Allergy skin test positive to cat
• Nonsmoker or ex-smoker of more than one year

Exclusion criteria

• Smoking within past year or during study
• Systemic corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive medication use in the previous 3 months or during study
• Intranasal corticosteroid use in the previous month or during the study
• Intranasal antihistamine or cromolyn use in the previous week or during study
• Allergen immunotherapy during the previous 12 months or during study
• Omalizumab use in the previous 12 months or during study
• Systemic antihistamine or leukotriene modifying medication use in the previous week or during study
• History of asthma or any current medical condition that in the opinion of the investigator may compromise the subject's ability to safely participate in the study
• Baseline abnormality of hemoglobin, platelets, leukocytes, serum chemistries, liver function testing, or presence of proteinuria
• A finding during physical examination that, in the opinion of the investigator may compromise the participant's ability to safely participate in the study
• Pregnant or breast-feeding