Effects of 2 Different Broccoli Sprout Containing Supplements on Nasal Cells in Healthy Volunteers

Broccoli sprouts are a concentrated source of the potent phase 2 enzyme (antioxidant) potentiator, sulforaphane (SFN) in the form of its natural precursor, sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS™). SFN is an isothiocyanate which has generated interest recently as a chemopreventive agent in cancer research, and as an antioxidant in inflammation research. Recently published data show that 3 days intake of broccoli sprouts in homogenate form is followed by significant upregulation of several phase 2 enzymes in nasal cells. Our group's research at the UNC Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology (CEMALB) focuses on the effects of oxidant pollutants on inflammatory and host defense responses to viral infections. One of the aims of our grant is to measure the effects of pre-treatment with SFN supplements, on nasal responses to live attenuated influenza virus vaccines. In preparation for this larger study, we here propose a pilot study comparing the effects of the published BSH supplement, vs. supplementation with foods containing fresh broccoli sprouts, on relevant nasal endpoints and serum SFN levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy, nonsmoking adults, age 18-35 yr
• Willing to avoid cruciferous vegetables for 1 week prior to study entry and for 2 sets of the 4 study sessions

Exclusion criteria

• Inability/unwillingness to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (inhaled, topical or systemic) prior to and during the study. Duration of prohibition prior to study will based on drug half life x 6 (ie 1 day for ibuprofen, 4 days for naproxen etc);
• Inability/unwillingness to avoid antioxidant vitamins and juices or drinks with vitamin supplements added for 2 days prior to enrollment and throughout the study;
• History or symptoms of allergic rhinitis;
• Respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, sinusitis, fever etc) within prior 4 weeks;
• Current nutritional disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease etc;
• Pregnancy or nursing;
• Asthma (other than wheezing occurring only in childhood); immunodeficiency (HIV or other); or any chronic medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude subject participation;
• Current use of immunosuppressive drugs including corticosteroids.
• Lactose and/or gluten deficiency
• History of fainting or feeling severely dizzy with blood draws