Sulforaphane, a natural compound found in broccoli, is widely recognized for its activity as an anti-cancer agent. However, the list of Sulforaphane’s potential health benefits has recently grown to include heart health, and, more specifically, a reduction in the risk of vascular disease in individuals with diabetes. Diabetics area at a higher risk of developing vascular disease, and this seems to associated with the dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells (the cells lining the inside of blood vessels) when blood glucose levels are high. When exposed to high glucose situations the cells activate numerous biological pathways that result in a variety of negative effects that can damage the cells and increase the risk of vascular disease. These effects include the production of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and increased formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs).
A recent study published in the journal Diabetes has reported that Sulforaphane is able to activate an important transcription factor called NF-E2-related-factor-2 (nrf2) which seems to reverse many of the damaging effects of high blood sugar levels on vascular epithelial cells. Nrf2 activates a number of genes that produce protective enzymes that combat reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, and reverse the dysfunction of these cells. In this study, human vascular endothelial cells were treated with doses of Sulforaphane that could realistically and safely be obtained from diet or supplementation. Treatment with Sulforaphane doubled the activation of nrf2, and resulted in a 73% decrease in reactive oxygen species. The results of this study, although done in vitro, present very promising results highlighting the potential benefit of Sulforaphane for diabetics.
Xue M, Qian Q, Antonysunil A, Rabbani N, Babei-Jadidi R, Thornalley PJ. Activation of NF-E2-related factor-2 reverses biochemical dysfunction of endothelial cells induced by hyperglycemia linked to vascular disease. Diabetes. 2008; Early Online Publication.
For more information on Sulforaphane see: Sulforaphane+
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