Effects of glucosinolate-rich broccoli sprouts on urinary levels of aflatoxin-DNA adducts and phenanthrene tetraols in a randomized clinical trial in He Zuo township, Qidong, People's Republic of China
Kensler TW, Chen JG, Egner PA, Fahey JW
Published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Methodology
Randomized, placebo-controlled chemoprevention trial; nightly hot-water infusions of 3-day-old broccoli sprouts containing 400 or <3 micromol glucoraphanin for 2 weeks; urinary aflatoxin-N7-guanine, phenanthrene tetraols and dithiocarbamates measured
Key Findings
Urinary aflatoxin-N7-guanine did not differ between arms (P = 0.68), but dithiocarbamate excretion varied strikingly between individuals and was inversely associated with aflatoxin adduct excretion, indicating conjugation-dependent responses.
Conclusions
Glucoraphanin from broccoli sprouts can support phase II conjugative detoxication of carcinogens, but the group-level effect was null and depends heavily on individual bioavailability.
Limitations
Two-week intervention, biomarker endpoints only, large interindividual variation in gut conversion to sulforaphane.
Supplements Studied
Glucoraphanin, the principal glucosinolate in broccoli sprouts, can be hydrolyzed by gut microflora to sulforaphane, a potent inducer of carcinogen detoxication enzymes.
Outcomes Measured
Glucoraphanin, the principal glucosinolate in broccoli sprouts, can be hydrolyzed by gut microflora to sulforaphane, a potent inducer of carcinogen detoxication enzymes.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
NIH
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