Biomarkers of Broccoli Intake: A Pilot Study

Biomarkers of Broccoli Intake: A Pilot Study to Characterize Novel Metabolites by Targeted Metabolic Profiling and Non-Targeted Metabolomics

The objectives of the study are 1) to characterize plasma and urinary metabolites that originate from glucobrassicin, 1-methoxyglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, which are the major indole glucosinolates found in broccoli, and 2) to identify novel plasma and urinary metabolites following broccoli consumption that may have roles in reducing the risk of cancer.

Consumption of Brassica vegetables is inversely associated with incidence of several cancers, including cancer of the lung, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, breast, endometrium, and ovaries. Brassicas are a good source of many nutrients, but the unique characteristic of Brassicas is their rich content of glucosinolates. Breakdown products of indole glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables show promise for reducing the risk of cancer, but have received comparatively less research attention than those of aliphatic glucosinolates. The aim of this study is to investigate plasma and urinary metabolites of indole glucosinolates from broccoli and to identify novel metabolites that may have roles in reducing cancer risk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non tobacco user
• Cancer Free
• Not currently taking glucosinolate/isothiocyanate containing supplements

Exclusion Criteria:

• Type 2 diabetes requiring the use of diabetes pills, insulin, or non-insulin shots
• Use of blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin), Dicumarol, or Miradon (anisindione)
• History of bariatric surgery or nutrient malabsorption disease (such as celiac disease) or other metabolic disorders requiring special diet recommendations
• Pregnant, lactating, or intending to become pregnant during the study period
• Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
• Suspected or known strictures, fistulas or physiological/mechanical GI obstruction
• Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months and/or current acute treatment or rehabilitation program for these problems (long-term participation in Alcoholics Anonymous is not an exclusion)