Sulforaphane upregulates the mRNA expression of NRF2 and NQO1 in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease

Free Radic Biol Med. 2024 Aug 20:221:181-187. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.034. Epub 2024 May 19.

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN), found in cruciferous vegetables, is a known activator of NRF2 (master regulator of cellular antioxidant responses). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present an imbalance in the redox state, presenting reduced expression of NRF2 and increased expression of NF-κB. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of SFN on the mRNA expression of NRF2, NF-κB and markers of oxidative stress in patients with CKD. Here, we observed a significant increase in the mRNA expression of NRF2 (p = 0.02) and NQO1 (p = 0.04) in the group that received 400 μg/day of SFN for 1 month. Furthermore, we observed an improvement in the levels of phosphate (p = 0.02), glucose (p = 0.05) and triglycerides (p = 0.02) also in this group. On the other hand, plasma levels of LDL-c (p = 0.04) and total cholesterol (p = 0.03) increased in the placebo group during the study period. In conclusion, 400 μg/day of SFN for one month improves the antioxidant system and serum glucose and phosphate levels in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; NF-E2-related factor 2; Oxidative stress; Sulforaphane.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isothiocyanates* / pharmacology
  • Isothiocyanates* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)* / genetics
  • NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)* / metabolism
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / genetics
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • RNA, Messenger* / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger* / metabolism
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / genetics
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / metabolism
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / pathology
  • Sulfoxides*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Triglycerides / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Sulfoxides
  • sulforaphane
  • Isothiocyanates
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)
  • NQO1 protein, human
  • NFE2L2 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Antioxidants
  • Triglycerides
  • Blood Glucose
  • NF-kappa B