ABSTRACT
<i>Background</i>: Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound abundant in broccoli sprouts (BS), protects cells from oxidative injury by activating nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzymes. Sulforaphane also shows bactericidal activity against <i>H. pylori in vitro</i>. The aim of this study was to determine if daily intake of SFN-rich BS inhibits <i>H. pylori </i>colonization and mitigated gastritis in <i>H. pylori</i>-infected gastric mucosa in mice and humans.<br> <i>Methods</i>: Study 1: Nrf2+/+ and nrf2−/− C57BL/6 female mice were infected with <i>H.pylori</i> Sydney Strain; SS1. Mice were maintained for 2 mo. on a high salt diet (7.5% NaCl), supplemented with or without BS containing approximately 2.5 mM SFN. Degree of gastritis was evaluated by updated Sydney system. Study 2: Fifty subjects infected with <i>H. pylori </i>were randomly assigned to either the BS group (n=25) or the Alfalfa Sprouts (AS) group (n=25). All subjects were asked to eat BS 70 g/day (containing approximately 180 mg SFN) or AS 70 g/day (no SFN) for 2 months. <i>H.pylori</i> colonization was evaluated by measurement of HpSA. The degree of gastritis was evaluated by measuring serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) I and II.<br> <i>Results</i>: Study 1: BS treatment decreased Hp colonization and mitigated gastritis in nrf2+/+ but not in nrf2−/− mice. Study 2: Two months intervention with BS decreased HpSA values and serum levels of PG I and II, while AS showed on effect.<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: Daily intake of SFN-rich BS suppresses <i>H.pylori</i> colonization and improves gastritis in <i>H. pylori</i>-infected gastric mucosa via nrf2-dependent mechanisms.<br>