Sulforaphane reduces advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced inflammation in endothelial cells and rat aorta

T Matsui1, N Nakamura1, A Ojima1

  • 1Department of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics of Diabetic Vascular Complications, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Sulforaphane, a compound from cruciferous vegetables, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels damaged by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This suggests sulforaphane may be a new treatment for diabetic vascular injury.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to endothelial cell (EC) damage in diabetes.
  • Sulforaphane, derived from cruciferous vegetables, shows protective effects against oxidative stress-induced injury.
  • The impact of sulforaphane on AGEs-induced vascular damage is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sulforaphane's ability to inhibit inflammation in AGEs-exposed human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and AGEs-injected rat aorta.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which sulforaphane affects AGEs-induced vascular damage.

Main Methods:

  • Dose-dependent sulforaphane treatment of AGEs-exposed HUVECs and AGEs-injected rats.
  • Measurement of gene expression for RAGE, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1.
  • Assessment of THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs.
  • Evaluation of oxidative stress generation and NADPH oxidase activation.
  • Analysis of aortic RAGE, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 expression.

Main Results:

  • Sulforaphane dose-dependently inhibited AGEs-induced increases in RAGE, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 gene expression in HUVECs.
  • Sulforaphane prevented AGEs-stimulated MCP-1 production and THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs.
  • Sulforaphane suppressed AGEs-induced oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase activation in HUVECs.
  • Sulforaphane reduced elevated aortic RAGE, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 expression in AGEs-injected rats.

Conclusions:

  • Sulforaphane inhibits inflammation in AGEs-exposed HUVECs and rat aorta, partly by suppressing RAGE expression via its antioxidant properties.
  • Inhibition of the AGEs-RAGE axis by sulforaphane presents a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic vascular injury.

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