Broccoli Sprouts Promote Sex-Dependent Cardiometabolic Health and Longevity in Long-Evans Rats

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Aging is associated with increased chronic disease risk.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds show potential in disease prevention.
• Broccoli sprouts (BrSp) are rich in sulforaphane, known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic broccoli sprout (BrSp) consumption on age-related decline in cardiometabolic health and lifespan in rats.
• To determine if BrSp effects are sex-dependent.

Main Methods:

• Long-Evans rats (male and female) were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with dried BrSp (300 mg/kg, 3 times/week) from 4 months of age until death.
• Measurements included body weight, composition, blood pressure, heart function, glucose/insulin tolerance, and behavior at various ages.
• Lifespan was recorded for all animals.

Main Results:

• BrSp feeding prolonged lifespan in female rats and in the longest-living 25% of male rats.
• BrSp consumption led to sex-dependent improvements in cardiometabolic health.
• Females showed reduced body weight and visceral adiposity; males exhibited improved glucose tolerance and lower blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• Chronic broccoli sprout (BrSp) consumption demonstrates sex-dependent benefits for longevity and cardiometabolic health in aging rats.
• BrSp may be a valuable dietary intervention for mitigating age-related decline.
• Further research into sulforaphane's role in aging and sex-specific mechanisms is warranted.