Evaluation of the Effect of two doses of broccoli sprouts powder on lipid peroxidation and oxidant/antioxidant balance in type 2 diabetic patients

Increased lipid peroxidation and imbalanced oxidant-antioxidant status has a known role in development of complications in diabetic patients. In vitro and animal studies have indicated that broccoli sprouts improve oxidative stress in hyperglycemia. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of broccoli sprouts powder (BSP) on lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress index in type 2 diabetic patients referred to Iran Diabetes Association and the endocrine clinic of Taleghani Hospital.

Eighty-one type 2 diabetic patients were randomized into three groups, two groups prescribed different doses of BSP (1)10g/d BSP, n=21, 2) 5g/d BSP, n=22)and the third group (n=20) was prescribed 5g/d placebo. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, oxidized low density lipoprotein, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress index were measured before and after 4 weeks intervention. Student's paired t test was used to compare baseline and 4-week values in each group. At the end of 4 weeks, the data of 63 patients was analyzed with analysis of covariance with adjustment of baseline values.

Mean serum malondialdehyde and oxidized low density lipoprotein were decreased by 8.9% and 4.9% respectively in group 1 at the end of 4th week as compared with baseline. After 4 weeks BSP supplementation, in group 1 and 2, total antioxidant capacity significantly increased by 15.9% and 10.3% respectively and oxidative stress index decreased significantly by 13.7% and 8.3%. There was no significant change in total oxidant status during intervention. Also there were no significant changes in oxidative stress parameters in placebo group.

It seems that broccoli sprouts powder with high sulforaphane concentration may have beneficial effects on decreasing lipid peroxidation and improve oxidant/antioxidant balance in diabetic patients. With regard to limited data in relation to broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane in prevention of oxidative stress complications, further studies are needed to confirm these results and related mechanisms.