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Broccoli Sprout Extracts Trial to See if NRF2 is Enhanced by Sulforaphane Treatment in Patients With COPD

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
COPD
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Sulforaphane 150
Other: Placebo
Registration Number
NCT01335971
Lead Sponsor
Johns Hopkins University
Brief Summary

Evidence from investigators' group has shown that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have impairment of antioxidant defenses which are caused by a defect in activity of Nrf2. This trial focuses on sulforaphane, a derivative of cruciferous vegetables, which is a potent stimulator of Nrf2 activity. The investigators want to investigate whether ingestion of sulforaphane by COPD patients will increase Nrf2 activity and expression of downstream antioxidants. Accordingly, the investigators are conducting a placebo-controlled randomized proof of principle trial of two oral doses of sulforaphane, 25 and 150 micromoles, for 4 weeks in 90 COPD patients. The investigators' goal is to establish a safe and tolerable dose of sulforaphane that effects in vivo antioxidants via Nrf2, then the investigators will have a novel candidate treatment for longer-term efficacy trials.

Detailed Description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and is a growing cause of chronic disease internationally. Presently, there are limited treatment options for this disease to modify the progression of airflow obstruction and decrease periodic exacerbations. Recent evidence has emphasized the central role of oxidative stress as a mechanism of COPD pathobiology. Evidence from investigators' group has shown that COPD patients and animals exposed to cigarette smoke have impairment of antioxidant defenses which are caused by a defect in activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2), a prolific regulator of anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione homeostasis, and cytoprotective proteins. Activation of Nrf2 protects mice with chronic smoke exposure from developing emphysema, decreases oxidative stress, increases proteasomal anti-apoptotic cytoprotective responses, improves bacterial phagocytosis and killing, and reverses tobacco-smoke induced corticosteroid resistance. Similarly, in vitro Nrf2 activation in human COPD lung cells has shown improved cytoprotection, improved bacterial clearance, and restoration of steroid sensitivity. This trial focuses on sulforaphane, a derivative of cruciferous vegetables, which is a potent in vitro and in vivo stimulator of Nrf2 activity. The investigators want to investigate whether ingestion of sulforaphane by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients will increase Nrf2 activity and expression of downstream antioxidants in alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Accordingly, the investigators are conducting a placebo-controlled randomized proof of principle trial of two oral doses of sulforaphane, 25 and 150 micromoles, for 4 weeks in 90 COPD patients. Collections of alveolar macrophages by Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial epithelial cells by endobronchial brushings will be performed at baseline and 4 weeks. Other bio-specimens will include nasal epithelial cells, Peripheral Blood Monocyte Collection (PBMCs), and expired breath condensate (EBC). The investigators' goal is to establish a safe and tolerable dose of sulforaphane that effects in vivo antioxidants via Nrf2, then the investigators will have a novel candidate treatment for longer-term efficacy trials. Ancillary studies are proposed to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of sulforaphane to increase bacterial clearance and to restore steroid sensitivity in COPD lung cells.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
89
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 40 years or greater, either sex
  • 10 or more pack-years smoking history
  • Physician diagnosed COPD
  • Post bronchodilator Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/ forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.70
  • FEV1 40-80 % predicted
  • Willingness to ingest no more than 1 serving of cruciferous vegetables per week during run-in and treatment periods
  • Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • COPD exacerbation within preceding 6 weeks requiring treatment
  • Significant respiratory (other than COPD), cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, renal, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary disease that would interfere with participation in the study or interpretation of the results.
  • Acute Myocardial infarction (MI) or Acute Coronary syndrome within 6 prior months
  • Cancer (other than skin or localized prostate) within preceding 5 years
  • Child-bearing potential with lack of adequate contraception, Pregnancy or lactation. Acceptable forms of birth control include abstinence, hysterectomy, tubal ligation, two of the following: vasectomy, condom, diaphragm, intrauterine device, oral or implanted contraceptives, or spermicide.
  • Allergy to local anesthesia
  • Resting hypoxemia (O2 saturation < 90%)
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) < 30
  • Liver enzymes four times upper normal
  • Current use of warfarin for any indication

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Sulforaphane 25Sulforaphane 2525 micromoles (4.4 mg) sulforaphane daily by mouth
Sulforaphane 150Sulforaphane 150150 micromoles (26.6 mg) sulforaphane daily by mouth
PlaceboPlaceboMicrocrystalline cellulose
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change From Baseline in Alveolar Macrophage Expression of Nrf2 and Associated Genes at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The first primary design variable is the change from baseline in nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) expression in alveolar macrophages (AM) at 4 weeks by analysing Nrf2 protein and expression of a panel of Nrf2 regulated genes.Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Change From Baseline in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Expression of Nrf2 at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The second primary design variable is the change from baseline in nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) expression in bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) at 4 weeks by analysing Nrf2 protein. Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Change From Baseline in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Expression of NQ01 and Keap1 at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The third primary design variable is the change from baseline in NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQ01) and Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) expression in bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) at 4 weeks. Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Change From Baseline in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Expression of HO1 at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The fourth primary design variable is the change from baseline in expression of Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO1) in bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) at 4 weeks. Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Change From Baseline in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Expression of AKR1C1 at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The fifth primary design variable is the change from baseline in expression of Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C1 (AKR1C1) in bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) at 4 weeks. Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Change From Baseline in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Expression of AKR1C3 at 4 WeeksBaseline and 4 weeks

The sixth primary design variable is the change from baseline in expression of Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C3 (AKR1C3) in bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) at 4 weeks. Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage for primary outcome data.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Fold-change in Isoprostane Concentrations (Follow-up to Baseline)Baseline and 4 weeks

Isoprostane, an oxidant stress indicator, was measured in expired breath condensate at baseline and 4 weeks.

Fold-change in Serum Inflammatory Marker Concentrations (Follow-up to Baseline)Baseline and 4 weeks

Inflammatory markers were measured in serum samples derived from venipuncture at baseline and 4 weeks in the serum of the participants of the trial.

Fold-change in Inflammatory Marker Concentrations in Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (Follow-up to Baseline) by Treatment GroupBaseline and 4 weeks

Inflammatory markers were measured in bronchial alveolar lavage samples at baseline and 4 weeks in the participants of this trial who had bronchoalveolar lavage samples obtained.Three participants - one from each treatment group - were unable to complete follow-up bronchoalveolar lavage.

Fold-change in Plasma Inflammatory Marker Concentrations (Follow-up to Baseline)Baseline and 4 weeks

Inflammatory markers were measured in plasma at baseline and 4 weeks. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured in nmol malondialdehyde (MDA)/mL.

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

🇺🇸

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

University at Baffalo, The State University of New York

🇺🇸

Buffalo, New York, United States

Temple University

🇺🇸

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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