title: Modulation of plasma antioxidant levels, glutathione S-transferase activity and DNA damage in smokers following a single portion of broccoli: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Broccoli is a rich source of bioactive compounds (i.e. glucosinolates, carotenoids, vitamin C and folate) that may exert an antioxidant effect and reduce oxidative damage. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of broccoli consumption on carotenoids, vitamin C and folate absorption, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and oxidatively induced DNA damage in male smokers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten healthy subjects consumed a single portion of steamed broccoli (250 g) with cooked pasta. Blood was drawn at baseline and at 3, 6 and 24 h from consumption.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Broccoli significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased plasma level of vitamin C and folate (+35% and 70%, respectively) at 3 h, and β-carotene (+8%) at 6 h. A modulation of GST activity occurred in plasma 6 h after broccoli consumption. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) reduction of the levels of H₂O₂-induced DNA damage (-18%) was observed in blood mononuclear cells 24 h after broccoli intake in GSTM1 positive, but not in GSTM1 null subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One portion of broccoli increased plasma antioxidant levels, modulated plasma GST activity and improved cell resistance against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage in healthy smokers. These results support the importance of consuming fruit and vegetable regularly.
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, DeFENS-Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Riso
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Del Bo'
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vendrame
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brusamolino
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.forename: Gaia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bonacina
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porrini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood; D001937:Brassica / Q000737:chemistry*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D055815:Young Adult; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D005492:Folic Acid; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D028321:Plant Preparations; D019207:beta Carotene
keywords: antioxidants; broccoli; glutathione S-transferase, DNA damage; smokers