Assessing the transplacental passage and breastmilk levels of broccoli sprout-derived sulforaphane

Introduction

Preeclampsia is characterised by hypertension with maternal end-organ dysfunction and/or fetal growth restriction. Sulforaphane, an antioxidant found in broccoli sprouts, has potential as a future therapeutic. With its ability to attenuate the injurious impacts of endothelial dysfunction in vitro, sulforaphane is uniquely positioned to protect against the harmful effects of preeclampsia. However, the transferability of sulforaphane from mother to fetus/baby remains unknown in humans.

Methods

Uncomplicated pregnant patients (n = 8) scheduled for elective caesarean sections (>37 weeks gestation) provided written and informed consent. A single oral dose of EnduraCell, a broccoli sprout extract (equivalent to 21 mg of sulforaphane), was administered prior to caesarean section. Baseline blood pressure, blood and urine were collected and again at time of operation, alongside umbilical cord blood (vein and artery) and placental samples. 2–4 days post-delivery, a second dose was administered. Two hours later, maternal bloods and breast milk were collected. Samples were processed and analysed by liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry to measure sulforaphane.

Results

Besides an increase in peripheral diastolic blood pressure on the day of caesarean section (p = 0.028), there were no changes in maternal blood pressure or heart rate after ingestion of EnduraCell. Sulforaphane was found in maternal serum (70.10 ng/ml ± 11.90), umbilical cord blood (vein: 25.18 ng/mL ± 3.11, artery: 18.81 ng/mL ± 2.36), urine (5726.00 ng/mL ± 1175.00), placental tissue (10.99 ng/mg ± 2.11) and breast milk (1.33 ng/mL ± 2.29).

Discussion

Sulforaphane is present in the umbilical cord and breast milk, providing the world's first evidence of sulforaphane maternal-fetal transfer in humans, and opening avenues for future research into relevant fetal implications.