Broccoli Sprout Extracts Trial

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 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.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 40 years or greater, either sex

2. 10 or more pack-years smoking history

3. Physician diagnosed COPD

4. Post bronchodilator Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/ forced expiratory
vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.70

5. FEV1 40-80 % predicted

6. Willingness to ingest no more than 1 serving of cruciferous vegetables per week
during run-in and treatment periods

7. Ability and willingness to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. COPD exacerbation within preceding 6 weeks requiring treatment

2. 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.

3. Acute Myocardial infarction (MI) or Acute Coronary syndrome within 6 prior months

4. Cancer (other than skin or localized prostate) within preceding 5 years

5. 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.

6. Allergy to local anesthesia

7. Resting hypoxemia (O2 saturation < 90%)

8. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) < 30

9. Liver enzymes four times upper normal

10. Current use of warfarin for any indication