Effect of Brussels sprouts on oxidative DNA-damage in man

The effect of consumption of Brussels sprouts on the excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) into human urine was investigated. Ten non-smoking volunteers (five males and five females) were randomly assigned to two groups. Five volunteers started on a diet of 300 g of glucosinolate-free vegetables whereas the other five consumed 300 g of Brussels sprouts per day. After 1 week dietary regimes were reversed. Levels of 8-oxodG in 24-h urine samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. In four of five males a reduction in 8-oxodG was found, whereas in the fifth male the 8-oxodG excretion was high in the control period and was even much higher in the sprouts period. In females no effect of consumption of Brussels sprouts on excretion of 8-oxodG was found. Our previous and present findings support the results of epidemiologic studies that consumption of brassica vegetables may diminish cancer risk.