Potential of Sulforaphane and Broccoli Membrane Vesicles as Regulators of M1/M2 Human Macrophage Activity

Abstract

Macrophages have emerged as important therapeutic targets in many human diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of broccoli membrane vesicles and sulphoraphane (SFN), either free or encapsulated, on the activity of human monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophage primary culture. Our results show that exposure for 24 h to SFN 25 µM, free and encapsulated, induced a potent reduction on the activity of human M1 and M2 macrophages, downregulating proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytic capability on C. albicans. The broccoli membrane vesicles do not represent inert nanocarriers, as they have low amounts of bioactive compounds, being able to modulate the cytokine production, depending on the inflammatory state of the cells. They could induce opposite effects to that of higher doses of SFN, reflecting its hormetic effect. These data reinforce the potential use of broccoli compounds as therapeutic agents not only for inflammatory diseases, but they also open new clinical possibilities for applications in other diseases related to immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, or in cancer therapy. Considering the variability of their biological effects in different scenarios, a proper therapeutic strategy with Brassica bioactive compounds should be designed for each pathology.

Regulation of immunomodulatory networks by Nrf2-activation in immune cells: Redox control and therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases

“…For instance, Molin et al demonstrated that the application of SFN-loaded broccoli membrane vesicles mediated a dose-dependent reduction in the secretion of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 in vitro from the HL-60-derived macrophage-like cells stimulated with LPS [ 202 ]. Similarly, Pavez and colleagues analyzed the effect of broccoli membrane vesicles and SFN, either free or encapsulated, on the activity of human monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophage primary culture obtained from peripheral blood of healthy donors [ 203 ]. The pretreatment of M1 macrophages with SFN-loaded broccoli membrane vesicles (SFN-VES) significantly reduced C. albicans -induced secretion of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β compared to the control [ 203 ].…”

“…Similarly, Pavez and colleagues analyzed the effect of broccoli membrane vesicles and SFN, either free or encapsulated, on the activity of human monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophage primary culture obtained from peripheral blood of healthy donors [ 203 ]. The pretreatment of M1 macrophages with SFN-loaded broccoli membrane vesicles (SFN-VES) significantly reduced C. albicans -induced secretion of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β compared to the control [ 203 ].…”