The NRF2 pathway and Sulforaphane: A prominent cancer-protective pathway and its powerful activator

One of the most important biological pathways in the human body is called the NRF2 pathway. Due to its extreme importance in cancer, aging, inflammation, and detoxification, it has been called such things as “the fountain of youth pathway,” “the anti-aging pathway,” and “the cancer protection pathway.” Its activation effects the expression of more than 200 genes including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes as well as genes that inactivate dangerous compounds (detoxification genes).

Fortunately, there is a compound found in nature that innately induces this powerful pathway. This compound is called isothiocyanate. [1] Sulforaphane is a potent isothiocyanate and is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Robust amounts of scientific research point towards sulforaphane’s potent cancer preventative effects as well as its benefit in those who already a diagnosis of cancer. [5, 6, 7]

Dr. Kelly Halderman has a Naturopathic medical degree from Kingdom College of Natural Health. She currently is working on completing her Ph.D. in clinical nutrition and has certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University.

• Conners Clinic
• Dr. Halderman on Cancer Tutor

Decreased cancer risk in those who consume a healthy amount of cruciferous vegetables on a regular basis has been shown in the scientific research. [4, 7, 8] For example, in a 2010 study, smokers who consumed 4.5 serving of raw cruciferous vegetables per month were shown to have a 55 percent reduction in lung cancer risk. [4]  Multiple studies have shown that women who have consumed cruciferous vegetables at least once a week had between a 17 percent and 50 percent reduction in breast cancer risk for those consuming it every day. [8]

Some of the differences in the positive effects of sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables in these studies are thought to be due to the way these vegetables were prepared. Naturally occurring sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables is formed from glucosinolates, which are produced with the help of an enzymeA protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. called myrosinase. This enzyme is activated when the cruciferous vegetable is chewed, crushed, or chopped. However, and importantly, it is inactivated when boiled or steamed.

Researchers take advantage of the importance of this: In studies where the effect of sulforaphane is tested, typically the participants are fed raw cruciferous vegetables, mainly broccoli sprouts or nutriceuticals containing sulforaphane. In a study where men with prostate cancer were given 60mg of sulforaphane daily, (approximately 140g of fresh broccoli sprouts) the results showed a slowing of the doubling rate of PSA by 80 percent compared to placebo. [6] A study in those with bladder cancer demonstrated that consuming four servings of raw cruciferous vegetables per month decreased bladder cancer mortality by 57 percent compared with those who only consumed one serving. [5]

The proposed mechanism by which sulforaphane has its “anti-cancer” properties is due to its effects on both tumor cells and on healthy cells as well. One action is that sulforaphane prevents is deactivation of phase I biotransformation enzymes — these enzymes convert procarcinogens into carcinogens. Another is that sulforaphane can activate phase II detoxification enzymes. [1] It also can cause increased expression of the NQ01 gene. (NQ01 is involved in important processes associated with detoxification.) Most importantly, it prevents the degradation of the tumor suppressor protein p53. [2] More than 50 percent of all adult cancers have a broken or mutated  p53  gene. [3] Sulforaphane can also prevent DNA adducts, a type of DNA damage known to lead to cancer.

The NRF2 pathway and its effects on inflammation, detoxification, and cancer are well known and scientifically-backed. Upregulating this pathway is relevant in many disease processes, especially in cancer prevention and treatment. At Conners Clinic, we utilize the anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane with our patients.

We have personally seen so much clinical success using this extraordinary compound that we have developed our own formulation. We also have created a new delivery system of our own sulforaphane product that combines other synergistic ingredients and mode of ingestion to ensure proper dosing and absorption. Furthermore, we use genetic testing to determine if any single nucleotide polymorphisms exist in the NFR2 pathway, which aids in personalizing one’s supplementA product, generally taken orally, that contains one or more ingredients (such as vitamins or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food. and treatment regimen.

Contact Dr. Halderman by visiting www.ConnersClinic.com or calling (800) 209-4833.