Many health benefits have been claimed for broccoli – but scientists now believe it holds the key to treating a rare genetic condition that causes premature ageing.
So far laboratory studies have shown that a much-studied chemical found in broccoli can counteract a defective protein that causes the condition Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome.
Researchers say their findings may help in the search for treatments for all forms of ageing.
The syndrome is caused by a protein called progerin and this causes cells to age by accumulating in the nucleus, according to researchers at Technische Universität München, Germany.
Their search for substances to counteract progerin led them to sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli, the researchers report in the journal Aging Cell.
Researcher Professor Karima Djabali said: “Of course our experiments are very basic, but every active substance and every new approach brings us a step closer to a treatment for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome patients. It could also help us develop anti-ageing strategies in the future.”
Sulforaphane enhances progerin clearance in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria fibroblasts. Aging Cell December 2014; doi: 10.1111/acel.12300
Leave a Reply