• Macrophages play a pivotal role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) pathogenesis by perpetuating inflammation in the intestinal mucosa.
• Sulforaphane, a bioactive compound in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to modulate cellular processes including inflammation and metabolism.
• Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a key transcription factor involved in cellular responses to hypoxia, low oxygen levels, and plays a crucial role in inflammation.
• Hypothesis: Sulforaphane may regulate macrophage function in IBD by modulating HIF-1 activation and cellular energy metabolism.
• Methodology:
  • Utilize in vitro and in vivo models of IBD to study the effects of cruciferous vegetable extracts on macrophage phenotype and function.
  • Assess the impact of sulforaphane on HIF-1 activation in macrophages under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
  • Investigate the influence of sulforaphane on cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in macrophages.
• Significance: Findings may provide insights into the therapeutic potential of cruciferous vegetable-derived compounds, such as sulforaphane, for modulating macrophage-driven inflammation in IBD and other inflammatory disorders.
• Clinical Translation: Establish a foundation for further preclinical and clinical studies to explore the utility of sulforaphane as a novel therapeutic approach for IBD management, potentially targeting HIF-1-mediated inflammation.