Mareninova · 2026 · American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology
A study of sulforaphane's potential to protect pancreatic cells
Can sulforaphane reduce cell damage during pancreatic inflammation?
Animal and isolated cells · genetic and pharmacological mechanistic study
Key findings
Pancreatic inflammation and tissue injury decreased.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, and pancreatic tissue injury decreased in mice given sulforaphane.
One experiment also treated mice after the first pancreatitis attack.
When treatment was given for three days after the first attack before inducing a second, damage from the second episode of pancreatitis was lower.
Shows a potential approach to protecting pancreatic cells
An approach activating NRF2, a protein involved in cellular defense, in mice with pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis Animal Study · Observed Changes
Observed in mice given sulforaphane
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Decrease
- Tissue injury
- Less damage
Animal experiments with induced acute and recurrent pancreatitis
Read the original paper and sources ↓Study design
Mice with pancreas-specific NRF2 loss of function were compared with controls. In a separate experiment, wild-type mice received sulforaphane injections for three days before pancreatitis was induced. In a recurrence model, dosing began after the first attack for three days before a second attack.
- Participants
- Mouse · nonalcoholic and alcohol-related models
Pancreatic acinar cells isolated from mice - Intake and observation
- Sulforaphane 50 mg/kg/day · intraperitoneal injection
Three-day pretreatment or dosing between two attacks - Measures
- Oxidative stress · inflammation · tissue necrosis · pancreatic enzymes
Study context
An animal study of mechanisms protecting pancreatic acinar cells, which secrete digestive enzymes. Tissue injury was assessed after experimentally induced first and recurrent pancreatitis attacks.
Original paper and sources
Genetic and pharmacologic modulations elucidate NRF2 protective role in acute pancreatitis.
- Journal
- American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology · 2026 · 331(3): G348-G364
- First published
- 2026-07-30