Effects of Sulforaphane (SFN) on Immune Response to Live Attenuated Influenza Virus in Smokers and Nonsmokers

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage are particularly rich in a plant chemical called sulforaphane (SFN) which boosts production of certain "defense" enzymes that increase the activity of antioxidants. In animals, the chemical protection from SFN helps prevent diseases associated with inflammation and cancer among others, and this is currently being studied in humans. Young broccoli sprouts have a particularly high level of SFN compared to other foods. The purpose of this research study is to learn about short term responses to live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV, administered to you via Flumist® vaccine) between smoking and nonsmoking volunteers treated with broccoli sprout homogenates ("shake") or a placebo homogenate. This will be done by obtaining a series of "nasal lavages" or rinses of your nose with salt water, as well as 3 superficial biopsies of the inside lining of your nose both before and after you receive the vaccine. Using these samples, we will measure the amount of virus and the amount of inflammation in your nose and compare how smokers and nonsmokers respond to the vaccine when they are given a broccoli sprout homogenate (high in SFN) or a placebo alfalfa spout "shake" which is low in SFN during each of 4 study visits. Subjects will be seen for a screening visit (inc. HIV test) and then randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 homogenates. Broccoli sprout homogenate will be the the active treatment arm while the placebo arm will be alfalfa sprout homogenate. Two to 4 weeks after screening, subjects will return for 5 sequential visits (Monday-Friday). Monday-Thursday they will receive the assigned homogenate. On Tuesday, they will receive the Flumist®vaccine. Subjects will also be seen at 1 and 3 weeks post vaccine. Nasal lavage (NL), blood samples and nasal biopsies will performed prior to and after study interventions.