Background and Aim: Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate with anticancer effects. In the present study, the effect of sulforaphane in angiogenesis in chicks' chorioallantoic membrane was investigated.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 56 fertilized eggs were divided into 7 groups of eight with three replications: control, control-Experimental and five treatment groups treated with sulforaphane (50,100,200,400 and 800µg/ml, respectively). On the 2nd day of incubation, a window opened on every egg. On the 8th day, treatment was done.On the 12th day, all CAMs were examined and photographed and the number and length of the vessels around the sponges, weight, and length (CR) of chick embryo were determined. Besides, every vessel hemoglobin content was measured using Drabkyn, s test. The antioxidant effect of sulforaphane was assessed by means of ABTS and DPPH assay. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS software (V: 16) at the significant level of 0.05.
Results: It was found that 50 µg/ml of sulforaphane did not have any significant effect on the angiogenic process, but 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml of sulforaphane; i.e in a dose-dependent manner led to a decrease in number, length, and hemoglobin content of the blood vessels. Moreover, embryo weight and CR decreased compared with the control. The results from DPPH and ABTS assay showed that Sulforaphane, dose-dependently, inhibits the activity of free radicals.
Conclusion: Sulforaphane has anti-angiogenic and anti-oxidant properties, and it can be a suitable candidate for the treatment of diseases associated with angiogenesis.