GSTT1 genotype modifies the association between cruciferous vegetable intake and the risk of myocardial infarction

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of myocardial infarction (MI), one of the leading causes of cardiovascular deaths in the world (1). The American Heart Association recommends ≥5 servings of fruit and vegetables/d to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) (2). Because fruit and vegetables represent a large group of foods with varied nutrient and nonnutrient profiles, it is unclear which components of this food group provide protection against CHD. Isothiocyanates are a group of naturally occurring compounds that occur as glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables, primarily those of the Brassica genus. Isothiocyanates may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, such as inducing detoxifying enzymes and reducing oxidative stress (3–6). Two studies have reported an inverse association between cruciferous vegetable consumption and serum homocysteine concentrations (7, 8), a risk factor for CHD.