Chemoprotection Against N-Methyl-N′-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine-Induced Oxidative Stress by S-Allylcysteine, a Garlic Constituent, in Wistar Rats

• Published in: Toxicology mechanisms and methods Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 83 - 87
• Main Authors: Velmurugan, B., Subapriya, R., Nagini, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 2003; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Garlic; Lipid Peroxidation; Mnng; Oxidative Stress; S-Allylcysteine
• ISSN: 1537-6516; 1537-6524
• DOI: 10.1080/15376510309844

S-allylcysteine (SAC), a water-soluble garlic constituent, was tested for its protective effect against N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Three different concentrations of SAC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg − 1 body weight) were administered intragastrically for 5 consecutive days, followed by intragastric intubation of MNNG 1½ h after the final administration. Measurement of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the stomach, liver, and erythrocytes was used to monitor the chemoprotective effects of SAC. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in MNNG-treated rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in glutathione and in the activities of GPx and GST. Administration of SAC at the concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg − 1 body weight significantly reduced the concentration of lipid peroxides and enhanced the levels of GSH-dependent antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. Our findings suggest that SAC exerts chemoprotective effects, even at a concentration of 200 mg/kg − 1 body weight, against MNNG-induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant status.