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Five cysteine-containing compounds delay diabetic deterioration in Balb/cA mice
Cheng-Chin Hsu1, Hsiu-Fang Yen, Mei-Chin Yin
1Department of Nutritional Science, Chungshan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
The Journal of Nutrition
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Five cysteine compounds, including n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and s-allyl cysteine (SAC), improved diabetic complications in mice by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These agents show potential for delaying diabetic deterioration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic complications, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and cytokine imbalance, pose significant health risks.
- Cysteine derivatives are known for their antioxidant properties, but their efficacy against multiple diabetic complications requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of five cysteine-containing compounds against streptozotocin-induced diabetic complications in Balb/cA mice.
- To assess the impact of these agents on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, blood coagulation, and cytokine imbalance.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in Balb/cA mice using streptozotocin.
- Mice received five cysteine compounds (n-acetyl cysteine, s-allyl cysteine, s-ethyl cysteine, s-methyl cysteine, s-propyl cysteine) in drinking water for 4 weeks.
- Evaluated parameters included body weight, plasma glucose and insulin, fibronectin, glutathione, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid oxidation markers, lipid profiles, fibrinolytic factors, and inflammatory cytokines.
Main Results:
- Cysteine compounds improved body weight loss, plasma glucose, insulin, and fibronectin levels in diabetic mice.
- Restored glutathione levels, preserved catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde formation, indicating reduced oxidative stress.
- Reduced plasma and liver triglyceride levels, with n-acetyl cysteine, s-allyl cysteine, and s-propyl cysteine also decreasing liver cholesterol. Enhanced protein C and antithrombin III activity, and suppressed overexpression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Conclusions:
- The five cysteine-containing compounds, via their antioxidant activities, effectively improved glycemic control, delayed oxidation damage, downregulated inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced anticoagulant activity in diabetic mice.
- These agents demonstrate potential as protective agents for delaying diabetic deterioration.