The chemopreventive effects of aged garlic extract against cadmium-induced toxicity

Garlic has been reported in many previous studies as a potent chemopreventive agent. The protective effect of garlic has been ascribed to the presence of organosulphur compounds (OSC). In this study, the efficacy of aged garlic extract (AGE) compared to diallyl disulfide (DADS) in protecting against toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd) in 1321N1 and HEK293 cells was investigated. The involvement of the transcription factor Nrf2 in this protection was also examined. The results show that AGE significantly prevented loss of cell viability in Cd-treated 1321N1 and HEK293 cells. In comparison DADS had no significant effect in protecting HEK293 cells but did protect 1321N1 cells. AGE significantly reduced Cd-induced TBARS production and LDH leakage in the two cell lines, and AGE and DADS both increased GSH levels in Cd-treated cell lines. Pre-treatment of cells with AGE or DADS increased expression of the protective enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and this was associated with the accumulation of the transcription factor Nrf2. These results show that AGE and DADS have beneficial effects against Cd-induced toxicity, and this protection appears to be mediated via induction of cytoprotective enzymes in an Nrf2-dependent manner. This indicates the potential for using AGE as a chemoprevention strategy for Cd toxicity.