Thiol-reactive compounds from garlic inhibit the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key factor in the transepithelial movement of sodium, and consequently salt and water homeostasis in various organs. Dysregulated activity of ENaC is associated with human diseases such as hypertension, the salt-wasting syndrome pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary oedema or intestinal disorders. Therefore it is important to identify novel compounds that affect ENaC activity. This study investigated if garlic (Allium sativum) and its characteristic organosulfur compounds have impact on ENaCs. Human ENaCs were heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes and their activity was measured as transmembrane currents by the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. The application of freshly prepared extract from 5g of fresh garlic (1% final concentration) decreased transmembrane currents of ENaC-expressing oocytes within 10 min. This effect was dose-dependent and irreversible. It was fully sensitive to the ENaC-inhibitor amiloride and was not apparent on native control oocytes. The effect of garlic was blocked by dithiothreitol and l-cysteine indicating involvement of thiol-reactive compounds. The garlic organosulsur compounds S-allylcysteine, alliin and diallyl sulfides had no effect on ENaC. By contrast, the thiol-reactive garlic compound allicin significantly inhibited ENaC to a similar extent as garlic extract. These data indicate that thiol-reactive compounds which are present in garlic inhibit ENaC.