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Diallyl tetrasulfide protects cadmium-induced alterations in lipids and plasma lipoproteins in rats
Ponnusamy Murugavel1, Leelavinothan Pari1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamilnadu 608002, India.
Abstract:
Lipoprotein abnormalities disrupt the levels of serum and cellular lipid, which accounts for the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. Cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with a number of distinct pathological changes including dyslipidemia. Garlic and its organosulfur compounds seem to hold promise in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) from garlic on Cd-induced alterations in the levels of lipids and lipoproteins in Wistar rats. Subcutaneous administration of Cd (3 mg/[kg body weight d]) for 3 weeks showed a significant (P < .05) increase in total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids, with a significant (P < .05) reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma. In addition, the activity of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and the levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides were significantly (P < .05) increased and the level of phospholipids was significantly decreased (P < .05) in liver of Cd-treated rats. Oral administration ofDTS (40 mg/[kg body weight d]) significantly (P < .05) reduced the levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; but the activity of hepatic hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (P < .05) in Cd-treated rats. Our results indicate that the administration of DTS afforded remarkable protection against Cd-induced alterations in lipid metabolism and thereby reduced the Cd-mediated cardiovascular diseases.
Insights
Diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) from garlic protects against cadmium-induced dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk by improving lipid profiles and reducing harmful cholesterol levels in rats.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Lipoprotein abnormalities are key contributors to cardiovascular diseases.
- Cadmium (Cd) exposure is linked to pathological changes, including dyslipidemia.
- Garlic compounds, like diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS), show potential in mitigating cardiovascular risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of DTS against Cd-induced alterations in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.
- To assess the impact of DTS on key enzymes and lipid levels in Wistar rats exposed to cadmium.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were administered subcutaneous cadmium (Cd) for 3 weeks.
- Oral administration of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) was given to assess its effects.
- Measurements included plasma and liver lipid levels, and hepatic hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity.
Main Results:
- Cd exposure significantly increased plasma total cholesterol, VLDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids, while decreasing HDL-C.
- Cd treatment also elevated hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and liver cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides, with decreased phospholipids.
- DTS administration significantly counteracted these Cd-induced changes, reducing harmful lipids and improving HDL-C levels.
Conclusions:
- Diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) demonstrates significant protective effects against cadmium-induced dyslipidemia.
- DTS administration can mitigate cadmium's adverse impact on lipid metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Garlic-derived DTS shows promise as a therapeutic agent against heavy metal-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
