Biochemical effects of dithiolthiones.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Dithiolthiones are compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
• These compounds are known to influence metabolic pathways.
• Their role in xenobiotic detoxification and cancer prevention is of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biochemical effects of dithiolthiones in vivo.
• To determine if dithiolthiones enhance detoxification enzymes and glutathione levels.
• To explore the potential role of dietary dithiolthiones in chemoprotection.

Main Methods:

• Administration of dithiolthiones (oltipraz, ADT, 116L, 129L) to mice and rats via single doses or dietary inclusion.
• Measurement of glutathione levels and activities of key detoxification enzymes (glutathione transferases, reductases, dehydrogenases).
• Assessment of effects on murine mammary adenocarcinoma transplants and on mice fed lyophilized cabbage.

Main Results:

• Dithiolthiones significantly increased glutathione levels and activities of detoxification enzymes in the liver and lungs of mice and rats.
• Enzymes affected include glutathione transferases, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase.
• No significant increase in these markers was observed in murine mammary adenocarcinoma transplants.
• Feeding mice a diet with lyophilized cabbage also increased glutathione and enzyme activities, suggesting a role for dietary dithiolthiones.

Conclusions:

• Dithiolthiones enhance the body's natural detoxification systems by increasing glutathione and key enzyme activities.
• These biochemical effects provide a potential mechanism for the protective actions of dithiolthiones and vegetable-rich diets against xenobiotics.
• Dietary dithiolthiones, present in vegetables like cabbage, may contribute to cancer chemoprevention.