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Diallyl sulfide, a flavor component of garlic (Allium sativum), inhibits dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer
Abstract:
Diallyl sulfide, a thioether found naturally in garlic, when given by gavage to C57BL/6J mice inhibited by 74% the incidence and reduced the frequency of colorectal adenocarcinoma induced by 20 weekly injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. This result was predicted from a short-term assay measuring defects in nuclear morphology in mouse colon epithelial cells. This chemical is representative of a class of naturally occurring sulfur compounds with profound pharmacologic activity, one aspect of which may be cancer prevention.
Insights
Diallyl sulfide from garlic significantly reduced colorectal cancer in mice. This finding was predicted by a short-term assay assessing cell nucleus changes, suggesting potential cancer prevention by natural sulfur compounds.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Chemoprevention
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal adenocarcinoma is a significant health concern.
- Naturally occurring compounds are being investigated for cancer prevention.
- Diallyl sulfide is a sulfur compound found in garlic with known pharmacologic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of diallyl sulfide against chemically induced colorectal adenocarcinoma in mice.
- To determine if a short-term assay predicting nuclear morphology defects can forecast in vivo efficacy.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine to induce colorectal adenocarcinoma.
- Diallyl sulfide was administered by gavage to a treatment group.
- A short-term assay measured defects in nuclear morphology in mouse colon epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Diallyl sulfide administration inhibited the incidence of colorectal adenocarcinoma by 74%.
- The frequency of colorectal adenocarcinoma was also reduced in the diallyl sulfide treated group.
- Results from the short-term nuclear morphology assay accurately predicted the in vivo outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Diallyl sulfide demonstrates significant chemopreventive effects against colorectal adenocarcinoma in a mouse model.
- Short-term assays assessing nuclear morphology are reliable predictors of in vivo chemopreventive efficacy.
- Naturally occurring sulfur compounds, like diallyl sulfide, represent a promising class of agents for cancer prevention.