Diallyl tetrasulfide modulates the cadmium-induced impairment of membrane bound enzymes in rats

Protective effects of onion extract on cadmium-induced oxidative stress, histological damage, and apoptosis in rat heart

To date, there is no available information on the protective effect of onion (Allium cepa) extract (AcE) on cadmium (Cd)-induced cardiotoxicity. The present study was performed to assess the possible antioxidant and anti-apoptotic roles of AcE in Cd-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. A Cd group was injected subcutaneously with CdCl2 dissolved in saline at a dose of 2 ml/kg/day for 30 days, resulting in a dosage of 1 mg/kg Cd. The rats in the AcE-treated group were given 1 ml of AcE via intragastric intubation for 30 days. The rats intoxicated with Cd for 30 days showed increased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased levels of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in cardiac tissue. AcE attenuated these adverse effects of Cd. After Cd exposure, histological abnormalities were observed, including myofibrillar loss, vacuolization of cytoplasm and irregularity of myofibrils. These histological alterations were effectively attenuated by the treatment with AcE. Furthermore, our data indicate a significant reduction of apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes of the Cd group treated with AcE therapy. Animal studies show antioxidant effects of AcE. But to date, no study reported the effect of AcE on biochemical and histopathological changes due to Cd induced on rat heart. Our study showed that AcE therapy reduced Cd-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activity.

Chronic crude garlic-feeding modified adult male rat testicular markers: mechanisms of action

BACKGROUND

Garlic or Allium sativum (As) shows therapeutic effects such as reduction of blood pressure or hypercholesterolemia but side-effects on reproductive functions remain poorly investigated. Because of garlic's chemical complexity, the processing methods and yield in preparations differ in efficacy and safety. In this context, we clarify the mechanisms of action of crushed crude garlic on testicular markers.

METHODS

During one month of treatment, 24 male rats were fed 5%, 10% and 15% crude garlic.

RESULTS

We showed that crude garlic-feeding induced apoptosis in testicular germ cells (spermatocytes and spermatids). This cell death process was characterized by increased levels of active CASP3 but not CASP6. Expression of the caspase inhibitors BIRC3 and BIRC2 was increased at all doses of As while expression of XIAP and BIRC5 was unchanged. Moreover, expression of the IAP inhibitor DIABLO was increased at doses 10% and 15% of As. The germ cell death process induced by As might be related to a decrease in testosterone production because of the reduced expression of steroidogenic enzymes (Star, Cyp11a, Hsd3b5 and Hsd17b). Evaluation of Sertoli markers showed that TUBB3 and GSTA2 expression was unchanged. In contrast, AMH, RHOX5 and CDKN1B expression was decreased while GATA4 expression was increased.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we showed that feeding with crude garlic inhibited Leydig steroidogenic enzyme expression and Sertoli cell markers. These alterations might induce apoptosis in testicular germ cells.

Hepatoprotective potentials of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage in rats is reported. Control group received double-distilled water alone. Cd group was challenged with 3CdSO(4).8H(2)O (as Cd; 1.5 mg/kg bw per day per oral) alone, while extract-treated groups were pretreated with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract (0.5 and 1.0 ml/100 g bw per day per oral) for a week and thereafter co-treated with Cd (1.5 mg/kg bw per day per oral) for 3 weeks. Cd caused a marked (p < 0.001) increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione S-transferase, whereas glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were decreased in the liver. We also observed a decrease in hepatic activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase and a concomitant increase in the plasma activities of ALT and AST. Onion and garlic extracts significantly attenuated these adverse effects of Cd. Onion extract proffered a dose-dependent hepatoprotection. Our study showed that Cd-induced oxidative damage in rat liver is amenable to attenuation by high dose of onion and moderate dose of garlic extracts possibly via reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant defense system that is insufficient to prevent and protect Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.