Modulatory effects of diallyl sulfide against testosterone-induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Sahdeo Prasad, Neetu Kalra, Yogeshwer Shukla*

Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow 226001, India

DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00201.x

Abstract
Aim: Free radicals are primarily responsible for initiating damage to biological targets, leading to different disorders including cancer. The antioxidant enzymes that exist in cells are involved in the protection against the effects of these free radicals and other oxygen-derived species. Epidemiological observations and several laboratory studies, in both cell culture and animal models, indicate the anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potential of garlic and its constituents. In the present study we investigated the protective effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a constituent of garlic, against testosterone-induced oxidative stress in male Swiss albino mice. Methods: The animals were given low (250 µg/animal) and high dose (500 µg/animal) of DAS in corn oil for 7 days along with testosterone (5 mg/kg body weight i.p.). At the end of the study period, the prostate and the liver were dissected to determine various antioxidant enzyme levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase) and lipid peroxidation. Results: In testosterone treated mice, depleted antioxidant enzyme level was accompanied with enhancement in lipid peroxidation in prostate and liver. DAS significantly restored the testosterone-induced antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in both the organs. These changes appear to be mediated by the antioxidant-enhancing effects of DAS. Conclusions: Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that DAS is effective in exerting antioxidant effects by inhibiting testosterone-induced oxidative stress and might be helpful in preventing prostate cancer.

Keywords: oxidative stress; antioxidants; lipid peroxidation; diallyl sulfide; testosterone

Correspondence to: Dr Yogeshwer Shukla,Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, PO Box 80; M.G. Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
Tel: +91-522-2620-207, +91-522-2614-118, Fax: +91-522-2628-227, +91-522-2611-547
Email: yogeshwer_shukla@hotmail.com; Shukla_y@rediffmail.com
Received 2006-01-20 Accepted 2006-05-31