Diallyl disulfide, an organo-sulfur compound in garlic and onion attenuates trichloromethane-induced hepatic oxidative stress, activation of NFkB and apoptosis in rats

Trichloromethane (TCM) serves as an ingredient in pesticide formulations and fire extinguishers. It is a reported hepato- and renal-toxin. We therefore investigated the chemo-preventive effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on TCM-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty five rats, divided into five groups of five animals each were used. TCM at the dose of 200 mg/kg was orally administered, and concomitantly treated with DADS (50 mg/kg), 5 days per week for 3 weeks. Compared with control, there was a significant increase in hepatic expressions of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), TUNEL positive cells (apoptosis), and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and nitric oxide (NO). Also, a significant decrease in expressions of p53, and activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was recorded following TCM administration. Following treatment, DADS intervention significantly reduced the hepatic NFkB expressions, apoptotic positive cells as well as levels of MDA, H₂O₂, and NO, and also significantly increased the level of GSH, activities of CAT and GPx compared with TCM group, while its effect on expressions of p53 was insignificant. Hepato-protection by DADS against TCM-induced hepatotoxicity may therefore be via suppressions of NFkB activation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in rats.