Diallyl tetrasulfide protects cadmium-induced alterations in lipids and plasma lipoproteins in rats

Lipoprotein abnormalities disrupt the levels of serum and cellular lipid, which accounts for the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. Cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with a number of distinct pathological changes including dyslipidemia. Garlic and its organosulfur compounds seem to hold promise in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) from garlic on Cd-induced alterations in the levels of lipids and lipoproteins in Wistar rats. Subcutaneous administration of Cd (3 mg/[kg body weight d]) for 3 weeks showed a significant (P <.05) increase in total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids, with a significant (P <.05) reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma. In addition, the activity of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and the levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides were significantly (P <.05) increased and the level of phospholipids was significantly decreased (P <.05) in liver of Cd-treated rats. Oral administration of DTS (40 mg/[kg body weight d]) significantly (P <.05) reduced the levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; but the activity of hepatic hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (P <.05) in Cd-treated rats. Our results indicate that the administration of DTS afforded remarkable protection against Cd-induced alterations in lipid metabolism and thereby reduced the Cd-mediated cardiovascular diseases. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.