Organosulfur compounds from alliaceae in the prevention of human pathologies

A strong association between elevated plasma low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) and the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been established. Oxidation of LDL (Ox-LDL) promotes vascular dysfunction, enhances the production and release of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species and contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, Ox-LDL enhances the production and release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6, arachidonic acid metabolites and nitric oxide (NO) that are responsible for various human pathologies including cancer. Organosulfur compounds (OSC) from alliaceae modulate the glutathione (GSH) redox cycle and inhibits NFkappa-B activation in human T cells. Furthermore, OSC bioactivities include antioxidant, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic. immunostimulatory, and liver protection potential. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier SAS.