Effect of diallyl disulfide on liver nucleotide metabolism in experimentally induced hepatoma in mice.

Background: The antitumorigenic effects of active ingredient of garlic, diallyl disulfide (DADS), has been extensively studied & found to retard the growth of neoplastic cells than any other allyl sulfur compounds of garlic. Earlier we have reported antitomorogenic properties of DADS, showing tumor regression by interfering with the liver glucose utilization, protein synthesis as well as lipid synthesis in tumor cells. Aim: To assess the effect of diallyl disulfide on liver nucleotide metabolism in experimentally induced hepatoma in mice. Materials & Methods: Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups - normal, control, preventive and curative groups. Hepatoma was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. DADS (100 mg/kg body weight/mouse/day) was orally fed to protective and curative group mice for a stipulated time period. Mice of all the groups were sacrificed, and liver tissue adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and uric acid (UA) levels were measured. Results: The present study shows a significant decrease in ADA activity and UA levels in protective (p >0.001) and curative groups (p >0.01) as compared to control group. Conclusion: DADS has inhibitory effects on nucleotide metabolism by inhibiting the activities of ADA and xanthine oxidase enzymes, and by reducing the production of deoxy ribonucleotides, probably by involving in thiol-disulfide exchange reactions.