Impact of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during the perinatal and post-weaning periods on the phospholipid and ganglioside composition of olfactory tissues.

The olfactory mucosa (OM) and olfactory bulb (OB) are neuronal tissues that contribute to the early processing of olfactory information. They contain significant amounts of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are crucial for neuronal tissue development. In this study, we evaluated the impact of feeding mice diets that are either deficient in α-linolenic acid (ALA) or supplemented with n-3 long-chain PUFAs from gestation to adolescence on the phospholipid and ganglioside composition of these tissues. Both diets modified the levels of some phospholipid classes, notably the phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine levels. In addition, the low-ALA diet enriched n-6 PUFAs in the main phospholipid classes of both tissues, while the diet supplemented with n-3 PUFAs enhanced the n-3 PUFA-containing phospholipid species level, mainly in OM. The diets also modulated the levels and profiles of several ganglioside classes in OM and OB. These modifications may have repercussions on the olfactory sensitivity.

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency alters olfactory mucosa sensitivity in young mice but has no impact on olfactory behavior.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We recently showed that perinatal exposure to diets with unbalanced n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios affects the olfactory mucosa (OM) fatty acid composition. To assess the repercussions of these modifications, we investigated the impact of diets unbalanced in n-3 PUFAs on the molecular composition and functionality of the OM in young mice. METHODS: After mating, female mice were fed diets either deficient in α-linolenic acid (LOW diet) or supplemented with n-3 long-chain PUFAs (HIGH diet) during the perinatal period. Weaned male offspring were then fed ad libitum with the same experimental diets for 5 weeks. At 8 weeks of age, olfactory behavior tests were performed in young mice. The fatty acid composition of OM and olfactory cilia, as well as the expression of genes involved in different cellular pathways, were analyzed. The electroolfactograms induced by odorant stimuli were recorded to assess the impact of diets on OM functionality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Both diets significantly modified the fatty acid profiles of OM and olfactory cilia in young mice. They also induced changes in the expression of genes involved in olfactory signaling and in olfactory neuron maturation. The electroolfactogram amplitudes were reduced in mice fed the LOW diet. Nevertheless, the LOW diet and the HIGH diet did not affect mouse olfactory behavior. Our study demonstrated that consumption of diets deficient in or supplemented with n-3 PUFAs during the perinatal and postweaning periods caused significant changes in young mouse OM. However, these modifications did not impair their olfactory capacities.

Chemical Synthesis, Pharmacokinetic Properties and Biological Effects of JM-00266, a Putative Non-Brain Penetrant Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Inverse Agonist.

Targeting cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1R) with peripherally restricted antagonists (or inverse agonists) shows promise to improve metabolic disorders associated with obesity. In this context, we designed and synthetized JM-00266, a new CB1R blocker with limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Pharmacokinetics were tested with SwissADME and in vivo in rodents after oral and intraperitoneal administration of JM-00266 in comparison with Rimonabant. In silico predictions indicated JM-00266 is a non-brain penetrant compound and this was confirmed by brain/plasma ratios and brain uptake index values. JM-00266 had no impact on food intake, anxiety-related behavior and body temperature suggesting an absence of central activity. cAMP assays performed in CB1R-transfected HEK293T/17 cells showed that the drug exhibited inverse agonist activity on CB1R. In addition, JM-00266 counteracted anandamide-induced gastroparesis indicating substantial peripheral activity. Acute administration of JM-00266 also improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in wild-type mice, but not in CB1R-/- mice. Furthermore, the accumulation of JM-00266 in adipose tissue was associated with an increase in lipolysis. In conclusion, JM-00266 or derivatives can be predicted as a new candidate for modulating peripheral endocannabinoid activity and improving obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Lipidomic profile of human nasal mucosa and associations with circulating fatty acids and olfactory deficiency.

The nasal mucosa (NM) contains olfactory mucosa which contributes to the detection of odorant molecules and the transmission of olfactory information to the brain. To date, the lipid composition of the human NM has not been adequately characterized. Using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography, we analyzed the fatty acids and the phospholipid and ceramide molecular species in adult human nasal and blood biopsies. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) accounted for 45% and 29% of the nasal total fatty acids, respectively. Fatty acids of the n-6 family were predominant in the PUFA subgroup. Linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) were incorporated in the main nasal phospholipid classes. Correlation analysis revealed that the nasal AA level might be positively associated with olfactory deficiency. In addition, a strong positive association between the AA levels in the NM and in plasma cholesteryl esters suggested that this blood fraction might be used as an indicator of the nasal AA level. The most abundant species of ceramides and their glycosylated derivatives detected in NM contained palmitic acid and long-chain fatty acids. Overall, this study provides new insight into lipid species that potentially contribute to the maintenance of NM homeostasis and demonstrates that circulating biomarkers might be used to predict nasal fatty acid content.

Perinatal exposure to diets with different n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios affects olfactory tissue fatty acid composition.

The olfactory mucosa (OM) and the olfactory bulb (OB) are responsible for the detection and processing of olfactory signals. Like the brain and retina, they contain high levels of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for the structure and function of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Since the influence of the maternal diet on olfactory lipid profiles of the offspring has been poorly explored, we examined the effects of feeding mice during the perinatal period with diets containing an adequate linoleic acid level but either deficient in α-linolenic acid (ALA) or supplemented in n-3 long-chain PUFAs on the lipid composition of dams and weaning offspring olfactory tissues. In both the OM and OB, the low n-3 ALA diet led to a marked reduction in n-3 PUFAs with a concomitant increase in n-6 PUFAs, whereas consumption of the high n-3 PUFA diet reduced n-6 PUFAs and increased n-3 PUFAs. Structural analysis showed that the molecular species profiles of the main phospholipid classes of olfactory tissues from weaning pups were markedly affected by the maternal diets. This study demonstrates that the PUFA status of olfactory tissues is sensitive to diet composition from the early stages of development.

Comprehensive study of rodent olfactory tissue lipid composition.

The peripheral olfactory tissue (OT) plays a primordial role in the detection and transduction of olfactory information. Recent proteomic and transcriptomic studies have provided valuable insight into proteins and RNAs expressed in this tissue. Paradoxically, there is little information regarding the lipid composition of mammalian OT. To delve further into this issue, using a set of complementary state-of-the-art techniques, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of OT lipid composition in rats and mice fed with standard diets. The results showed that phospholipids are largely predominant, the major classes being phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Two types of plasmalogens, plasmenyl-choline and plasmenyl-ethanolamine, as well as gangliosides were also detected. With the exception of sphingomyelin, substantial levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA), were found in the different phospholipid classes. These findings demonstrate that the rodent OT shares several features in common with other neural tissues, such as the brain and retina.

Biophysical and functional characterization of the human olfactory receptor OR1A1 expressed in a mammalian inducible cell line.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) play a crucial role in detecting the odorant molecules present in the surrounding environment. These receptors, which belong to class A G-protein-coupled receptors, constitute the largest transmembrane protein family in the human genome. Functional studies showed that the OR family includes members that are able to respond to a large set of odorants and members that are activated by a relatively small number of related odorants. To understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the receptor-ligand interactions, we overexpressed the human OR hOR1A1 in a stable tetracycline-inducible HEK293S cell line. This receptor was engineered by inserting a C-terminal rho1D4 epitope tag and an N-terminal FLAG epitope tag to allow its purification and detection. The functional activity of the FLAG-rho1D4-tagged hOR1A1 in heterologous HEK293S cells was analysed using a real-time cAMP assay. A two-step purification using monoclonal anti-FLAG immunoaffinity purification and gel filtration was then employed to purify the detergent-solubilized receptor. A size exclusion chromatography-multi-angle light scattering analysis showed the presence of monomeric and dimeric forms of FLAG-rho1D4-tagged hOR1A1. The amounts of the monomeric and dimeric forms purified from sixty T175 flasks were approximately 1.6 and 1.1 mg, respectively. The circular dichroism analysis showed that the purified receptor was properly folded. Ligand binding was quantified using an intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence assay and revealed that the detergent-solubilized FLAG-rho1D4-tagged hOR1A1 bound its cognate odorant, dihydrojasmone, with an affinity in the micromolar range. These results pave the way for future crystallographic and NMR studies.

The perception of odor objects in everyday life: a review on the processing of odor mixtures.

Smelling monomolecular odors hardly ever occurs in everyday life, and the daily functioning of the sense of smell relies primarily on the processing of complex mixtures of volatiles that are present in the environment (e.g., emanating from food or conspecifics). Such processing allows for the instantaneous recognition and categorization of smells and also for the discrimination of odors among others to extract relevant information and to adapt efficiently in different contexts. The neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning this highly efficient analysis of complex mixtures of odorants is beginning to be unraveled and support the idea that olfaction, as vision and audition, relies on odor-objects encoding. This configural processing of odor mixtures, which is empirically subject to important applications in our societies (e.g., the art of perfumers, flavorists, and wine makers), has been scientifically studied only during the last decades. This processing depends on many individual factors, among which are the developmental stage, lifestyle, physiological and mood state, and cognitive skills; this processing also presents striking similarities between species. The present review gathers the recent findings, as observed in animals, healthy subjects, and/or individuals with affective disorders, supporting the perception of complex odor stimuli as odor objects. It also discusses peripheral to central processing, and cognitive and behavioral significance. Finally, this review highlights that the study of odor mixtures is an original window allowing for the investigation of daily olfaction and emphasizes the need for knowledge about the underlying biological processes, which appear to be crucial for our representation and adaptation to the chemical environment.

Identification of odorant-receptor interactions by global mapping of the human odorome.

The human olfactory system recognizes a broad spectrum of odorants using approximately 400 different olfactory receptors (hORs). Although significant improvements of heterologous expression systems used to study interactions between ORs and odorant molecules have been made, screening the olfactory repertoire of hORs remains a tremendous challenge. We therefore developed a chemical systems level approach based on protein-protein association network to investigate novel hOR-odorant relationships. Using this new approach, we proposed and validated new bioactivities for odorant molecules and OR2W1, OR51E1 and OR5P3. As it remains largely unknown how human perception of odorants influence or prevent diseases, we also developed an odorant-protein matrix to explore global relationships between chemicals, biological targets and disease susceptibilities. We successfully experimentally demonstrated interactions between odorants and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Overall, these results illustrate the potential of integrative systems chemical biology to explore the impact of odorant molecules on human health, i.e. human odorome.

[Music as mediation in a home for adolescents]. / La musique comme médiation dans une maison des adolescents.

Music as mediation in a home for adolescents. At the H6pital Cochin homeforadolescents in Paris, therapeutic workshops give young hospital patients the opportunity to express themselves outside of the daily care environment. Just like the cultural workshops, the music workshop enhances the well-being of these adolescents in difficulty. Experience sharing.

Odorant-binding proteins and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes: implications in olfactory perireceptor events.

At the periphery of the olfactory system, the binding of odorants on olfactory receptors (ORs) is usually thought to be the first level of the perception of smell. However, at this stage, there is evidence that other molecular mechanisms also interfere with this chemoreception by ORs. These perireceptor events are mainly supported by two groups of proteins present in the olfactory nasal mucus or in the nasal epithelium. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), the first group of proteins have been investigated for many years. OBPs are small carrier proteins capable of binding odorants with affinities in the micromolar range. Although there is no absolute evidence to support their functional roles in vertebrates, OBPs are good candidates for the transport of inhaled odorants towards the ORs via the nasal mucus. The second group of proteins involves xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, which are strongly expressed in the olfactory epithelium and supposed to be involved in odorant transformation, degradation, and/or olfactory signal termination. Following an overview of these proteins, this review explores their roles, which are still a matter of debate.

Odorant metabolism catalyzed by olfactory mucosal enzymes influences peripheral olfactory responses in rats.

A large set of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs), such as the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), esterases and transferases, are highly expressed in mammalian olfactory mucosa (OM). These enzymes are known to catalyze the biotransformation of exogenous compounds to facilitate elimination. However, the functions of these enzymes in the olfactory epithelium are not clearly understood. In addition to protecting against inhaled toxic compounds, these enzymes could also metabolize odorant molecules, and thus modify their stimulating properties or inactivate them. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro biotransformation of odorant molecules in the rat OM and assessed the impact of this metabolism on peripheral olfactory responses. Rat OM was found to efficiently metabolize quinoline, coumarin and isoamyl acetate. Quinoline and coumarin are metabolized by CYPs whereas isoamyl acetate is hydrolyzed by carboxylesterases. Electro-olfactogram (EOG) recordings revealed that the hydroxylated metabolites derived from these odorants elicited lower olfactory response amplitudes than the parent molecules. We also observed that glucurono-conjugated derivatives induced no olfactory signal. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the local application of a CYP inhibitor on rat olfactory epithelium increased EOG responses elicited by quinoline and coumarin. Similarly, the application of a carboxylesterase inhibitor increased the EOG response elicited by isoamyl acetate. This increase in EOG amplitude provoked by XME inhibitors is likely due to enhanced olfactory sensory neuron activation in response to odorant accumulation. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that biotransformation of odorant molecules by enzymes localized to the olfactory mucosa may change the odorant's stimulating properties and may facilitate the clearance of odorants to avoid receptor saturation.

Expression and differential localization of xenobiotic transporters in the rat olfactory neuro-epithelium.

Transporters, such as multidrug resistance P-glycoproteins (MDR), multidrug resistance-related proteins (MRP) and organic anion transporters (OATs), are involved in xenobiotic metabolism, particularly the cellular uptake or efflux of xenobiotics (and endobiotics) or their metabolites. The olfactory epithelium is exposed to both inhaled xenobiotics and those coming from systemic circulation. This tissue has been described as a pathway for xenobiotics to the brain via olfactory perineural space. Thereby, olfactory transporters and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, dedicated to the inactivation and the elimination of xenobiotics, have been involved in the toxicological protection of the brain, the olfactory epithelium itself and the whole body. These proteins could also have a role in the preservation of the olfactory sensitivity by inactivation and clearance of the excess of odorant molecules from the perireceptor space. The goal of the present study was to increase our understanding of the expression and the localization of transporters in this tissue. For most of the studied transporters, we observed an opposite mRNA expression pattern (RT-PCR) in the olfactory epithelium compared to the liver, which is considered to be the main metabolic organ. Olfactory epithelium mainly expressed efflux transporters (MRP, MDR). However, a similar pattern was observed between the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb. We also demonstrate distinct cellular immunolocalization of the transporters in the olfactory epithelium. As previously reported, Mrp1 was mainly found in the supranuclear portions of supporting cells. In addition, Mrp3 and Mrp5 proteins, which were detected for the first time in olfactory epithelium, were localized to the olfactory neuron layer, while Mdr1 was localized to the capillary endothelium of lymphatic vessels in the subepithelial region. The pattern of expression and the distinct localization of the olfactory transporters showed in this work may highlight on their specific function in the whole olfactory epithelium.

Effects of typical inducers on olfactory xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme, transporter, and transcription factor expression in rats.

Several xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) have been identified in the olfactory mucosa (OM) of mammals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these enzymes have been little explored. In particular, information on the expression of the transcriptional factors in this tissue is quite limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of five typical inducers, Aroclor 1254, 3-methylcholanthrene, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, and ethoxyquin, on the activities and mRNA expression of several XMEs in the OM and in the liver of rats. We also evaluated the effects of these treatments on the mRNA expression of transcription factors and transporters. On the whole, the intensities of the effects were lower in the OM than in the liver. Dexamethasone was found to be the most efficient treatment in the OM. Dexamethasone induced the transcription of several olfactory phase I, II, and III genes [such as cytochromes P450 2A3 and 3A9, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2A1, and multidrug resistance-related protein type 1] and increased UGT activities. We observed that dexamethasone up-regulated sulfotransferase 1C1 expression in the OM but down-regulated it in the liver. Aroclor and ethoxyquin induced the gene expression of CYP1A and quinone reductase, respectively, in the OM. The transcription factors aryl hydrocarbon receptor, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, pregnane X receptor, and glucocorticoid receptor were detected in the OM, but no constitutive androstane receptor expression was observed. Dexamethasone and Aroclor enhanced olfactory Nrf2 expression. These results demonstrate that olfactory XME can be modulated by chemicals and that the mechanisms involved in the regulation of these enzymes are tissue-specific.

UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in neuro-olfactory tissues: expression, regulation, and function.

This work aims to review uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) expression and activities along different neuronal structures involved in the common physiological process of olfaction: olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb, and olfactory cortex. For the first time, using high-throughput in situ hybridization data generated by the Allen Brain Atlas (ABA), we present quantitative analysis of spatial distribution of UGT genes in the mouse brain. The olfactory area is a central nervous system site with the highest expression of UGTs, including UGT isoforms not previously identified in the brain. Since there is evidence of the transfer of xenobiotics to the brain through the nasal pathway, circumventing the blood-brain barrier, olfactory UGTs doubtlessly share the common function of detoxification, but they are also involved in the metabolism and turnover of exogenous or endogenous compounds critical for physiological olfactory processing in these tissues. The function of olfactory UGTs will be discussed with a special focus on their participation in the perireceptor events involved in the modulation of olfactory perception.

Inhibition of carcinogen-induced DNA damage in rat liver and colon by garlic powders with varying alliin content.

The present study was designed to investigate the protective efficiency of three garlic powders, obtained from bulbs grown in soils with different levels of sulfur fertilization, against DNA damage. Increasing fertilization of soil resulted in an increased alliin content of the powders. Garlic powders were administered to rats for 2 weeks (5% of the diet) and their antigenotoxic effects were examined in the liver and the colon using the comet assay. Consumption of the different garlic powders induced a 35-60% reduction in DNA damage induced by N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in rat liver. Increased alliin content of the garlic powder was associated strongly with a proportional decrease in NDMA induced DNA alteration. DNA damage induced by aflatoxin B1 in the liver or by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in the colon were also decreased strongly by the three garlic powders but these decreases were not correlated to the alliin content of the garlic powders. Feeding garlic powders did not modify the genotoxic activity of the direct-acting carcinogen methylnitrosourea in the colon. Part of our results supports evidence that fertilization can have an impact on the protective capacity of garlic bulbs.

Comparison of the chemopreventive efficacies of garlic powders with different alliin contents against aflatoxin B1 carcinogenicity in rats.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is well known for its beneficial effects on health and particularly for its chemopreventive potential against cancer. The present study was designed to compare the chemopreventive efficacies of several garlic powders with various levels of alliin, a precursor of active sulfur compounds. For this purpose we used the medium-term hepatocarcinogenesis protocol (resistant hepatocyte model), which allows the detection of preneoplasic foci expressing the placental form of glutathione S-transferase (GST-P) as an end-point. Rats were fed diets containing three garlic powders (5% of the diet) with various alliin contents for 3 weeks. Garlic powders were obtained from bulbs grown on soils with different levels of sulfur fertilization. During the period of garlic feeding hepatocarcinogenesis was initiated by administration of 10 i.p. injections of 0.025 mg/kg body weight aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The rats were later submitted to 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment and partial hepatectomy, and GST-P foci were detected and quantified. Consumption of diets containing garlic powders decreased the appearance and size of hepatic GST-P foci. A strong reduction was observed in rats fed garlic containing the highest level of alliin. In addition, increased alliin content of the garlic powder was associated with a proportional decrease in the number and area of preneoplastic foci. Elsewhere, garlic powder ingestion increased hepatic ethoxyresorufin deethylase, glutathione S-transferase and UDP glucuronosyl transferase activities while no modification of nifedipine oxidase activity was found. We also observed an increase in the levels of GST A5 and AFB1 aldehyde reductase. It is suggested that garlic partly exerts its anticarcinogenic effects through increasing enzymes involved in AFB1 detoxification. This study highlights the possibility of controlling the cultivation conditions to improve the chemopreventive efficacy of garlic.

The autoradiographic test for unscheduled DNA synthesis: a sensitive assay for the detection of DNA repair in the HepG2 cell line.

We assessed the DNA-repair capacity of HepG2 cells, which were derived from a human hepatoma, by the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, using the autoradiography protocol (UDS-AR). We evaluated DNA repair following exposure to direct mutagens (4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)), to mutagens requiring metabolic activation (benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), N-dimethylnitrosoamine (NDMA)) or to structurally related non-mutagens such as pyrene and 4-acetylaminofluorene (4-AAF). All positive compounds tested induced UDS in HepG2 cells. With 4-NQO and MMS, a concentration-dependent increase in net nuclear grains per cell was observed, with 73 and 90% of cells, respectively, in repair at the highest concentration. B[a]P, 2-AAF and NDMA displayed similar dose-dependent UDS responses, but the percentage of cells in repair was lower (about 45%) than that for 4-NQO and MMS. We assessed the genotoxicity of the compounds tested by determining IC(5NNG): the concentration required to induce 5NNG. The compounds studied were ranked in order of IC(5NNG) as follows: 4-NQO = B[a]P > 2-AAF > MMS > NDMA. The UDS assay discriminated between mutagens and non-mutagens, as pyrene and 4-AAF failed to induce DNA repair. The present study demonstrates that UDS can be used as an endpoint for the detection of DNA damage in HepG2 cells.

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) enhances gap-junctional intercellular communication by both direct and indirect mechanisms in rat liver cells.

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a sulfur compound from garlic has been shown to exert many biological effects: induction of carcinogen detoxication, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, etc. These effects are consistent with its anticarcinogenic properties in animal models and could account for garlic protective effects in humans. Our study demonstrates that DADS can improve gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in vitro. In rat liver epithelial cells (REL cells), using the dye transfer assay, we observe a time-dependent stimulation of GJIC by DADS at non-cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, incubation of cells with DADS for 1 h prevents the inhibition of GJIC induced by 3,5-di-tertio-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT). We have studied the direct effects of DADS on the regulation of GJIC, and especially on the expression and localization of the connexin expressed in these cells (Cx43): the enhancement of dye transfer (x1.6) by DADS from 1 to 50 micro M is associated with an increase (x1.3-1.8) in the amount of Cx43 protein (western blotting) with no alteration of its localization in the cell-cell contact regions of the plasma membrane (immunofluorescence analysis). We have also explored the possibility that DADS might act indirectly on GJIC. On one hand, DADS does not change the amount of E-cadherin, the adhesion molecule expressed in epithelial cells. On the other hand, it induces rapid inhibition of protein glycosylation. The data suggest that DADS could reduce local constraints imposed by glycoproteins, thus facilitating dye transfer. In conclusion, DADS can be included with other plant microconstituents, which have been demonstrated to improve GJIC. Its effect on REL cells can be explained by its ability to enhance the amount of Cx43 and also to diminish the level of glycosylated proteins.

Effects of garlic powders with varying alliin contents on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats.

The anticarcinogenic effect of garlic has been demonstrated in both epidemiologic and experimental studies. In this study, possible mechanisms involved in the anticarcinogenic effect of garlic consumption were assessed by determining its capacity to alter drug metabolizing enzymes, in relation with its alliin content. Rats were fed a diet for 2 weeks containing 5% garlic powders produced from bulbs grown on soils with different levels of sulfate fertilization and therefore containing differing amounts of alliin. Activities of several hepatic enzymes, which are important in carcinogen metabolism such cytochromes P450 (CYP) and phase II enzymes, were determined. Garlic consumption slightly increased ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and CYP 1A2 levels. In contrast, garlic consumption decreased CYP 2E1 activity and the level of the corresponding isoform. UDP glucuronosyl transferase and glutathion S-transferase activities were increased by garlic powders. The alliin content of the garlic powders was positively correlated with UGT activity although not with other activities. Effects produced by garlic consumption were qualitatively similar to that of diallyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that has been extensively studied. These data could partially explain the chemoprotective effect of garlic.