Diallyl tetrasulfide modulates the cadmium-induced impairment of membrane bound enzymes in rats.

Cadmium (Cd) induces extensive membrane damage that contributes to the cytotoxic effect of Cd. We studied the effect of diallyl tetrasulfide (DTS) from garlic on Cd-induced changes in lipid peroxidation and membrane-bound enzymes in liver, kidney, and testis of rats. Cadmium exposure (3 mg/kg body weight, s.c) for 3 weeks induced a significant elevation in the levels of lipid peroxidation markers (thiobarbituric acid substances and lipid hydroperoxides) with a significant decrease in the activities of membrane bound ATPases (Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, Mg2+ ATPase), the indicators of membrane function in liver, kidney and testis. The oral administration of DTS (40 mg/kg body weight) along with Cd significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxidation and significantly restored the activities of membrane bound ATPases. The results of our study suggest that DTS attenuates lipid peroxidation in tissues and promotes the stability of the membrane by protecting it from Cd-induced alterations.