Modulatory effects of diallyl sulfide against testosterone- induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Aim:To investigate the protective effect of diallyl sulfide(DAS),a constituent of garlic,against testosterone-induced oxidative stress in male Swiss albino mice.Methods:The animals were given low(250 mg/animal)and high dose (500 mg/animal)of DAS in corn oil for 7 days along with testosterone(5 mg/kg body weight,i.p.).At the end of the study period,the prostate and the liver were dissected to determine various antioxidant enzyme levels(catalase, superoxide dismutase,glutathione reductase,glutathione-s-transferase)and lipid peroxidation.Results:In testoster- one treated mice,depleted antioxidant enzyme level was accompanied with enhancement in lipid peroxidation in prostate and liver.DAS significantly restored the testosterone-induced antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the both organs.These changes appear to be mediated by the antioxidant-enhancing effects of DAS.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that DAS is effective in exerting antioxidant effects by inhibiting testosterone- induced oxidative stress and might be helpful in preventing prostate cancer.(Asian J Androl 2006 Nov;8:719-723)