Aged garlic extract inhibits peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis

Authors: Morihara, Naoaki; Ide, Nagatoshi; Sumioka, Isao; Kyo, Eikai

Source: Redox Report, Volume 10, Number 3, June 2005 , pp. 159-165(7)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by constitutive NO synthase (cNOS), plays important roles in physiological functions of the cardiovascular system. However, NO, which is synthesized by inducible NOS, is detrimental when it reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is recognized as a powerful oxidant, and results in vascular or tissue damage. We have previously reported that aged garlic extract (AGE) enhances NO production through cNOS stimulation. In the present study, we determined the effect of AGE, its fractions or constituents on peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis using rat erythrocytes. Incubation of rat erythrocytes with peroxynitrite (300 ?M) for 30 min at 37°C caused 4-fold hemolysis. AGE (0.14–0.57 %w/v) added to an erythrocyte suspension was found to reduce peroxynitrite-induced hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. Of the AGE fractions, a polar fraction and a low-molecular-weight fraction both suppressed the hemolysis to the same degree as that seen with AGE. S-Allylcysteine, one of the major compounds in AGE, also reduced hemolysis at 1–10 mM dose-dependently. These data indicate that AGE and its compounds protect erythrocytes from membrane damage induced by peroxynitrite, suggesting that AGE could be useful for prevention of cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress or dysfunction of NO production.

Keywords: AGED GARLIC EXTRACT; PEROXYNITRITE; ERYTHROCYTES; HEMOLYSIS

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/135100005X57364

Affiliations: Healthcare Research Institute, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Hiroshima, Japan

Publication date: 2005-06-01

More about this publication?