Inhibition of liver glutaminase activity by Diallyl disulfide in experimentally induced hepatoma in mice

Background: Cancer cells addiction to glutamine, an essential non-essential amino acid, has stirred up the interest in researchers across the globe. Increased glutamine metabolism (glutaminolysis) is a hallmark of cancer. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major organosulfur compound derived from garlic, is known for its anticancer properties. The mechanisms of action of DADS include activation of metabolic enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, suppression of the formation of DNA adducts, antioxidant effects, regulation of cell-cycle progression, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. Aim: to assess the effect of diallyl disulfide on liver glutaminase activity 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 glutaminase activity were measured. Results: The present study shows a significant decrease in glutaminase activity in protective (p >0.001) and curative groups (p >0.001) as compared to control group. Conclusion: DADS at the dosage employed shows inhibitory effects on liver glutaminase activity which may be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties of DADS, specifically in suppression of NF-kB signalling pathway.