Organosulfur compounds from garlic (Allium sativum) oxidizing canine erythrocytes

The sulfurous acid ester, trans-sulfurous acid allyl ester 3-allylsulfanyl-allyl ester 8, along with two known thiosulfinates was isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of garlic (Allium sativum). The chemical structure of 8 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data including high resolution mass and two-dimensional NMR techniques. All of these compounds induced methemoglobin formation in a canine erythrocyte suspension in vitro resulting in the oxidation of canine erythrocytes. This is the first report of sulfurous acid ester showing oxidant activity in canine erythrocytes.     

Selenium and cardiovascular disease

For humans, ecological and epidemiological results are reported that show a relationship between the serum selenium concentration and cardiovascular disease in populations where low serum selenium concentrations are found, e.g., in Eastern Finland. From clinical studies done in Germany (FRG and GDR), Finland, and Sweden, subnormal serum selenium and partially whole blood selenium concentrations are reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction. For patients with coronary arteriosclerosis, subnormal serum selenium concentrations are reported from the USA and Germany and subnormal whole blood selenium concentrations from Germany. Subnormal serum and subnormal whole blood selenium concentrations of patients with cardiomyopathy are reported from non Keshan disease affected areas in Germany, France, and China. In selenium deficiency, an accumulation of lipid peroxides in the heart may occur, especially under ischemic conditions and if ischemic tissue is reperfused. Lipidperoxides in the heart may damage the cell membrane and may lead to an impaired calcium transport with an uncontrolled calcium accumulation in the cell. This may result in an activation of phospholipids, and, in consequence, to an enhanced formation of arachidonic acid. An increased concentration of lipid peroxides owing to selenium deficiency may shift the prostaglandin synthesis from prostacyclin to thromboxan, causing enhanced blood pressure and platelet aggregability. From animal experiments, it is known that selenium protects against cardiotoxic elements, cardiotoxic xenobiotics, and viral infections that affect the heart. Selenium deficiency may also be a secondary factor in the causation of hypertension and myocardial ischemia.