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Identification and HPLC quantitation of the sulfides and dialk(en)yl thiosulfinates in commercial garlic products.

The content of dialk(en)yl thiosulfinates, including allicin, and their degradation products has been determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), using the respective determined extinction coefficients, for a number of commercially available garlic products. Quantitation has been achieved for the thiosulfinates; diallyl, methyl allyl, and diethyl mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexasulfides; the vinyldithiins; and (E)- and (Z)-ajoene. The thiosulfinates were found to be released only from garlic cloves and garlic powder products. The vinyldithiins and ajoenes were found only in products containing garlic macerated in vegetable oil. The diallyl, methyl allyl, and dimethyl sulfide series were the exclusive constituents found in products containing the oil of steam-distilled garlic. Typical steam-distilled garlic oil products contained about the same amount of total sulfur compounds as total thiosulfinates released from freshly homogenized garlic cloves; however, oil-macerated products contained only 20% of that amount, while garlic powder products varied from 0 to 100%. Products containing garlic powder suspended in a a gel or garlic aged in aqueous alcohol did not contain detectable amounts of these non-ionic sulfur compounds. A comparison of several brands of each type of garlic product revealed a large range in content (4-fold for oil-macerates and 33-fold for steam-distilled garlic oils), indicating the importance of analysis before garlic products are used for clinical investigations or commercial distribution.

Alkenes↗

S-allyl cysteine inhibits nitrosomorpholine formation and bioactivation.

Water extracts of garlic, deodorized garlic powder, and onions, but not leeks, were found to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the in vitro formation of N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), a known liver carcinogen. Addition of increasing quantities (20, 40, and 80 mM) of S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a water-soluble compound in processed garlic, depressed NMOR formation by 16%, 27%, and 43%, respectively (p < 0.05). The ability of SAC to block NMOR formation decreased as the NaNO7 and morpholine concentrations increased. SAC and its non-allyl analog S-propyl cysteine effectively blocked NMOR formation. SAC and S-propyl cysteine were less effective than isomolar cysteine in reducing NMOR formation (p < 0.05). The oil-soluble sulfur compounds diallyl disulfide (DADS), dipropyl disulfide, and diallyl sulfide were ineffective inhibitors of NMOR generation (p > 0.05). SAC and DADS reduced the mutagenicity of NMOR in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 (p < 0.05). SAC at 70 mumol/plate reduced the number of histidine revertants per plate by 51% (p < 0.05), whereas DADS at 0.12 mumol/plate reduced mutant colony number by 76% (p < 0.05). SAC and DADS were more effective than isomolar cysteine in reducing NMOR mutagenicity (p < 0.05). The ability of sulfur compounds in garlic and onions to depress nitrosamine formation and bioactivation in these studies is consistent with epidemiologic evidence that higher intake of allium plants is associated with a reduction in the risks of some cancers.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene, benzothiophene, and other thiophene analogs by a newly isolated bacterium, Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B.

A novel bacterium, Gordonia alkanivorans strain 1B, was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. Assessment of the biodegradation of distinct organic sulfur-compounds, such as dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), DBT sulfone, and alkylated tiophenic compounds, as the sole source of sulfur was investigated. G. alkanivorans strain 1B was able to remove selectively the sulfur from DBT while keeping intact the remaining carbon-carbon structure. Orthophenyl phenol (2-hydroxybiphenyl) was the only detected metabolic product. The bacterial desulfurization activity was repressed by sulfate. G. alkanivorans strain 1B consumed 310 microM DBT after 120 h of cultivation, corresponding to a specific desulfurization rate of 1.03 micromol/(g of dry cells x h). When an equimolar mixture of DBT/BT was used as a source of sulfur in the growth medium, G. alkanivorans strain 1B assimilated both compounds in a sequential manner, with BT as the preferred source of sulfur. Only when BT concentration was decreased to a very low level was DBT utilized as the source of sulfur for bacterial growth. The specific desulfurization overall rates of BT and DBT obtained were 0.954 and 0.813 micromol/(g of dry cells x h), respectively. The newly isolated G. alkanivorans strain 1B has good potential for application in the biodesulfurization of fossil fuels.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Chemolithoautotrophy and mixotrophy in the thiophene-2-carboxylic acid-utilizing xanthobacter tagetidis

Xanthobacter tagetidis grew as a chemolithotrophic autotroph on thiosulfate and other inorganic sulfur compounds, as a heterotroph on thiophene-2-carboxylic acid, acetic acid and alpha-ketoglutaric acid, and as a mixotroph on thiosulfate in combination with thiophene-2-carboxylic acid and/or acetic acid. Autotrophic growth on one-carbon organosulfur compounds, and intermediates in their oxidation are also reported. Thiosulfate enhanced the growth yields in mixotrophic cultures, presumably by acting as a supplementary energy source, since ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase was only active in thiosulfate-grown cells and was not detected in mixotrophic cultures using thiosulfate with thiophene-2-carboxylic acid. Bacteria grown on thiophene-2-carboxylic acid also oxidized sulfide, thiosulfate and tetrathionate, indicating these as possible sulfur intermediates in thiophene-2-carboxylic acid degradation. Thiosulfate and tetrathionate were oxidized completely to sulfate and, consequently, did not accumulate as products of thiophene-2-carboxylic acid oxidation in growing cultures. Km and Vmax values for the oxidation of thiosulfate, tetrathionate or sulfide were 13 &mgr;M and 83 nmol O2 min-1 (mg dry wt.)-1, respectively; thiosulfate and tetrathionate became autoinhibitory at concentrations above 100 &mgr;M. The true growth yield (Ymax) on thiophene-2-carboxylic acid was estimated from chemostat cultures (at dilution rates of 0.034-0.094 h-1) to be 112.2 g mol-1, with a maintenance coefficient (m) of 0.3 mmol thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (g dry wt.)-1 h-1, and the maximum specific growth rate (&mgr;max) was 0.116 h-1. Growth in chemostat culture at a dilution rate of 0. 041 h-1 indicated growth yields [g dry wt. (mol substrate)-1] of 8.1 g (mol thiosulfate)-1, 60.9 g (mol thiophene-2-carboxylic acid)-1, and 17.5 g (mol acetic acid)-1, with additive yields for growth on mixtures of these substrates. At a dilution rate of 0.034 h-1, yields of 57.8 g (mol alpha-ketoglutaric acid)-1 and 60.7 g (mol thiophene-2-carboxylic acid)-1 indicated some additional energy conservation from oxidation of the thiophene-sulfur. SDS-PAGE of cell-free preparations indicated a polypeptide (Mr, 21.0 kDa) specific to growth on thiophene-2-carboxylic acid for which no function can yet be ascribed: no metabolism of thiophene-2-carboxylic acid by cell-free extracts was detected. It was shown that X. tagetidis exhibits a remarkable degree of metabolic versatility and is representative of facultatively methylotrophic and chemolithotrophic autotrophs that contribute significantly to the turnover of simple inorganic and organic sulfur compounds (including substituted thiophenes) in the natural environment.

Journal Article↗

The influence of heating on the anticancer properties of garlic.

Allyl sulfur compounds are the major active constituents found in crushed garlic. Research has revealed that garlic and its lipid- or water-soluble components have many pharmacologic properties; however, studies also demonstrate that heating has a negative influence on these beneficial effects. We recently conducted several studies to investigate the influence of microwave or oven heating on the anticarcinogenesis property of garlic. Our studies showed that as little as 60 s of microwave heating or 45 min of oven heating can block garlic's ability to inhibit in vivo binding of mammary carcinogen [7,12-dimethylbenzene(a)anthracene (DMBA)] metabolites to rat mammary epithelial cell DNA. Allowing crushed garlic to "stand" for 10 min before microwave heating for 60 s prevented the total loss of anticarcinogenic activity. Our studies demonstrated that this blocking of the ability of garlic was consistent with inactivation of alliinase. These studies suggest that heating destroyed garlic's active allyl sulfur compound formation, which may relate to its anticancer properties.

Animals↗

Physiological and genetic analyses leading to identification of a biochemical role for the moeA (molybdate metabolism) gene product in Escherichia coli.

A unique class of chlorate-resistant mutants of Escherichia coli which produced formate hydrogenlyase and nitrate reductase activities only when grown in medium with limiting amounts of sulfur compounds was isolated. These mutants failed to produce the two molybdoenzyme activities when cultured in rich medium or glucose-minimal medium. The mutations in these mutants were localized in the moeA gene. Mutant strains with polar mutations in moeA which are also moeB did not produce active molybdoenzymes in any of the media tested. moeA mutants with a second mutation in either cysDNCJI or cysH gene lost the ability to produce active molybdoenzyme even when grown in medium limiting in sulfur compounds. The CysDNCJIH proteins along with CysG catalyze the conversion of sulfate to sulfide. Addition of sulfide to the growth medium of moeA cys double mutants suppressed the MoeA- phenotype. These results suggest that in the absence of MoeA protein, the sulfide produced by the sulfate activation/reduction pathway combines with molybdate in the production of activated molybdenum. Since hydrogen sulfide is known to interact with molybdate in the production of thiomolybdate, it is possible that the MoeA-catalyzed activated molybdenum is a form of thiomolybdenum species which is used in the synthesis of molybdenum cofactor from Mo-free molybdopterin.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Isolated rat kidney tubules as a screening system for arsenic antidotes.

Gluconeogenesis is one of the metabolic pathways severely affected in acute arsenic poisoning. We have studied gluconeogenesis in isolated kidney tubules of male Sprague-Dawley rats to screen various sulfur compounds for antidotal properties against inorganic and organic arsenicals. Freshly prepared kidney cells from starved rats synthesized glucose from added pyruvate (10 mmol/liter) at a rate of 9.74 +/- 0.90 nmol/min/mg protein (mean +/- SD; n = 61). Gluconeogenesis was inhibited almost 90% in the presence of phenylarsonate (700 mumol/liter), arsenate (350 mumol/liter), arsenite (30 mumol/liter), or PhAsO (1 mumol/liter). mumol/liter). With effective antidotes the rate of gluconeogenesis was restored to almost control values within 10 min. Among 21 sulfur compounds tested, only BAL, DMPS, and DMSA were effective in PhAsO poisoning. With inorganic arsenic also DTE and DTT restored the rate of glucose formation. The observed in vitro efficacies were in good agreement with in vivo results obtained with male NMRI mice severely poisoned with arsenite (As2O3, 20 mg/kg approximately 0.2 mmol As/kg) or PhAsO (3.4 mg/kg approximately 0.02 mmol As/kg). We conclude that isolated kidney tubules are a useful in vitro screening system (a) to compare the metabolic toxicity of various arsenicals and (b) to evaluate potential antidotes.

Animals↗

Characterization of the gene encoding the autotrophic ATP sulfurylase from the bacterial endosymbiont of the hydrothermal vent tubeworm Riftia pachyptila.

ATP sulfurylase is a key enzyme in the energy-generating sulfur oxidation pathways of many chemoautotrophic bacteria. The utilization of reduced sulfur compounds to fuel CO2 fixation by the still-uncultured bacterial endosymbionts provides the basis of nutrition in invertebrates, such as the tubeworm Riftia pachyptila, found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The symbiont-containing trophosome tissue contains high levels of ATP sulfurylase activity, facilitating the recent purification of the enzyme. The gene encoding the ATP sulfurylase from the Riftia symbiont (sopT) has now been cloned and sequenced by using the partial amino acid sequence of the purified protein. Characterization of the sopT gene has unequivocally shown its bacterial origin. This is the first ATP sulfurylase gene to be cloned and sequenced from a sulfur-oxidizing bacterium. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared to those of ATP sulfurylases reported from organisms which assimilate sulfate, resulting in the discovery that there is substantial homology with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET3 gene product but none with the products of the cysDN genes from Escherichia coli nor with the nodP and nodQ genes from Rhizobium meliloti. This and emerging evidence from other sources suggests that E. coli may be atypical, even among prokaryotic sulfate assimilators, in the enzyme it employs for adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate formation. The sopT gene probe also was shown to specifically identify chemoautotrophic bacteria which utilize ATP sulfurylase to oxidize sulfur compounds.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Monitoring ammonia to assess halitosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the applicability of ammonia monitoring for assessing halitosis. STUDY DESIGN: The actual degree of halitosis was determined by using an organoleptic test in 61 subjects aged 28 +/- 10 years (mean +/- SD). Levels of volatile sulfur compounds and ammonia were determined by using gas chromatography and ammonia monitoring, respectively. Levels of ammonia and methyl mercaptan produced by bacteria in dental plaque and tongue-coating samples obtained from 25 subjects were quantified. In addition, changes in ammonia levels were measured before and after removing tongue coating or dental plaque. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between the organoleptic score and the ammonia level measured with ammonia monitoring, whereas there was a significant correlation between ammonia level and the total level of volatile sulfur compounds measured with gas chromatography. Significant correlations were also observed between ammonia level and levels of methyl mercaptan produced by bacteria in dental plaque and tongue coating. Furthermore, the ammonia level decreased after the removal of tongue coating and dental plaque. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that measuring ammonia levels is useful for assessing halitosis, specifically for halitosis arising from a lack of oral hygiene.

Adult↗

Kinetics of cyanogen chloride destruction by chemical reduction methods.

In this study, membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) was applied to evaluate the kinetics of cyanogen chloride (ClCN) destruction by chemical reduction methods, using thiosulfate, sulfite, metabisulfite, ferrous ions and zero-valent iron at various concentrations and pH. The ClCN destruction followed second-order reaction kinetics in all cases of using sulfur compounds, though the second-order rate constants varied substantially from approximately 0.3-25.7 M(-1)s(-1) under different experimental conditions. The destruction of ClCN was primarily attributable to the chemical reduction pathway. Hydroxide-assisted ClCN hydrolysis was only significant at pH 9 and also when the observed reduction rate was relatively slow. The second-order rate constants achieved by sulfur(IV) compounds in the form of sulfite were found to be higher than those obtained with thiosulfate and S(IV) compounds in the form of bisulfite. Ferrous ions and zero-valent iron demonstrated slow or no ClCN reduction up to dosages of 1000 mgL(-1) and 100 gL(-1), respectively. These findings suggest that applying moderately high dosages of S(IV) compounds under neutral or alkali conditions with sufficient contact time is required for wastewater ClCN destruction. In addition, ClCN losses during long-term preservation with excess reducing sulfur compounds prior to analysis can be substantial and should be avoided.

Cyanides↗

Proinflammatory cytokine profiles in pulp fibroblasts stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and methyl mercaptan.

Pulpal disease is intimately associated with the immune system's response to bacteria products. Clinical pathology is mediated in part by the production of pyrogenic cytokines, especially interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6. Methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), a volatile sulfur compound produced by anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, has been shown to contribute to the production of IL-1 by human mononuclear cells. In this report, we investigated the production of IL-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 by human pulp fibroblasts when stimulated for various periods of time with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without the presence of CH3SH. We found that LPS and CH3SH had no effect on the production of IL-1 or TNF-alpha. However, LPS stimulated IL-6 production, and this production was augmented when CH3SH was present. We conclude that the volatile sulfur compound CH3SH plays a role in activation and modulation of the immune response through its role in production of IL-6.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Measures of association of some air pollutants, natural ionizing radiation and cigarette smoking with mortality rates.

Two methods are employed to estimate the association the association of hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, natural ionizing radiation, and cigarette smoking with some age stratified and disease specific United States mortality rates for white males. The first method is based on a ridge regression technique and the second on a sign constrained least squares analysis. The measure of association between these environmental factors and mortality are quantified as elasticities; i.e., the indicated percentage change in the average mortality rate corresponding to a 1% change in the average level of environmental factor. Elasticities are estimated for age specific and disease specific mortality rates, and these values are then aggregated and compared to estimates corresponding to total mortality rates. Overall, consistent results are obtained using the above methods for sulfur compounds and cigarette smoking. Many of these results differ considerably from corresponding results obtained from the ordinary least squares regression analysis, highlighting the need for applying the appropriate estimation methods. In addition to the variables already specified, these analyses take into consideration the following groups of explanatory variables: Climate--Precipitation, January temperature, July temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. Socioeconomic--Age, education, sound housing, population per household, population density, % non-white, % white-collar, income, and city size.

Adolescent↗

[The effect of local exposure to Mg and heat on the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing compounds in the oral tissues].

Local Mg electrophoresis was shown to considerably increase the radiolabeled sulphate contents in an application area: gums, mandibular alveolar processes, lower incisors and molars roots. In areas far beyond the phoresis sites (femoral epiphyses and diaphyses) label incorporation was not affected. Mg-free galvanization had no effect on sulphate incorporation into the mineralized tissues. Heating up to 50 C substantially increased the S radioactivity in alveolar processes, molar and incisor roots. Simultaneous heating with Mg electrophoresis produced an additive effect.

Animals↗

Whole-genome transcriptional analysis of chemolithoautotrophic thiosulfate oxidation by Thiobacillus denitrificans under aerobic versus denitrifying conditions.

Thiobacillus denitrificans is one of the few known obligate chemolithoautotrophic bacteria capable of energetically coupling thiosulfate oxidation to denitrification as well as aerobic respiration. As very little is known about the differential expression of genes associated with key chemolithoautotrophic functions (such as sulfur compound oxidation and CO2 fixation) under aerobic versus denitrifying conditions, we conducted whole-genome, cDNA microarray studies to explore this topic systematically. The microarrays identified 277 genes (approximately 10% of the genome) as differentially expressed using RMA (robust multiarray average) statistical analysis and a twofold cutoff. Genes upregulated (ca. 6- to 150-fold) under aerobic conditions included a cluster of genes associated with iron acquisition (e.g., siderophore-related genes), a cluster of cytochrome cbb3 oxidase genes, cbbL and cbbS (encoding the large and small subunits of form I ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, or RubisCO), and multiple molecular chaperone genes. Genes upregulated (ca. 4- to 95-fold) under denitrifying conditions included nar, nir, and nor genes (associated, respectively, with nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and nitric oxide reductase, which catalyze successive steps of denitrification), cbbM (encoding form II RubisCO), and genes involved with sulfur compound oxidation (including two physically separated but highly similar copies of sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase and of dsrC, associated with dissimilatory sulfite reductase). Among genes associated with denitrification, relative expression levels (i.e., degree of upregulation with nitrate) tended to decrease in the order nar > nir > nor > nos. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was used to validate these trends.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Do we understand trends in atmospheric sulfur species?

Anomalies appear to exist in our understanding of atmospheric sulfur compounds, specifically as evidenced in the time trends of the different chemical forms of these compounds. Trends determined at a number of locations by several different groups seem to indicate that, responding to emission reductions across North America, the concentration of SO2 in the atmosphere is declining more rapidly than that of aerosol SO4(2-). A number of possible reasons for this discrepancy are examined, but it is not possible to provide a definitive answer at this stage. The intent is to stimulate debate, because shortcomings in our understanding of the processes involved could have profound implications for the credibility of abatement strategies and policies for both acid deposition and fine particulate matter (PM).

Acid Rain↗

Behavioral attraction of Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) to dimethyl sulfide.

A recent model for olfactory foraging by procellariiform seabirds suggests that these birds use biogenic sulfur compounds to locate productive areas for foraging in the southern oceans. The present study refines a simple approach to test birds' responses to odors on land and extends our knowledge to a northern species, the Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). Rather than working at sea, we tested the behavioral response to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) at night in breeding colonies on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada. Birds were presented with either 5 ml DMS (100 micro mol l(-1) concentration) or control (water) solutions from a platform 1.5 m in height positioned in a flyway 10 m from a breeding colony. We also tested birds' responses to cod liver oil, a well-established olfactory attractant of procellariiforms foraging at sea. Leach's storm-petrels approached DMS presentations nearly twice as frequently as they approached controls. We next compared the distribution of approaches against a Poisson process to test for evidence of social cueing. We found that approaches to DMS were significantly clustered. By contrast, the distribution of approaches did not depart significantly from a Poisson distribution for either cod liver oil or control presentations. Taken together, these results suggest that Leach's storm-petrels can smell DMS and potentially use it as a foraging cue. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the detection of biogenic sulfur compounds in combination with other cues assists birds in locating foraging hotspots.

Animals↗

Organic nutrition of Beggiatoa sp.

Culture OH-75-B of Beggiatoa sp. differed significantly from any described previously in its utilization of organic carbon and reduced sulfur compounds. It deposited internal sulfur granules characteristic of Beggiatoa sp. with either sulfide or thiosulfate in the medium. This strain (OH-75-B, clone 2a) could be grown in agitated liquid cultures on mineral medium with acetate as the only source of organic carbon. The resultant growth yields and rates were comparable to those for typical heterotrophs. Of the other simple organic compounds tested, only pyruvate, lactate, or ethanol could singly support the growth of this strain. Single sugars or amino acids neither supported growth nor enhanced it when added to acetate-containing medium. In contrast, compounds of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enhanced growth yields when tested in concert with acetate. These and fluoroacetate inhibition results indicate that Beggiatoa sp. possesses a functional tricarboxylic acid cycle. Poor yields characterized the growth of this strain on dilute yeast extract medium, and higher concentrations of yeast extract proved inhibitory. The enzyme catalase, contrary to the findings of others, had no synergistic influence on growth yields when added to medium containing yeast extract or acetate or both.

Acetates↗

Ion chromatographic measurement of sulfide, methanethiolate, sulfite and sulfate in aqueous and air samples.

Simultaneous measurement of sulfur species was investigated using ion chromatography. Sulfide, methanethiolate, sulfite and sulfate are representative of sulfur species. The aqueous sulfur species were simultaneously measured using a two-detector system: suppressor-type conductivity detector for sulfite and sulfate, and fluorometric or electrochemical detector for the reduced sulfur compounds. The major sulfur-containing gases, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and sulfur dioxide are collected into aqueous solution as the species listed above. Collection of sulfur gases using a membrane-based cylindrical diffusion scrubber was investigated. Atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are measured by the diffusion scrubber collection and subsequent measurement by ion chromatography without an enrichment column. In addition to the two gases, methyl mercaptan was also determined using a dual scrubber system.

Air↗