Cysteine-Containing Compounds May Protect the Liver

TAICHUNG CITY, TaiwanN-acetyl cysteine (NAC), s-ethyl cysteine (SEC), s-propyl cysteine (SPC) and cysteine affect hepatic biosynthesis of triacylglycerols (TAG) and cholesterol, and may protect the liver from high saturated fat-associated oxidative damage from high-fat diets, according to new animal study results (Br J Nutr. DOI:10.1017 /S0007114507793881). Mice on a high-fat diet70 percent fat energy (of which saturated fat was 55 percent of total fat)were given 1 g/l of NAC, SEC, SPC or cysteine in their drinking water for four weeks.Intake of NAC, SEC or SPC significantly decreased TAG and total cholesterol levels via lowering the activity and mRNA expression of three lipogenic-related enzymes. NAC, SEC or SPC treatment also significantly suppressed high saturated fat-induced hepatic mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein, increased hepatic glutathione content, restored the activity and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase, and alleviated high saturated fat-induced oxidative stress.