Diallyl sulfide induces the expression of nucleotide excision repair enzymes in the breast of female ACI rats.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) causes DNA adducts resulting in breast cancer, whereas diallyl sulfide (DAS) inhibits cancer formation. We hypothesize that DAS induces the expression of nucleotide excision repair genes. To test this hypothesis, female ACI rats were treated for 4 days with corn oil, DES, DAS, and DAS/DES (50mg/kg). The expression of P53, Gadd45a, PCNA, and DNA polymerase delta was analyzed by real-time PCR. DES decreased the expression of P53, Gadd45a and PCNA. DAS and DAS/DES increased the expression of all four genes. These results suggest that DAS enhances the ability of breast tissue to repair DNA damage thus preventing cancer.