Sulfur-containing Substances Research Articles

Kinetic Evaluation of the Possibility of Aluminum and Magnesium Recovery from Aqueous Solutions of Their Salts as an Alternative to the Electrolysis of Melts

Electrolytic production, which is one of the most power-consuming and environmentally dangerous technologies, occupies a special place in nonferrous metallurgy. For example, aluminum production by the electrolysis of cryolite–alumina melts is accompanied by atmospheric emissions of fluorine-containing substances, sulfur-containing substances, and hydrocarbons, while magnesium production is accompanied by emissions of chlorine and organochlorine compounds. As of now, any proposals in the field of production of metals such as aluminum and magnesium directed at improving the environmental situation near metallurgical enterprises should be considered urgent. Despite the fact that the improvement of occurring production technologies of aluminum and magnesium has favorable developmental tendencies and actual possibilities for incorporation at operating enterprises, there are ideas and proposals on the development of new technologies based on scientific achievements in the field of the electrolytic production of light metals. Magnesium and aluminum were used as the objects of investigation. The interaction of metals with aqueous solutions of their salts—chlorides and sulfates such as MgSO4, MgCl2, Al2(SO4)3, and AlCl3—is considered. It is shown that such interactions always proceed in a diffusion region, which opens up possibilities of using various design solutions when selecting the hardware implementation of the process. The reaction order with respect to the solvent, rate constants, and activation energies are found based on the experimental data. The results prove the preference of applying the chloride media that provide the process behavior based on basic electrode reactions and excluding the appearance of side interactions. It is shown that chloride solutions can serve operating electrolytes and be carriers of ions of recovered metal. Herewith, the electrolyte saturation is the guarantee of the impossibility of the reversible process—the secondary dissolution of metal, which lowers the main characteristics of electrolysis of the cryolite–alumina melts.

Thiolation of methanol with H2S using core-shell structured ZSM-5@t-ZrO2 catalyst

Core-shell structured ZSM-5@t-ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal coating method, and their physicochemical properties, catalytic performance, and deactivation behavior in thiolation reactions were studied using a ZSM-5/t-ZrO2 physically-blended catalyst as a comparison. Reactions using the core-shell ZSM-5@t-ZrO2 catalyst were carried out at a pressure of 0.7 MPa, 370 °C, a H2S:CH3OH molar ratio of 2:1, and a N2 flow rate of 90 ml·min−1. The conversion of CH3OH, and the selectivity and yield of CH3SH under these conditions were 92.07%, 90.89%, and 83.68%, respectively, and the catalytic lifetime was longer than 30 h. Compared with the ZSM-5/t-ZrO2 physically-blended catalyst, the CH3SH yield and the catalytic lifetime of the core-shell structured ZSM-5@t-ZrO2 catalyst were higher by 5.37% and 150%, respectively. The unique reaction pathway of the shell (t-ZrO2, Lewis (L) base active site)-core (ZSM-5, Brǿnsted (B) acid active site) and the Lewis-Brønsted acid active center based on a composite solid-solution interface were mainly responsible for the high activity of the thiolation reaction. Meanwhile, the formation of a micro-mesoporous system increased the diffusion of molecules and reduced the deactivation rate of carbon- and sulfur-containing deposits. Generally, carbon- and sulfur-containing substances deposited on catalysts were mainly composed of polymethylbenzene, polymethyl naphthalene, cyclic elemental sulfur, and other compounds containing CS and SS bonds. Finally, the core-shell structured catalysts showed excellent resistance to deactivation by carbon- and sulfur-containing deposits.

Based ‘successive’ nucleophilic substitution mitochondrial-targeted H2S red light emissive fluorescent probe and its imaging in mice

The research of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biology function, pathological and pharmacological effects has been active in the field of chemists and biologists in recent years. Especially, consequent H2S detection mechanisms and biological applications based on fluorescence probe emerged in endlessly, competing ideas, each had its advantage. In facts, the reaction mechanism and luminescence properties play a decisive role in the biology application of H2S fluorescence probe. In this despite booming season, in the process of research we still skillfully conceived, in view of H2S with small structure being able to do successive nucleophilic substitution in the same molecules, high selective H2S subcellular detection was realized. Specifically, we take the cyanine (Cy7) with positive charge as a red fluorophore, through the introduction of disulfide bond and carbonate to build the specific reaction sites of H2S, thus avoiding the interference of other sulfur-containing substances in biological systems. After reaction with H2S, the Probe released red fluorophore, realizing mitochondria target H2S detection. Because the advantages of red fluorescence emission probe, the Probe successfully was applied imaging in mice.

Security and Human Health Risk Assessment: Actual Problems

This paper presents data on specific chemical risks observed in the urbanized areas of Irkutsk Oblast. The most important air pollutants in Bratsk are nitrogen dioxide, fluoride compounds, sulfur-containing substances, benzo(a)pyrene, and formaldehyde. The paper addresses the issues of assessing risks to human health when exposed to chemicals contained in the air of residential areas. We use the risk assessment methodology to quantify the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for specific population cohorts. It is found that when exposed to chemicals through inhalation, the risk of experiencing toxic effects is high. We hereby evaluate how specific contaminants affect the human health risks. The existing pollution level in the city’s administrative districts causes a high risk of respiratory diseases (HQ = 4.28), musculoskeletal diseases (HQ = 1.74), immunity disorders (HQ = 1.74), respiratory system disorders (HQ = 14.1), ophthalmological diseases (HQ = 9.7), physical and mental maldevelopment (HQ = 9.4); the total population-wide carcinogenic risk is found unacceptable (PCR = 1.8×10−3). It is demonstrated that the risk concept can be used as a methodological tool to substantiate the administrative decision-making with respect to environmental protection and technogenic security.

Electrochemical Test System for Analysis of Sulfur-Containing Organic Substances

The paper discusses selection of a set of metals for an electrochemical test system used for the detection of sulfur-containing organic substances. Analytical studies of organic sulfur compounds are very important since these compounds are widely used in medicine, biology, oil refining industry, etc. Quantitative determination and identification of sulfur-containing substances is essential for solving environmental problems. The electrochemical test system for analysis of organic substances is a solution containing a set of cations of various metals that have the ability to form complex compounds with analytes. Thereby, a single electrode can be used to carry out electrochemical multisensory analysis because metal cations play the role of sensors. Thus, there is no need to use a set of several working (indicator) electrodes, the number of which determines the number of informative parameters. Since sets of metals for test systems may slightly differ from each other, we need to select an optimal set for a specific problem. According to the study results, a set of metals for sulfur-containing organic substances consists of zinc, gallium and copper. The test system composed of these metals gives reliable results of electroanalytical determination of organic compounds of this class. The expediency of using such a test system is confirmed by comparative estimation of the Euclidean distances between the vector representations of the analytes and sulfur-containing organic compounds presented in the previously created database. Software for experimental data processing, visualization, and comparative analysis of the vector representations and the database components is developed.

The bone ultrastructural changes on combat trauma condition represented by scanning electron microscopy

ABSTRACT. Background . The row of factors influences on a result to the regeneration, in particular weight of destruction of bone, state of regional circulation of blood, inflammation. For today one of the the least studied and difficult types of breaks there are gunshot traumas of extremities. Objective. The general analysis of fragments, splits character and microelement composition was carried out. Furthermore, the experimental samples were compared with the bone fragments of injury caused by household trauma. Methods . Using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we have investigated the bone fragments of injury caused by combat trauma (gunshot and mine-blast wound). Results. According to SEM the bone fragments contained the mineralized matrix with lacunae and tubules. A cortical zone of the bone fragments consisted of lamellar bone; the Haversian canal and osteoid plates were found on the bone splits. The character of the bone split was clearly defined by osteons’ lamellas location. Into intact bone the osteons’ lamellas form the continuous concentric layers around Haversian canal. Consequently, the bone split after combat trauma took place in the osteons’ lamellas. The presence of such defects in the bone fragments should be considered as a factor of further bone reorganization, osteoporosis-like bone matrix transformation and instability during the osteosynthesis. Conclusion. The results of chemical analysis showed the statistically significant decrease of fluorine content (F) (р<0,01) and the decreasing tendency of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P) in the bone fragments after combat trauma. The Ca/P ratio did not change significantly while Na/Mg, Ca/S and Ca/C ratio tended to decrease. In two bone samples the increased levels of sulfur (S) and carbon (C) to the total chemical elements composition were determined. We make an assumption that emergence of the last elements into the bone fragments may be connected with the total content of hydroxyapatite decrease and presence of combustion products residues or other sulfur-containing flammable substances. In this way, taking into account the SEM and spectrometry (energy-dispersive spectrometer) results we make a conclusion that the microcracks density into bone matrix after combat trauma is higher than after household trauma. The cause of such effect is the killer kinetic action on the bone.

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans: performances on the low-grade polymetallic oxidized-manganese and sulfur-nickel ores redox system

A simultaneous bioleaching process to extract nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese from polymetallic nodule and low-grade nickel sulfide ore by using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is proposed in this study. Thermodynamic investigations and potential analysis showed that the selective leaching of Ni, Co, Cu, Mn is feasible. The electrochemical measurements reveal that A. ferrooxidans increases the potential difference between nodule anode and sulfide cathode. A. ferrooxidans leads to the negative shift of corrosion potential and the increment in electron release of the sulfur-containing substance, and accelerates the electron transfer and exchange current density in the nodule digestion. Under the optimal conditions, in the presence of A. ferrooxidans the final pregnant solution contained 0.86 g Ni/L, 56 mg Co/L, 0.62 g Cu/L, and 5.81 g Mn/L with the improvement of 5.1%, 4.1%, 5.9% and 4.9% referring to operation with sterile solution. The leaching rate of Ni, Cu, Co and Mn increases respectively by a factor of 0.17, 0.48, 0.10, and 0.093 in the A. ferrooxidans and Fe(III) medium relative to the Fe(III) alone, with a mean of 0.91, 0.70, 0.34 and 0.45 to the control.

Impurity composition of monoisotopic 28SiF4 silicon tetrafluoride

The impurity composition of 28SiF4 has been studied for the first time by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using gas-adsorption capillary columns. For identification and determination of impurity substances by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we have proposed using cryogenic preconcentration of the impurities from 28SiF4. The presence of C2–C4 hydrocarbon impurities and sulfur hexafluoride has been confirmed. We have identified 35 impurity substances in 28SiF4, including linear and branched C5–C8 saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorine- and fluorine-containing hydrocarbons, and silicon- and sulfur-containing substances, of which 28 have been detected for the first time.

Molecular Insights into the Transformation of Dissolved Organic Matter in Landfill Leachate Concentrate during Biodegradation and Coagulation Processes Using ESI FT-ICR MS.

Landfill leachate concentrate is a type of refractory organic wastewater with high environmental risk. Identification of refractory components and insights into the molecular transformations of the organics are essential for the development of efficient treatment process. In this report, molecular compositions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in leachate concentrate, as well as changes after anaerobic/aerobic biodegradation and coagulation with salts, were characterized using electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). DOM in leachate concentrate were more saturated and less oxidized with more nitrogen and sulfur-containing substances (accounting for 50.0%), comparing with natural organic matter in Suwannee River. Selectivity for different classes of organics during biodegradation and coagulation processes was observed. Substances with low oxidation degree (O/C < 0.3) were more reactive during biodegradation process, leading to the formation of highly oxidized molecules (O/C > 0.5). Unsaturated (H/C < 1.0) and oxidized (O/C > 0.4) substances containing carboxyl groups were preferentially removed after coagulation with Al or Fe sulfate. The complementary functions of biodegradation and coagulation in the treatment of DOM in leachate concentrate were verified at the molecular level. Lignin-derived compounds and sulfur-containing substances in leachate concentrate were resistant to biodegradation and coagulation treatments. To treat leachate concentrate more effectively, processes aimed at removal of such DOM should be developed.

The mechanism of improved intracellular organic selenium and glutathione contents in selenium-enriched Candida utilis by acid stress.

Batch culture of Candida utilis CCTCC M 209298 for the preparation of selenium (Se)-enriched yeast was carried out under different pH conditions, and maximal intracellular organic Se and glutathione (GSH) contents were obtained in a moderate acid stress environment (pH3.5). In order to elucidate the physiological mechanism of improved performance of Se-enriched yeast by acid stress, assays of the key enzymes involved in GSH biosynthesis and determinations of energy supply and regeneration were performed. The results indicated that moderate acid stress increased the activity of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and the ratios of NADH/NAD+ and ATP/ADP, although no significant changes in intracellular pH were observed. In addition, the molecular mechanism of moderate acid stress favoring the improvement of Se-yeast performance was revealed by comparing whole transcriptomes of yeast cells cultured at pH3.5 and 5.5. Comparative analysis of RNA-Seq data indicated that 882 genes were significantly up-regulated by moderate acid stress. Functional annotation of the up-regulated genes based on gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway showed that these genes are involved in ATP synthesis and sulfur metabolism, including the biosynthesis of methionine, cysteine, and GSH in yeast cells. Increased intracellular ATP supply and more amounts of sulfur-containing substances in turn contributed to Na2SeO3 assimilation and biotransformation, which ultimately improved the performance of the Se-enriched C. utilis.

Alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in rat kidney by betaine

Earlier studies have shown that betaine administration may modulate the metabolism of sulfur amino acids in the liver. In this study, we determined the changes in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances induced by betaine in the kidney, the other major organ actively involved in the transsulfuration reactions. Male rats received betaine (1%) in drinking water for 2 weeks before killing. Betaine intake did not affect betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase activity or its protein expression in the renal tissue. Expression of methionine synthase was also unchanged. However, methionine levels were increased significantly both in plasma and kidney. Renal methionine adenosyltransferase activity and S-adenosylmethionine concentrations were increased, but there were no changes in S-adenosylhomocysteine, homocysteine, cysteine levels or cystathionine β-synthase expression. γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase expression or glutathione levels were not altered, but cysteine dioxygenase and taurine levels were decreased significantly. In contrast, betaine administration induced cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase and its metabolic product, hypotaurine. These results indicate that the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in the kidney is altered extensively by betaine, although the renal capacity for methionine synthesis is unresponsive to this substance unlike that of the liver. It is suggested that the increased methionine availability due to an enhancement of its uptake from plasma may account for the alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in the kidney. Further studies need to be conducted to clarify the physiological/pharmacological significance of these findings.

Significance of alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing amino acids during liver regeneration

It has been known that liver regeneration is accompanied with a profound change in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in liver. However, its physiological significance in the liver regenerative process is still unclear. Our previous work showed that buthioninesulfoximine and phorone, both widely used to deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) in biological experiments, induced contrasting changes in the sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism in liver. In this study we employed these GSH-depleting agents to evaluate the role of sulfur-containing substances in the early phase of liver regeneration. Male rats treated with buthioninesulfoximine or phorone were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx). At the doses used, the magnitude of GSH depletion after PHx was comparable, but buthioninesulfoximine administration inhibited the progression of liver regeneration as determined by liver weight increase, elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expressions, whereas liver recovery was significantly accelerated in the phorone-treated rats, suggesting that the role of GSH in this process is minimal. Hepatic concentrations of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, taurine and GSH were all elevated by PHx. Methionine adenosyltransferase activity was also induced in the remnant liver. Buthioninesulfoximine administration depressed the elevation of S-adenosylmethionine, but increased the catabolism of cysteine to taurine. In contrast, S-adenosylmethionine elevation was augmented whereas cysteine, hypotaurine and taurine were decreased in the phorone-treated rats. PHx elevated hepatic putrescine and spermidine, but lowered spermine concentrations. Buthioninesulfoximine administration increased putrescine further, but decreased spermidine and spermine concentrations. On the contrary, both spermidine and spermine concentrations were elevated in the rats treated with phorone. The results suggest that the availability of S-adenosylmethionine plays a critical role in the progression of liver regeneration via enhancement of polyamine synthesis. These findings raise the possibility that regulating hepatic transsulfuration reactions may be capable of modifying the recovery process after liver injury.

IR spectroscopic study of the chemical composition of epiphytic lichens

Changes in the chemical composition of lichens exposed to pollutants are investigated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. According to model experiments, alkyl nitrates, ammonium salts, amines, and sulfones develop in the lichen thallus through the action of ammonia and nitric and sulfuric acids. Spectroscopic data of modeling experiments enabled nitrogen- and sulfur-containing substances to be identified as the main air pollutants in the vicinity of a pig-breeding complex and information to be obtained on the content of the pollutants and their impact on the lichens.

Metabolomic analysis of sulfur-containing substances and polyamines in regenerating rat liver

We studied the significance of alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in rapidly regenerating rat livers. Male rats were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx), and the changes in hepatic levels of major sulfur-containing amino acids and related substances were monitored for 2weeks. Liver weight began to increase from 24h after the surgery, and appeared to recover fully in 2weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were elevated immediately after the surgery and returned slowly to normal levels in 2weeks. Methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), cystathionine and cysteine were increased rapidly and remained elevated for longer than 1week. Hepatic glutathione concentration was increased gradually for 24h, and then decreased thereafter, whereas hypotaurine was elevated drastically right after the surgery. Hepatic concentrations of polyamines were altered significantly by PHx. In the hepatectomized livers putrescine concentration was elevated rapidly, reaching a level 40- to 50-fold greater than normal in 6-12h. Ornithine, the metabolic substrate for putrescine synthesis, was also elevated markedly. Spermidine was increased significantly, whereas spermine was depressed below normal, which appeared to be due to the increased consumption of decarboxylated SAM for spermidine biosynthesis. The results show that the metabolomics of sulfur-containing amino acids and related substances is altered profoundly in regenerating rat livers until the original weight is recovered. Hepatic concentrations of polyamines after PHx are closely associated with the alteration in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances. The implication of these changes in the progression of liver regeneration is discussed.

Alterations in hepatic metabolism of sulfur‐containing substances by silymarin in mice

Silymarin has been shown to exhibit hepatoprotective effects against chemical‐induced liver injury, but the underlying mechanism of its beneficial action remains unclear. In this study we examined the changes in hepatic metabolism of sulfur‐amino acids induced by silymarin. Male mice were treated with silymarin (100 or 200 mg/kg, po) every 12 hr for a total of 3 doses. Methionine level was increased, but methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity was decreased by silymarin in a dose‐dependent manner. S‐Adenosylmethione or homocysteine was not altered whereas cystathionine, cysteine and glutathione levels were increased significantly by silymarin treatment. Western blotting analysis revealed that silymarin treatment decreased protein expression of betaine‐homocysteine methyl transferase, MATI/III and cysteine dioxygenase, but increased cystathione β‐synthase expression in liver. Expression of γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate‐limiting enzyme of glutathione synthesis, was not influenced. The present results show that silymarin induces significant changes in the metabolomics of sulfur‐containing substances in liver, which appears to be associated with the hepatoprotective effects of this substance. Further studies to identify its significance in chemical‐induced liver injury are currently being conducted in this laboratory.Grant Funding Source: KOSEF

Unexpected extracellular and intracellular sulfur species during growth of Allochromatium vinosum with reduced sulfur compounds

Before its uptake and oxidation by purple sulfur bacteria, elemental sulfur probably first has to be mobilized. To obtain more insight into this mobilization process in the phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum, we used HPLC analysis and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for the detection and identification of sulfur compounds in culture supernatants and bacterial cells. We intended to identify soluble sulfur compounds that specifically occur during growth on elemental sulfur, and therefore compared spectra of cultures grown on sulfur with those of cultures grown on sulfide or thiosulfate. While various unexpected oxidized organic sulfur species (sulfones, C-SO(2)-C, and sulfonates, C-SO(3)(-)) were observed via XANES spectroscopy in the supernatants, we obtained evidence for the presence of monosulfane sulfonic acids inside the bacterial cells by HPLC analysis. The concentrations of the latter compounds showed a tight correlation with the content of intracellular sulfur, reaching their maximum when sulfur began to be oxidized. None of the detected sulfur compounds appeared to be a specific soluble intermediate or product of elemental sulfur mobilization. It therefore seems unlikely that mobilization of elemental sulfur by purple sulfur bacteria involves excretion of soluble sulfur-containing substances that would be able to act on substrate distant from the cells.

Impaired Metabolomics of Sulfur-Containing Substances in Rats Acutely Treated with Carbon Tetrachloride.

Impairment of hepatic metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids has been known to be linked with induction of liver injury. We determined the early changes in the transsulfuration reactions in liver of rats challenged with a toxic dose of CCl4 (2 mmol/kg, ip). Both hepatic methionine concentration and methionine adenosyltransferase activity were increased, but S-adenosylmethionine level did not change. Hepatic cysteine was increased significantly from 4 h after CCl4 treatment. Glutathione (GSH) concentration in liver was elevated in 4~8 h and then returned to normal in accordance with the changes in glutamate cysteine ligase activity. Cysteine dioxygenase activity and hypotaurine concentration were also elevated from 4 h after the treatment. However, plasma GSH concentration was increased progressively, reaching a level at least several fold greater than normal in 24 h. γ-Glutamyltransferase activity in kidney or liver was not altered by CCl4, suggesting that the increase in plasma GSH could not be attributed to a failure of GSH cycling. The results indicate that acute liver injury induced by CCl4 is accompanied with extensive alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing amino acids and related substances. The major metabolites and products of the transsul-furation pathway, including methionine, cysteine, hypotaurine, and GSH, are all increased in liver and plasma. The physiological significance of the change in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances and its role in the induction of liver injury need to be explored in future studies.

Effect of environment on the functional state of adolescents

Adolescents of both sexes 14–15 years of age residing under different environmental conditions have been examined. The group exposed to atmospheric pollution with sulfur-containing substances from a pulp-and-paper mill, as compared with the control (residing in a relatively “clean” area), is characterized by lower tolerance to hypoxemia, reserves of the cardiorespiratory system, core body temperature, level of physical health, concentrations of nitrogen oxide metabolites in the blood, and antioxidant vitamin supply. In addition, this group shows a tendency towards hypertension and worsening of hemodynamic regulation.

Comparison of the effects of buthioninesulfoximine and phorone on the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in rat liver

Alterations in hepatic transsulfuration reactions were determined in rats treated with a glutathione-depleting agent. A dose of l-buthionine-( S, R)-sulfoximine decreased hepatic methionine, cysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, and glutathione levels rapidly. Methionine adenosyltransferase and γ-glutamylcysteine lygase activities were decreased transiently, but significantly. The activity of cysteine dioxygenase was increased, resulting in an elevation of hypotaurine and taurine concentrations. Administration of phorone reduced hepatic glutathione and cysteine similarly, but S-adenosylmethionine concentrations were elevated for as long as 72 h. Hepatic methionine adenosyltransferase, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase, and γ-glutamylcysteine lygase activities were all increased but cysteine dioxygenase activity and taurine generation were markedly depressed. The results show that a decrease in hepatic GSH induces profound changes in sulfur amino acid metabolomics, which would subsequently influence various cellular processes. It is suggested that the change in hepatic levels of sulfur-containing substances and its physiological significance should be considered when a glutathione-depleting agent is utilized in biological experiments.

Alleviation of acute ethanol-induced liver injury and impaired metabolomics of S-containing substances by betaine supplementation

Oxidative stress is suggested to play a key role in the development of alcoholic liver injury. We investigated the induction of oxidative damage in association with changes in hepatic concentrations of sulfur-containing substances in mice challenged with binge-like ethanol administration. Also the protective effect of dietary betaine against ethanol-induced liver injury was determined. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity, TNFα level, and hepatic malondialdehyde level were increased significantly by ethanol administration. Hepatic Cyp2e1 was induced to 250% of control. Ethanol administration decreased hepatic S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, and glutathione, but elevated hypotaurine and taurine levels. Betaine supplied in drinking water for 2 weeks attenuated the induction of alcoholic liver injury and Cyp2e1 significantly. Reduction of hepatic S-adenosylmethionine and glutathione was alleviated, and elevation of hypotaurine and taurine was depressed. The results suggest that betaine may protect the liver against ethanol-induced oxidative injury most probably via its effects on the sulfur–amino acid metabolism.