The organotellurium compound ammonium trichloro(dioxoethylene-o,o′)tellurate reacts with homocysteine to form homocystine and decreases homocysteine levels in hyperhomocysteinemic mice

摘要: Ammonium trichloro(dioxoethylene-o,o′)tellurate (AS101) is an organotellurium compound with pleiotropic functions that has been associated antitumoral, immunomodulatory and antineurodegenerative activities. Tellurium compounds a +4 oxidation state, such as AS101, react uniquely thiols, forming disulfide molecules. In light of this, we tested whether AS101 can the amino acid homocysteine both in vitro in vivo. conferred protection against homocysteine-induced apoptosis HL-60 cells. The protective mechanism toxicity was directly mediated by its chemical reactivity, whereby reacted to form homocystine, less toxic homocysteine. Moreover, shown here reduce levels total in in vivo model hyperhomocysteinemia. As result, also prevented sperm cells from undergoing DNA fragmentation. Taken together, our results suggest may be clinical value reducing circulatory levels.