Diallyl trisulfide ameliorates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury through the oxidative modification of CYP2E1 cysteine residues

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose induces severe acute liver injury via CYP2E1-mediated conversion into the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), triggering pericentral hepatocyte necrosis and secondary vascular endothelial damage. This study investigated whether a single pre-treatment with diallyl trisulfide (DATS) could suppress APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and vascular failure by directly regulating CYP2E1. DATS significantly attenuated the APAP-induced elevation of plasma AST and ALT activities and reduced hepatocyte ballooning and extensive necrosis in Zone 3. DATS also robustly suppressed pericentral fibrin deposition and hemorrhagic lesions without altering Kupffer cell accumulation. In vitro, DATS dose-dependently inhibited CYP2E1 activity, which was rescued by free cysteine. LC-MS/MS analysis identified the CYP2E1 peptide 436-VC*VGEGLAR-444, proving specific oxidative modification at Cys437. In conclusion, a single DATS administration shuts down toxic APAP metabolism at its source via post-translational oxidative modification of CYP2E1, comprehensively suppressing hepatocyte necrosis and intrahepatic hemorrhage. DATS is a promising fast-acting chemopreventive agent against drug-induced hepatotoxicity.