Effect of L-cysteine on lipid peroxidation in experimental urolithiatic rats.

Oxalate, the major stone-forming constituent induces lipid peroxidation during lithogenesis. In experimental condition oxalate formation was induced by the administration of its precursor glycollate. Glycollate-fed rats showed increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in the presence of promoters. In addition, antioxidant enzymes-catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase also showed decreased activity. Reduced glutathione, total thiols and ascorbic acid were also significantly decreased. On the other hand, an increased xanthine oxidase and decreased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was also observed upon glycollate administration. Cysteine, a sulphydryl compound, is known to inhibit free radical toxicity in various pathologies. Cysteine administration to glycollate-fed rats brought about a significant decrease in the peroxidative level, with an increase in the antioxidant status.