S-propyl cysteine reduces the secretion of apolipoprotein B100 and triacylglycerol by HepG2 cells

A number of sulfur-containing amino acids and peptides are found in allium plants such as onion and garlic that have physiologic functions. In HepG2 cells, S-propyl cysteine decreased the secretion of apolipoprotein B100. The compound reduced the secretion of newly synthesized triacylglycerol and cholesterols from radiolabeled acetate. We associated the decrease of apolipoprotein B 100 secretion to the length of the acyl-chain of the sulfur-containing amino acids. The present study suggests that foods containing S-propyl cysteine including onions have beneficial effects.