Fig. 1

Biotransformation and reaction of DS with copper in humans. a Biotransformation of DS. DS is promptly reduced to DDC in the bloodstream by glutathione reductase system of erythrocytes (1). In liver, DDC is methylated by S-methyltransferase to form S-Me-DDC (2), glucuronidated by glucuronyl transferase to form glucuronidated DDC (3) and non-enzymatic degradation into diethylamine and carbonyl disulfide (4). b Chelation of DS with copper. The DDC derived from DS chelates Cu(II) to form Cu(DDC)2 and generates ROS. The thiol group (dashed box) is essential for the reaction. The solid frame highlights thiuram structure