Chemopreventive Potential of Myrtenal in 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a) Anthracene Induced Experimental Oral Carcinogenesis in Golden Syrian Hamsters
XC01-XC06
Correspondence
Dr. Shanmugam Manoharan,
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: sakshiman@rediffmail.com
Introduction: Oxidative stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer. Myrtenal, a monoterpene, has been shown to possess various therapeutic potentials including anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.
Aim: The present study utilises the status of oxidative stress and detoxification cascade markers to explore the chemopreventive potential of myrtenal in experimental oral carcinogenesis induced in Golden Syrian hamsters.
Materials and Methods: Oral neoplasms were developed using 0.5% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA), three times a week for 14 weeks in the buccal pouch of Golden Syrian hamsters. the developed lesions were confirmed histopathologically as well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The status of oxidative stress markers {Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS)}, antioxidants {Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), vitamin E, vitamin C, reduced glutathione (GSH), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)} and detoxification agents {cytochrome p450, cytochrome b5, Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione Reductase (GR), oxidised glutathione (GSSG), DT diaphorase} were determined using suitable colorimetric assays. The statistical comparison between the experimental groups was done by one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test.
Results: Topical application of DMBA not only resulted in tumour formation but also caused severe biochemical abnormalities in both plasma and buccal mucosa of Golden Syrian hamsters. Myrtenal administration (230 mg/kg bw p.o) to the hamsters painted with DMBA, suppressed or inhibited the formation of tumours and restored the status of oxidative stress markers and detoxification agents as well.
Conclusion: The present study thus concludes that the chemopreventive efficacy of myrtenal is either due to its antilipid peroxidative efficacy or due to its modulating effect on the detoxification agents towards the inhibition of oral carcinogenesis.