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Prevention of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis by garlic
S Balasenthil1, C R Ramachandran, S Nagini
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to examine the inhibitory effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced tongue carcinogenesis in male rats, both in the initiation and post-initiation phases. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were used to monitor the chemopreventive potential of garlic. Biochemical estimations were carried out on tumour and normal tongue tissues. Diminished lipid peroxidation in the tumour tissue was accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of GSH, GPx and GST. Administration of garlic (250 mg/kg, p.o., three times a week) effectively suppressed 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis as revealed by the absence of carcinomas in the initiation phase and their reduced incidence in the post-initiation phase. The results of the present study suggest that garlic may exert its chemopreventive effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of GSH, GPx and GST.
Insights
Garlic (Allium sativum) inhibited tongue cancer in rats induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). It reduced lipid peroxidation and increased protective enzymes, suggesting chemopreventive potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) is a carcinogen that induces tongue cancer.
- Dietary factors, such as garlic, are being investigated for their chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effect of garlic on 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis in male rats.
- To assess garlic's chemopreventive potential by monitoring biochemical markers.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were administered 4NQO to induce tongue carcinogenesis.
- Garlic (Allium sativum) was administered during initiation and/or post-initiation phases.
- Biochemical assays were performed on tumor and normal tongue tissues to measure lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST).
Main Results:
- Garlic administration significantly suppressed 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis.
- Tumor tissues showed diminished lipid peroxidation with increased levels of GSH, GPx, and GST.
- Carcinomas were absent in the initiation phase and reduced in the post-initiation phase with garlic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Garlic (Allium sativum) exhibits chemopreventive effects against 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis in rats.
- Garlic may exert its protective effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels (GSH, GPx, GST).
