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The role of ascorbic acid, selenium, and glutathione on benzo[a]pyrene-induced carcinogenesis in wistar rats

K Charalabopoulos1, S Karkabounas, P Dimicco

  • 1Department of Physiology, Clinical Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.

Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
|April 7, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ascorbic acid (vit C) and a combination of selenium (Se) with glutathione (GSH) significantly inhibited benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced cancer in rats. The Se + GSH combination demonstrated a more potent anticarcinogenic effect than vit C alone.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Toxicology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known carcinogens.
  • Endogenous and exogenous compounds can inhibit PAH-induced carcinogenesis.
  • Ascorbic acid (vit C), selenium (Se), and glutathione (GSH) are investigated for their inhibitory potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anticarcinogenic effects of ascorbic acid (vit C) alone.
  • To assess the combined anticarcinogenic efficacy of selenium (Se) and glutathione (GSH).
  • To elucidate the modifying action of these compounds on benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Chemical carcinogenesis was induced in wistar rats using benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).
  • Three groups were established: control (BaP only), vit C treatment (BaP + vit C), and Se + GSH treatment (BaP + Se + GSH).
  • Tumor incidence, mean survival time, carcinogenic potency (CP), and anticarcinogenic potency (AP) were determined.

Main Results:

  • Both vit C and Se + GSH significantly increased mean survival time compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
  • The Se + GSH combination exhibited a higher anticarcinogenic potency (AP = 25.4 units) than vit C alone (AP = 13.1 units).
  • A statistically significant difference in mean survival time was observed between the Se + GSH and vit C groups.

Conclusions:

  • Ascorbic acid (vit C) and the combination of selenium (Se) with glutathione (GSH) are effective endogenous inhibitors of BaP-induced carcinogenesis in wistar rats.
  • The combination therapy of Se + GSH demonstrated superior in vivo anticarcinogenic results compared to vit C monotherapy.
  • These findings highlight the potential of nutritional compounds in cancer chemoprevention.

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