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Published on: December 19, 2019
Chemoprevention by alpha-santalol on UVB radiation-induced skin tumor development in mice
Ajay Bommareddy1, Justin Hora, Bruce Cornish
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
Abstract:
Studies have shown the chemopreventive effects of alpha-santalol on chemically and UVB-induced skin cancer in mice. The objective of the present investigation was to find the lowest effective concentration of alpha-santalol for the chemopreventive effects on UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice and to determine antiperoxidant effect of alpha-santalol in order to elucidate its possible mechanism of action. Female SKH-1 mice were divided into different groups receiving either vehicle alone or different concentrations of alpha-santalol. Mice in all the groups were initiated and promoted with UVB radiation for skin tumor development. The promotion phase continued for 30 weeks. Skin tumors were counted once a week for 30 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was assayed in skin and liver microsomes by measuring malonaldehyde formed using thiobarbituric acid method. Topical administration of alpha-santalol reduced UVB-induced skin tumor development in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of alpha-santalol (5%) significantly (p < 0.05) delayed skin tumor development for 25 weeks and reduced tumor multiplicity. alpha-Santalol also inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation in skin and liver microsomes. alpha-Santalol application prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development possibly by acting as an antiperoxidant.
Insights
Alpha-santalol demonstrates chemopreventive effects against UVB-induced skin tumors in mice. This compound, applied topically, reduced tumor development and inhibited lipid peroxidation, suggesting an antiperoxidant mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha-santalol is known for its chemopreventive properties against chemically and UVB-induced skin cancer.
- Understanding its mechanism of action, particularly its antiperoxidant effects, is crucial for its therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lowest effective concentration of alpha-santalol for preventing UVB-induced skin tumors in mice.
- To investigate the antiperoxidant effect of alpha-santalol to elucidate its mechanism of action.
Main Methods:
- Female SKH-1 mice were treated with varying concentrations of alpha-santalol or vehicle.
- Mice were exposed to UVB radiation for skin tumor initiation and promotion over 30 weeks.
- Lipid peroxidation was measured in skin and liver microsomes using the thiobarbituric acid method.
Main Results:
- Topical alpha-santalol reduced UVB-induced skin tumor development in a concentration-dependent manner.
- A 5% concentration of alpha-santalol significantly delayed tumor development for 25 weeks and reduced tumor multiplicity.
- Alpha-santalol inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation in both skin and liver microsomes.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-santalol effectively prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice.
- The antiperoxidant activity of alpha-santalol is a likely mechanism underlying its chemopreventive effects.
- Further research into alpha-santalol as a potential agent for skin cancer prevention is warranted.

