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Published on: September 7, 2013
Inhibition of chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice by peanut oil preparations
C Lasne1, G Nguyen-Ba, R Oueslatti
1Institut de recherches scientifiques sur le Cancer, Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
Epidermal hyperplasia and sebaceous gland destruction - good indicators of carcinogenic potential - were studied in short-term mouse skin experiments following application of BaP and TPA dissolved either in a peanut oil mixture or in acetone. Subsequently, the carcinogenicity of BaP and DMBA alone or in association with TPA was dissolved in the same vehicles, and determined in mouse long-term skin tests. In parallel, ODC activity and binding to DNA, RNA and proteins were examined in epidermal cells after exposure to TPA and BaP respectively. When the peanut oil excipient was used as a solvent, a complete inhibition of BaP and TPA activities was observed in short-term skin tests, as well as a complete inhibition of BaP, DMBA and TPA carcinogenicity in long-term tests. TPA-induced ODC activity was suppressed by the peanut oil mixture while BaP binding to nucleic acids and proteins of epidermal cells was only slightly inhibited. These results indicate that the excipient possesses anti-carcinogenic potentials for epidermal cells. The persistence of BaP binding to macromolecules in epidermal cells without tumor development suggests that the carcinogenic action of BaP may include both genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms.
Insights
Peanut oil suppressed the carcinogenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mouse skin. This suggests the oil has anti-carcinogenic properties, potentially involving epigenetic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Carcinogenesis
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Epidermal hyperplasia and sebaceous gland destruction are indicators of carcinogenic potential.
- Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) are known carcinogens.
- The role of excipients in modulating carcinogenicity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of a peanut oil excipient on the carcinogenic potential of BaP and TPA in mouse skin.
- To determine the impact of the peanut oil excipient on TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and BaP binding to macromolecules.
Main Methods:
- Short-term mouse skin experiments using BaP and TPA dissolved in peanut oil or acetone.
- Long-term mouse skin tests to assess carcinogenicity of BaP, DMBA, and TPA in different vehicles.
- Measurement of ODC activity and binding of BaP to DNA, RNA, and proteins in epidermal cells.
Main Results:
- Peanut oil completely inhibited the activities of BaP and TPA in short-term tests.
- Peanut oil completely inhibited the carcinogenicity of BaP, DMBA, and TPA in long-term tests.
- Peanut oil suppressed TPA-induced ODC activity but only slightly inhibited BaP binding to macromolecules.
Conclusions:
- The peanut oil excipient exhibits significant anti-carcinogenic potential for epidermal cells.
- The findings suggest that the carcinogenic action of BaP may involve both genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms.
- Excipients can play a crucial role in modulating the biological activity and carcinogenic potential of chemical agents.

![Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60445.jpg&w=3840&q=50)