Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
![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)
Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)
Published on: December 19, 2019
Effect of garlic on lipid peroxidation and antioxidation enzymes in DMBA-induced skin carcinoma
1Departments of Cancer Chemoprevention and Cancer Detection and Screening, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India.
Objective:
Naturally occurring phytochemicals display an active cancer preventive strategy to inhibit, delay, or reverse human carcinogenesis. Studies have indicated that certain daily-consumed dietary phytochemicals have cancer protective effects mediated by carcinogens. Lipid peroxide plays a detrimental role in all cancers including skin carcinogenesis. Garlic, a phytochemical, has acquired a special position in the folklore of many cultures as a formidable prophylactic and therapeutic medicinal agent. In this report, we pursue the chemopreventive effect of aqueous garlic on skin carcinogenesis.
Methods:
"Swiss albino mice" were divided into five groups depending on the combination of skin cancer-inducing 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and garlic treatments. Histology of the affected skin and biochemical assays for lipid peroxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase were performed to demonstrate the effect of garlic in mice. Immunoblotting was performed with cyclo-oxygenase-2, p53, and caspase-3 to demonstrate expressions of the respective proteins in skin lysates.
Results:
Garlic extracts inhibited the oxidative modification of lipids, thus protecting cells from injury by the oxidized molecules. The best chemopreventive action of garlic was observed in mice in which garlic treatment was performed before and after the induction of skin carcinogenesis. Garlic ingestion delayed formation of skin papillomas in animals and simultaneously decreased the size and number of papillomas, which was also reflected in the skin histology of the mice treated.
Conclusion:
The protective effects against skin cancer elicited by garlic in mice are believed to be due at least in part to the induction cellular defense systems.
Insights
Garlic extract demonstrated chemopreventive effects against skin cancer in mice by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing cellular defense systems. This natural compound delayed tumor formation and reduced papilloma size and number.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Chemoprevention
- Natural Products Research
Background:
- Phytochemicals offer cancer preventive strategies by inhibiting carcinogenesis.
- Lipid peroxide accumulation is implicated in skin carcinogenesis.
- Garlic is traditionally recognized for its medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemopreventive effects of aqueous garlic extract on skin carcinogenesis.
- To evaluate garlic's impact on biochemical markers and protein expression related to skin cancer.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino mice were subjected to skin carcinogenesis induction with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and treated with garlic extract.
- Histological analysis and biochemical assays (lipid peroxide, antioxidant enzymes) were conducted.
- Immunoblotting assessed protein expression (cyclo-oxygenase-2, p53, caspase-3).
Main Results:
- Garlic extract inhibited lipid peroxidation, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Optimal chemopreventive effects were observed when garlic treatment preceded and followed carcinogenesis induction.
- Garlic ingestion delayed papilloma formation and reduced tumor size and incidence.
Conclusions:
- Garlic exhibits significant chemopreventive effects against skin cancer in a mouse model.
- These protective effects are attributed to the induction of cellular defense mechanisms.
- Garlic represents a promising natural agent for skin cancer chemoprevention.