Antioxidant intervention of smoking-induced lung tumor in mice by vitamin E and quercetin

Epidemiological and in vitro studies suggest that antioxidants such as quercetin and vitamin E (VE) can prevent lung tumor caused by smoking; however, there is limited evidence from animal studies.

In the present study, Swiss mouse was used to examine the potential of quercetin and VE for prevention lung tumor induced by smoking.

Our results suggest that the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity were 43.5% and 1.00 +/- 0.29 in smoking group; Quercetin has limited effects on lung tumor prevention in this in vivo model, as measured by assays for free radical scavenging, reduction of smoke-induced DNA damage and inhibition of apoptosis. On the other hand, vitamin E drastically decreased the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity which were 17.0% and 0.32 +/- 0.16, respectively (p < 0.05); and demonstrated prominent antioxidant effects, reduction of DNA damage and decreased cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). Combined treatment with quercetin and VE in this animal model did not demonstrate any effect greater than that due to vitamin E alone. In addition, gender differences in the occurrence of smoke induced-lung tumor and antioxidant intervention were also observed.

We conclude that VE might prevent lung tumor induced by smoking in Swiss mice.