Modulatory effects of curcumin and resveratrol on lung carcinogenesis in mice

The aim of the present study is to explore the chemopreventive potential of curcumin and resveratrol during promotional phase of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. The mice were segregated into five groups which included normal control, BP-treated, BP+curcumin-treated, BP+resveratrol-treated and BP+curcumin+resveratrol-treated groups. The BP treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO). On the other hand, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found to be significantly decreased following BP treatment. Administration of curcumin to BP-treated mice decreased the levels of LPO significantly. Further, treatment of resveratrol to BP-treated mice significantly elevated the activities of SOD. Combined treatment of curcumin and resveratrol, kowever, showed significant improvement in LPO and GSH levels as well as in the activities of SOD. Histo-architectural studies showed well-differentiated signs of lung carcinogenesis following BP administration to mice. Although treatments with resveratrol and curcumin given separately to BP-treated mice showed appreciable improvement in the histo-architecture of the lung, combined treatment resulted in a noticeable improvement in the lung histo-architecture.