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Vitamins A and E do protect against oral carcinoma
K H Calhoun1, D Stanley, C M Stiernberg
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77551.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Dimethylbenzanthracene-induced oral cancer involves increased ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Vitamins A and E, particularly together, offer protection by inhibiting ODC activity, suggesting a chemopreventive mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Tumorigenesis is linked to enhanced polyamine biosynthesis.
- Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis and is often elevated in cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) induction of oral cavity carcinoma increases ODC activity.
- To determine if the chemoprotective effects of vitamins A and E are associated with decreased ODC activity.
Main Methods:
- Induction of oral carcinoma using DMBA in a rodent model.
- Measurement of ODC activity following DMBA exposure.
- Administration of vitamins A and E, alone and in combination, to assess their effects on ODC activity and tumor development.
Main Results:
- DMBA significantly stimulated ODC activity.
- Vitamins A and E alone also stimulated ODC, with an additive effect when combined with DMBA.
- Combined vitamin A and E prevented the additive ODC stimulation.
- Vitamin A inhibited the late-phase ODC response to DMBA.
Conclusions:
- Pretreatment with vitamins A, or vitamins A and E together, protects against DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis.
- The chemoprotective mechanism involves early suppression of the ODC response to DMBA.