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Effects of retinoids in N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine-treated hamsters
Abstract:
The effect of feeding four synthetic retinoids was evaluated in carcinogen-treated hamsters. Syrian golden hamsters were injected with 20 mg/kg of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and then fed retinoid-supplemented diets for 39 weeks. All retinoid-treated groups grew more slowly than controls, and average survival was shorter in female retinoid-treated groups. A significant incidence of testicular atrophy was noted in male hamsters fed 2-hydroxyethylretinamide or 4-carboxyphenylretinamide. The incidence of pancreatic carcinomas was lower in 12 of 14 retinoid-fed groups than in the corresponding control groups, although the differences approached significance only in groups fed two of the retinoids--male hamsters fed N-4-propionyloxyphenylretinamide and those fed retinylidene dimedone. A low incidence of carcinoma in the control groups limits the conclusions that can be drawn from this study, but it is of note that there was no evidence of promotion.
Insights
Synthetic retinoids fed to carcinogen-treated hamsters showed varied effects. While some retinoids reduced pancreatic cancer incidence, others caused testicular atrophy in males and reduced survival in females.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Carcinogenesis
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Synthetic retinoids are vitamin A derivatives with potential therapeutic applications.
- N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) is a known carcinogen used to induce tumors in animal models.
- Understanding retinoid effects in cancer prevention and treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of four synthetic retinoids on tumor development and survival in carcinogen-treated hamsters.
- To assess the potential of these retinoids as chemopreventive agents against BOP-induced pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Syrian golden hamsters were injected with BOP and subsequently fed diets supplemented with four different synthetic retinoids for 39 weeks.
- Growth rates, survival, and the incidence of specific pathologies, including pancreatic carcinomas and testicular atrophy, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Retinoid-supplemented diets led to slower growth and reduced survival in female hamsters.
- Significant testicular atrophy was observed in males fed 2-hydroxyethylretinamide or 4-carboxyphenylretinamide.
- A trend towards lower pancreatic carcinoma incidence was noted in most retinoid-fed groups, though not statistically significant in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic retinoids exhibit complex effects, including potential growth inhibition and adverse impacts on survival and reproductive health.
- While some retinoids showed a trend in reducing pancreatic cancer, the low control group incidence limits definitive conclusions on chemopreventive efficacy.
- No evidence of tumor promotion was observed, suggesting a lack of adverse effects in that regard.