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Effects of systemic indomethacin on photocarcinogenesis in hairless mice
M Haedersdal1, T Poulsen, H C Wulf
1Department of Dermatology H5192, National University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
The effect of systemic treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin on sun-induced skin carcinogenesis was examined in lightly pigmented hairless hr/hr C3H/Tif mice. Two groups of 20 mice were exposed to simulated solar ultraviolet radiation from one Phillips TL 12 and five Bellarium-S SA-1-12 tubes for 8 min/day, 4 days/week (daily dose was 12.6 kJ/m2, equivalent to 2.1 B-MED the basic minimal erythema dose). A mean dose of 1.8 mg kg-1 24 h-1 indomethacin was supplied to one of the two groups via the drinking water. The pharmacological treatment started on the first day of the trial and continued during the entire experiment. The time to first, second, and third tumour was significantly delayed in the group treated with indomethacin (P < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in the indomethacin-treated group than in the group receiving no pharmacological treatment (P < 0.0005). Under the present conditions, our study suggests that indomethacin may be beneficial in protection against photocarcinogenesis.
Insights
Systemic indomethacin treatment delayed sun-induced skin tumors in mice. This anti-inflammatory drug may offer protection against photocarcinogenesis, despite increased mortality in treated subjects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Skin cancer, or photocarcinogenesis, is a significant health concern.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a primary cause of skin cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs are being investigated for their potential role in cancer prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of systemic indomethacin on UV-induced skin carcinogenesis.
- To determine if indomethacin can prevent or delay the onset of skin tumors in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Hairless hr/hr C3H/Tif mice were used in the study.
- Mice were exposed to simulated solar ultraviolet radiation.
- One group received indomethacin in drinking water, while the control group did not.
Main Results:
- Indomethacin treatment significantly delayed the appearance of the first, second, and third skin tumors (P < 0.001).
- A higher mortality rate was observed in the indomethacin-treated group (P < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
- Systemic indomethacin may offer a protective benefit against UV-induced skin carcinogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential and safety of indomethacin in photocarcinogenesis prevention.