143 - Benzo(a)Pyrene Induced Lung Carcinogenesis in Mice: Plausible role of CEA

Abstract

Background Lung cancer is identified as the most widespread type of cancer with high mortality rate. Despite the increase in early diagnosis and treatments, most patients have a poor prognosis, with an overall very low 5-year survival rate. Acacia catechu is an indigenous plant found in India and shows various properties such as antiproliferative, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study showed the chemopreventive effects of methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu (MEBA) against B(a)P induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Methods B(a)P was given orally (50 mg/kg body weight) twice a week for four successive weeks to induce lung cancer in mice. The mice were treated with MEBA at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg b.wt. The lung weight, body weight, lipid peroxidation, lactate dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase, carcinoembryonic antigen, antioxidants armory activities were estimated. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of lung tissue and immunohistochemistry analysis of VEGF, PCNA, NF-kB andCOX-2 were also carried out Results B(a)P exposure resulted in an increase in LDH, LPO and XO with subsequent decrease in anti-oxidant armory. It caused an increase in the expression of PCNA, VEGF, Cox-2 and NF-kB. The CEA level was also increased in the B(a)P-induced lung cancer group. Treatment with MEBA at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. significantly decreased in LPO, LDH, XO and increased in anti-oxidant armory activities. This decrease in expression of hyperproliferation and inflammation markers reveals that MEBA treatment seems effective against lung cancer. Elisa kit analysis also revealed that MEBA treatment showed significantly decrease in the CEA level. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect of MEBA was confirmed by histopathological analysis. Conclusion The present study suggests the chemo-preventive effects of methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechuagainst B(a)P-induced lung tumor by attenuating theoxidative stress, hyperproliferation and inflammation.