An insight into the chemopreventive role of curcumin and quercetin during promotional phase of benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in mice

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the combined chemopreventive potential of curcumin and quercetin during promotional phase of lung carcinogenesis in male Laka mice. The mice were segregated into five groups; normal control, benzo(a)pyrene (BP) treated, BP + curcumin treated, BP + quercetin treated, and BP + curcumin + quercetin treated. After 10 weeks of BP treatment a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, a significant decrease in the glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and well-differentiated histological signs of promotional phase were noted. Treatment with curcumin and quercetin when given separately as well as in combination restored LPO levels to within normal range. Quercetin alone supplementation and in combination with curcumin significantly elevated the levels of GSH as well as the activities of SOD in the BP-treated mice. Further, treatment with quercetin and curcumin given separately, as well as in combination, to the BP-treated mice showed protective effects in the lung morphology. In conclusion, results suggest that treatment with curcumin and quercetin alone and in combination provides beneficial effects against BP-induced lung alterations in mice.