Chemopreventive potential of chrysin in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Abstract

Introduction: Chemoprevention, an emerging, appealing, and innovative approach in experimental oncology, deals with the inhibition, prevention or suppression of carcinogenesis, using natural products or synthetic derivatives. The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemopreventive potential of chrysin during 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA) - induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of Syrian golden hamsters by painting them with 0.5 percent DMBA in liquid paraffin thrice a week, for 14 weeks. The status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and phase I and II detoxification agents were utilized as biochemical end points, to assess the chemopreventive efficacy of chrysin in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Results: In the present study, 100% tumor formation with marked abnormalities in the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and detoxification agents was noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of chrysin at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw to DMBA-treated hamsters significantly reduced the tumor incidence and tumor size as well as reverted the status of the above-mentioned biochemical markers during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Conclusion: Chrysin has the potential to delay rather than inhibit tumor formation as evidenced by the tumor formation in two of the DMBA + chrysin-treated hamsters, during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.