Protective effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on cell surface glycoconjugates abnormalities in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against cell surface glycoconjugates (protein-bound hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid, and fucose) abnormalities in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Topical application of DMBA three times a week for 14 weeks on the buccal pouches of hamsters resulted in well-developed squamous cell carcinoma. Glycoconjugates status in plasma and tumor tissues were estimated using specific and sensitive colorimetric methods. Results: Increases in plasma and tumor tissue glycoconjugates were noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA. Oral administration of glycyrrhetinic acid at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight restored the status of glycoconjugates in hamsters treated with DMBA. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid might provide protection against cell surface abnormalities during DMBA-induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis in hamsters.