Anti-cell proliferative and anti-angiogenic potential of andrographolide during 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Our aim was to explore anti-cell proliferative and anti-angiogenic potential of andrographolide by analyzing the expression pattern of cell proliferative (PCNA, Cyclin D1) and angiogenic (VEGF) markers during 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. DMBA painting three times a week for 14 weeks in the buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters resulted in oral tumors which were histopathologically diagnosed as well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical (PCNA, VEGF) and RT-PCR (Cyclin D1) studies revealed over expression of PCNA, VEGF and Cyclin D1 in the buccal mucosa of hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of andrographolide at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw to hamsters treated with DMBA not only suppressed the histological abnormalities but also down regulated the expression of PCNA, VEGF and Cyclin D1. The results of the present study suggest that andrographolide suppressed tumor formation in the buccal mucosa of hamsters treated with DMBA through its anti-cell proliferative and anti-angiogenic potential.