Tumor Preventive Efficacy of Emodin in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene-Induced Oral Carcinogenesis: a Histopathological and Biochemical Approach.

The aim of the present study is to focus the chemopreventive potential of Emodin during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Tumors were developed in the buccal pouches of golden Syrian hamsters by painting with 0.5% DMBA thrice a week for 14 weeks. The status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and detoxification agents were utilized as biochemical endpoints and the expression pattern of apoptotic proteins was employed as molecular endpoints in addition to the histopathological studies, to substantiate the anticancer potential of Emodin. Hamsters treated with DMBA + Emodin revealed mild to moderate precancerous lesions such as hyperplasia and dysplasia whereas 100% tumor formation was noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Also, Emodin treatment modulated the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, phase I and II detoxification agents and apoptotic proteins in favor of the inhibition/reversal/suppression of the oral tumorigenesis in DMBA treated hamsters. The present study thus concludes that the chemopreventive potential of Emodin relies on its pro-apoptotic and antioxidant efficacy during DMBA induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.