A study on the effect of vitamin A deficiency and supplementation on tumorigenesis in mice.
The effect of vitamin A deficiency and supplementation on the incidence of tumors, tumor growth and life expectancy was assessed in a murine model. Although the nature of response varied with respect to the tumor types studied, in general an increase in incidence of tumor take and further growth was noted with a concomitant fall in the survival rates in the group maintained on a vitamin A deficient diet. Supplemental vitamin A produced a prolongation of the latent period and delayed appearance of the tumor, reduced incidence and growth and improved life expectancy. Such effects seem to be mediated by a direct action of the vitamin on tumor cells, as well as through the host immune system, as revealed by nucleic acid synthetic patterns and nature of changes in the lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio, thymus weight and PHA-induced blastogenesis of peripheral lymphocytes.
Ghosh
J
J
Chittaranjan National Cancer Research Center, Calcutta, India.
Das
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000150:complications*; D009929:Organ Size; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000378:metabolism; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D014801:Vitamin A