Apoptosis induction by S-allylcysteine, a garlic constituent, during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.
The apoptosis-inducing capacity of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a water-soluble garlic constituent, during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis was investigated in male Syrian hamsters using DNA fragmentation and the apoptosis-associated proteins, tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and Bcl-2. Hamsters were divided into four groups of six animals each. Animals in group 1 were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin on the right buccal pouches three times a week for 14 weeks. Group 2 animals painted with DMBA as in group 1, in addition received 200 mg kg(-1) body weight SAC orally on days alternate to DMBA application. Group 3 animals received SAC as in group 2. Group 4 animals received neither DMBA nor SAC and served as the control. The experiment was terminated at the end of 14 weeks. Administration of SAC (200 mg kg(-1) body weight) to animals painted with DMBA inhibited DMBA-induced HBP carcinogenesis as revealed by the absence of neoplasms, induction of tTG and inhibition of Bcl-2 expression. The results of the present study suggest that SAC may exert its chemopreventive effect by inducing apoptosis.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Balasenthil
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KS
Rao
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Nagini
D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002273:Carcinogens; D002610:Cheek; D006224:Cricetinae; D003545:Cysteine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D003720:Densitometry; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005737:Garlic / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002273:Carcinogens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; C065299:S-allylcysteine; D003545:Cysteine