Lupeol, a triterpene, prevents free radical mediated macromolecular damage and alleviates benzoyl peroxide induced biochemical alterations in murine skin.
In our earlier communication we have shown that Lupeol inhibits early responses of tumour induction in murine skin. The free radical mediated damage to the cellular macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids and alteration in the activities of quinone reductase and xanthine oxidase are important biochemical parameters of tumor development. The suppression of free radical mediated damage to cellular macromolecules and induction of quinone reductase along with depletion of xanthine oxidase are prominent characteristics of chemopreventive agents. In the present investigation, we have elucidated the mechanism of action of lupeol (Lup-20 (29)-en-3beta-ol), a triterpene found in moderate amount in many vegetables, fruits and anti-tumor herbs. In the present investigation, lupeol significantly reduced the free radical mediated DNA-sugar damage and microsomal lipid peroxidation in an iron/ascorbate free radical generating system in vitro. Benzoyl peroxide, a known free radical generating tumor promoter mediated oxidation of proteins and modulation in the activities of quinone reductase as well as xanthine oxidase was significantly prevented by lupeol when tested on murine skin in vivo. It was concluded from this study that lupeol acts as an effective chemopreventive agent against cutaneous toxicity.
Sultana
Sarwat
S
Section of Chemoprevention and Nutrition Toxicology, Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India 110 062. sarwat786@rediffmail.com
Saleem
Mohammad
M
Sharma
Sonia
S
Khan
Naghma
N
D000096:Acetone / Q000633:toxicity; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D016660:NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) / Q000378:metabolism; D053978:Pentacyclic Triterpenes; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D000094042:Lupanes
D000096:Acetone; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D016660:NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); D053978:Pentacyclic Triterpenes; D014315:Triterpenes; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase; C010480:lupeol; D000094042:Lupanes