Chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive role of retinoids in chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in albino mice.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the chemotherapeutic effect of retinoids on albino mouse skin.


METHODS
Eighty albino mice were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (A-D, 20 mice in each group). 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and tetradecanoylphorbal-13-acetate (TPA) were given for 15 weeks to produce tumors. Retinoids were given topically and orally after the development of tumors for the following 15 weeks.


RESULTS
Of the 80 mice, 69 (86.25%) developed different types of lesion and 11 (13.75%) remained lesion free. Of the 69 mice that developed lesions, 50 (62.50%) developed benign lesions and 19 (23.75%) developed malignant lesions. In all groups of mice, treatment with retinoids was effective against all benign lesions and the early stages of carcinogenesis of the skin. The chemotherapeutic effect against malignant tumors was not satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that retinoids are effective as chemopreventive agents in premalignant lesions of the skin, but have a very weak chemotherapeutic role in malignant neoplasms. If retinoids are given at an early stage, they can cause regression of premalignant lesions of the skin. They are best administered both orally and parenterally. These agents should be recommended as they reduce the potential effects of carcinogenesis.
Bukhari
Mulazim H
MH
Department of Pathology and Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan. drmhbukhari@yahoo.com
Qureshi
Shahzad Shafqat
SS
Niazi
Shahida
S
Asef
Mohammad
M
Naheed
Mamona
M
Khan
Saeed A
SA
Chaudhry
Naseer A
NA
Tayyab
Mohammad
M
Hasan
Mumtaz
M
D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004224:Diterpenes; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004224:Diterpenes; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A; C009166:retinol acetate; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D015474:Isotretinoin; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate