Calcium glucarate inhibits DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster: histomorphometric evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Calcium glucarate (CGT) is a promising chemopreventive agent. This study evaluated the in vivo efficacy of CGT in preventing 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha) anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster. Matherials and Methods: Seventy-six Syrian hamsters were used, divided into four groups: group 1, untreated animals; 2, CGT controls; 3, DMBA-treated; 4, DMBA- and CGT-treated. Hamsters were painted three times weekly with 0.5% solution of DMBA and were fed a diet supplemented with CGT (64 mmol/kg, 2%). Animals were sacrificed at week 9 and 12 and pathology and histomorphometric analyses were performed.


RESULTS
At week 9, four dysplastic lesions and six carcinomas were identified in group 3 while only three dysplasias and five carcinomas were detected in group 4. At week 12, five animals of group 3 displayed a dysplasia, which was only detected in one animal of group 4. Squamous carcinomas were identified in all animals of both group 3 and 4. However, in group 3 four of the animals displayed multifocal lesions and carcinomas displayed histological features indicative of increased aggressiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained suggest that CGT can exert an inhibitory effect on oral carcinogenesis in tha hamster and that further studies are warranted to evaluate its potential use as a chemopreventive agent in humans.
Lajolo
Carlo
C
DDS, School of Dentistry, Largo A. Gemelli, 8; 00168 Rome, Italy. carlo.lajolo@fastwebnet.it
Sgambato
Alessandro
A
Maiorano
Eugenio
E
Lucchese
Alberta
A
Capodiferro
Saverio
S
Favia
Gianfranco
G
Giuliani
Michele
M
D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006224:Cricetinae; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005937:Glucaric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D005937:Glucaric Acid