Published online Feb 15, 2001. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v7.i1.60
Revised: October 21, 2000
Accepted: October 28, 2000
Published online: February 15, 2001
AIM: To study the inhibitory effects of VES (RRR-α-tocopheryl Succinate, VES), a derivative of natural Vitamin E, on benzo(a)pyrene(B(a)P)-induced forestomach tumor in female mice.
METHODS: The model of B(a)P-induced forestomach tumor was established according to the methods of Wattenberg with slight modifications. One hundred and eighty female mice (6 weeks old) were divided into six groups equally; negative control (Succinic acid), vehicle control (Succinate + B(a)P),positive control(B(a)P), high VES(2.5 g/kg.b.w+B(a)P), low VES (1.25 g/kg.b.w + B(a)P) ig as well as VES by ip (20 mg/kg.b.w + B(a)P). Except the negative control group, the mice were administrated with B(a)P ig. and corresponding treatments for 4 weeks to study the anti-carcinogenetic effect of VES during the initiation period. The experiment lasted 29 weeks, in which the inhibitory effects of VES both on tumor incidence and tumor size were tested.
RESULTS: The models of B(a)P-induced forestomach tumor in female mice were established successfully. Some were cauliflower-like, others looked like papilla, even a few were formed into the ulcer cavities. VES at 1.25 g/kg.b.w, 2.5 g/kg.b.w. by ig and 20 mg/kg.b.w. via ip could decrease the number of tumors per mouse (1.7 ± 0.41, 1.60 ± 0.34 and 1.1 ± 0.43), being lower than that of B(a)P group (5.4 ± 0.32, P < 0.05). The tumor incidence was inhibited by 18.2%, 23.1% and 50.0%. VES at 1.25 g/kg.b.w., 2.5 g/kg.b.w. by ig and 20 mg/kg.b.w. via ip reduced the total volume of tumors per mouse (54.8 ± 8.84, 28.4 ± 8.32 and 23.9 ± 16.05), being significantly lower than that of B(a)P group (150.2 ± 20.93, P < 0.01). The inhibitory rates were 63.5%, 81.1% and 84.1%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: VES has inhibitory effects on B(a)P-induced forestomach carcinogenesis in female mice, especially by ip and it may be a potential anti-cancer agent in vivo.