Modulating effect of Andrographolide on cell surface glycoconjugates status during 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Abstract

Cell surface glycoconjugates play an important role in pinocytosis, cell differentiation, intra cellular recognition, cell adhesion and tumorigenesis. Aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of androgra- pholide on cellular integrity by measuring the status of glycoconjugates in the buccal mucosa and plasma of ham- sters during 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Oral squam- ous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of hamsters by painting with DMBA three times a week for 14 weeks. The status of glycoconjugates was assayed in plasma and buccal mucosa using the specific calorimetric methods. We noticed 100% tumours formation with marked abnormalities in the status of plasma and buccal mu- cosa glycoconjugates in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of andrographolide at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw not only completely prevents the tumour formation, but also restored the status of glycoconjugates in DMBA treated hamsters. The present study thus demonstrates the protective effect of andrographolide on cell surface glycoconjugates abnormalities during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.