Anti-lipid peroxidative potential of glycyrrhetinic acid in 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Abstract

Present study investigated the effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Topical application of DMBA for 14 weeks in the buccal pouch of hamsters resulted in well-developed squamous cell carcinoma. The status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were measured in the plasma and buccal mucosa of hamsters treated with DMBA alone and DMBA + glycyrrhetinic acid treated hamsters. Altered levels of lipid peroxidation by-products [Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and disturbances in antioxidants status [vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of glycyrrhetinic acid at a dose of 45 mg/kg b.w restored the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in hamsters treated with DMBA. Present study thus suggests that glycyrrhetinic acid improved the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanism during DMBA induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.