Dose dependent inhibitory effect of dietary caraway on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colonic aberrant crypt foci and bacterial enzyme activity in rats

Bunium persicum Seeds Extract in Combination with Vincristine Mediates Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells through Regulation of Involved Genes and Proteins Expression

BACKGROUND

Bunium persicum seeds, a member of the Apiaceae family, have historically been consumed as part of the Iranian diet.

OBJECTIVE

While many of this herb's biological properties have been fully investigated, there is currently no reliable information about its anticancer/cytotoxic properties.

METHODS

Herein, we first determined the major bioactive compounds of B. persicum seed extract (BPSE) via GC-Mass analysis. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of the extract alone as well as in combination with vincristine (VCR), a commonly used chemotherapy drug, using MTT assays on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as a normal breast cancer cell line, MCF-10A. Moreover, these compounds were evaluated in vitro for their anticancer activity using ROS assays, Real-Time PCR, Western blots, flow cytometry, and cell cycle assays.

RESULTS

As a result of our investigation, it was determined that the extract significantly reduced the viability of cancerous cells while remaining harmless to normal cells. The combination of BPSE and VCR also resulted in synergistic effects. BPSE and/or BPSE-VCR treatment increased the intracellular ROS of MCF-7 cells by over twofold. Moreover, the IC30 of BPSE (100 μg/ml) significantly increased the BAX/BCL-2 and P53 gene expression while reducing the expression of the MYC gene. Moreover, treated cells were arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. The BPSE-VCR combination synergistically reduced the NF-κB and increased the Caspase-7 proteins' expression. The percent of apoptosis in the cells treated with the extract, VCR, and their combination was 27, 11, and 50, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated the anticancer activity of the BPSE and its potential for application in combination therapy with VCR.

Isomaltooligosaccharides inhibit early colorectal carcinogenesis in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat model

Colon cancer (CC) is a multistage disease and one of the most common cancers worldwide. Establishing an effective treatment strategies of early colon cancer is of great significance for preventing its development and reducing mortality. The occurrence of colon cancer is closely related to changes in the intestinal flora structure. Therefore, remodelling the intestinal flora structure through prebiotics is a powerful approach for preventing and treating the occurrence and development of colon cancer. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are often found in fermented foods and can directly reach the gut for use by microorganisms. In this study, a rat model of early colon cancer (DMH) was established by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, and the model rats were fed IMOs as a dietary intervention (DI). The untargeted faecal metabolomics, gut metabolome and intestinal function of the model rats were investigated. The results showed that DMH, DI and IMOs alone (IMOs) groups exhibited gut microbial community changes. In the DI group, there was an increased abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus) and decreased abundance of CC marker bacteria (Fusobacterium). The key variations in the faecal metabolites of the DI group included decreased levels of glucose, bile acids (including deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) and amino acids (including L-glutamic acid and L-alanine). In addition, dietary intake of IMOs attenuated the intestinal inflammatory response, improved the intestinal microecological environment, and slowed the development of DMH-induced early CC in rats. This work provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the clinical prevention or treatment of CC with prebiotics.

Ficus dubia latex extract prevent DMH-induced rat early colorectal carcinogenesis through the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism, inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis

Ficus dubia latex is recognized as a remedy in Asian traditional medicine with various therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to determine the preventive action of Ficus dubia latex extract (FDLE) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis and its mechanisms. The experiment included an initiation model in which rats were orally administered with FDLE daily for 1 week before DMH injection until the end of the experiment, while only after DMH injection until the end in the post-initiation model. The results firstly indicated that FDLE treatment could reduce the level of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) in rat colonic lumen by inhibition of the activities of both phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the liver and β-glucuronidase in the colon, leading to reduced DNA methylation in colonic mucosal cells, related to the number of ACF in the initiation stage. Besides, FDLE modulated the inflammation which could suppress the growth and induce apoptosis of aberrant colonic mucosal cells, leading to retardation of ACF multiplicity. Therefore, FDLE showed the ability to suppress the DMH-induced rat ACF formation and inflammation promoted growth of ACF. In conclusion, FDLE had the potential to prevent carcinogens-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis in the initiation stage.

Protective effect of Callistemon citrinus on oxidative stress in rats with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer

Callistemon citrinus has terpenes effective in inducing antioxidant enzymes, an important mechanism involved in cancer chemoprevention. This study investigated the chemopreventive efficacy of herbal preparation of C. citrinus leaves against the oxidative stress produced during the colorectal cancer (CRC) in male Wistar rats. The amelioration of toxicity in a model of CRC induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was determined by assessing antioxidant enzymes, phase II enzymes activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) products after 22 weeks of treatment. C. citrinus was administered at a daily oral dose of 250 mg/kg. The activities in proximal, middle and distal colon, liver, kidney and heart were determined. C. citrinus showed a strong antioxidant activity that correlated with the high content of phenolics and terpenoids. DMH treated animals showed a decrease of the enzymes activity in most tissues and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). Conversely, the levels of lipid peroxidation products were increased. Macroscopic examination revealed the protective effect of C. citrinus in damaged organs caused by DMH. Moreover, histopathological examination of the liver displayed normal structure in the C. citrinus-treated group, unlike the DMH-treated group. C. citrinus supplementation significantly maintained or increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, whereas lipid peroxidation products levels were reduced to values similar to the level of control group. The ability of C. citrinus to induce the antioxidant system reduced the damage of oxidative stress, which makes this plant a good candidate to be used as a prevention agent in treatment of diseases such as colorectal cancer.

Effects of an oral hydro-ethanolic purple coneflower extract on performance, clinical health and immune parameters in calves

The objective of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded field trial was to investigate the effects of oral administration of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L. (EP)) on performance, health and immune parameters in calves. Calves (n = 27) were enrolled to three groups (9 calves per group): 0.5 g EP/calf per day (ECL), 5 g EP/calf per day (ECH) or placebo. Calves were vaccinated with Bluetongue-Virus (BTV) serotype 4 vaccine to investigate EPs effects on seroconversion. Clinical and performance parameters, inter alia body weight, health and milk intake were recorded for 57 days. Blood samples were analyzed for BTV antibodies and IgG by ELISA, white and red blood cell counts by flow cytometry and mRNA abundance of various inflammatory markers in leukocytes (IL-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) and prostaglandin E synthase) was studied. The findings demonstrated no differences between groups regarding performance parameters. In all groups, calves suffered from diarrhea for a minimum of 2 days, but EP reduced the number of diarrhea days by 44% in ECL and increased the body temperature. Interestingly, ECL resulted in an increased number of respiratory disease days during the follow-up period. EP did not change blood cell and IgG counts, whereas eosinophil granulocytes were reduced in ECL. Decreased levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit were found in ECH. Prostaglandin E synthase levels in leukocytes were higher in ECL and ECH, whereas no differences were obtained for IL-1β, IL-8, TNFα and Cox-2. Due to the unexpected occurrence of BTV seropositive calves before the first vaccination, 13 calves were excluded from the evaluation on seroconversion and no statistical analyses could be performed regarding antibody production. BTV-4 antibodies were not produced in 4 placebo-calves, whereas 4 of 5 and 1 of 6 ECL- and ECH-calves produced antibodies. Further investigations are needed to draw final conclusions on mode of action and efficacy of EP in calves.

Rescue effects of aqueous seed extracts of Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi against cadmium-induced hepatic, renal and gonadal damage in female albino rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of aqueous seed extracts of fennel "Foeniculum vulgare" (FVE) and caraway "Carum carvi" (CCE) on liver, kidney and reproductive organs in female rats against cadmium chloride (CC) intoxication.

METHODS

A total of 36 adult female rats were divided into six groups, six in each group. Control group (fed normal diet), CC-treated group (50 mg CC/kg diet), CCE-treated group (150 mg CCE/kg diet), CCE + CC group, FVE (150 mg/kg diet) and FVE + CC. One month later, all rats were sacrificed and all samples were collected at proestrus phase.

RESULTS

The toxic effects of CC were confirmed biochemically by significant increase of serum concentration of liver enzymes (P < 0.05), and creatinine (P < 0.001). Moreover, CC increased significantly the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < 0.001). In addition, serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, CC-treated group revealed marked pathological changes in renal, hepatic, ovarian and uterine tissues. All toxic findings observed in liver and kidney with CC treatment were found to be ameliorated markedly after co-treatments with FVE or CCE. Furthermore, co-treatment of FVE with CC improved significantly all studied reproductive parameters (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both FVE and CCE could be used as efficient treatments for liver and kidney against CC intoxication. Moreover, FVE could be utilized as a potent treatment to protect and improve female fertility from cadmium intoxication.

Hydrolysed inulin alleviates the azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci by altering selected intestinal microbiota in Sprague-Dawley rats

Context Inulin, a non-digestible carbohydrate isolated from Helianthus tuberosus L. (Asteraceae), has been shown to alter the gut beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria. Inulin also influences the activities of intestinal microbiota that could prevent the colon cancer development. Objective This study determines the effect of hydrolysed inulin with different degrees of polymerisation on alteration of intestinal microbiota and their activities on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Materials and methods Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (three control and three AOM-treated groups) and the animal were fed with either a normal diet or diet containing 10% of long-chain inulin (InuL) or short-chain inulin (InuS), respectively, for 17 weeks. Colon cancer was induced in rats by injecting AOM subcutaneously at the 8th and 9th week of the study period. At the end of the experiment, cecal contents of rats were examined for selected microbiota, organic acids, putrefactive compounds and microbial enzymes. ACF formation was microscopically examined. Results The inulin diets significantly increased the weight and decreased the pH of the caecal content. The rats fed with InuL-supplemented diet showed approximately 2.9- and 6.8-fold increases in the biomass of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria, respectively. Naive and AOM-treated rats fed with inulin-supplemented diet showed ∼1.3- and ∼2.2-fold decreases in the biomass of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, respectively. Inulins significantly decreased the colonic concentration of phenol, p-cresol and indole. Reduction in the activity of microbial enzymes such as β-glucuronidase, azoreductase and nitroreductase were observed in inulin-treated animals. Reduction in the ACF formation has been observed in inulin-treated groups. Discussion and conclusion The present study demonstrates that dietary administration of inulin reduces the formation of preneoplastic lesions in the colon, possibly by altering the microecology and microbial activities on carcinogenesis.

The study of metabonomics combined with diversity of intestinal flora in LDP intervention in kidney-yin deficiency hyperthyroid rats

This study was to clarify the drug mechanism in the preparation of high-content plant polysaccharides.

Short-term caraway extract administration improves cardiovascular disease risk markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: a dose-response study

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of caraway plant on blood levels of glucose, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: nondiabetic control rats, group 2: diabetic rats, group 3, and 4 (caraway treated diabetic groups): each rat was treated with caraway at doses of 1 g/kg in group 3 and 2 g/kg in group 4. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Caraway was administered as aqueous extract orally once a day for 3 weeks. Finally, blood samples were collected and fasting blood glucose, serum lipid profile, and C-reactive protein levels were determined. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way Analysis of Variance and considered to be significant when p < .05.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats receiving 1 and 2 g/kg caraway extracts had significantly lower total cholesterol (p = .036 and p = .010, respectively), low-density lipoprotein (p = .001 and p = .002, respectively), non-HDL-C (p = .003 and p = .007, respectively), LDL-C to HDL-C ratio (p = .002) and atherogenic index (p = .001) than that of diabetic control rats. Moreover, there were significant changes in fasting blood glucose in diabetic groups treated with 1 and 2 g/kg caraway extracts (p = .001 and p = .027, respectively) compared with the diabetic control. However, caraway did not have any significant effect on C-reactive protein level in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that caraway can exhibit blood glucose and lipid lowering activities in diabetes, without any effect on C-reactive protein level.

The effect of rosmarinic acid on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis

This study was carried out to investigate the chemopreventive potential of rosmarinic acid (RA) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced rat colon carcinogenesis by evaluating the effect of RA on tumour formation, antioxidant enzymes, cytochrome P450 content, p-nitrophenol hydroxylase and GST activities. Rats were divided into six groups and fed modified pellet diet for the entire experimental period. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received RA (10 mg/kgb.w.). Groups 3-6 were induced colon cancer by injecting DMH (20 mg/kgb.w.) subcutaneously once a week for the first four weeks (groups 3-6). In addition, RA was administered at the doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kgb.w. to groups 4-6 respectively. DMH treated rats showed large number of colonic tumours; decreased lipid peroxidation; decreased antioxidant status; elevated CYP450 content and PNPH activities; and decreased GST activity in the liver and colon. Supplementation with RA (5 mgkg/b.w.) to DMH treated rats significantly decreased the number of polyps (50%); reversed the markers of oxidative stress (21.0%); antioxidant status (38.55%); CYP450 content (29.41%); and PNPH activities (21.9%). RA at the dose of 5 mg/kgb.w. showed a most pronounced effect and could be used as a possible chemopreventive agent against colon cancer.

Effect of dietary caraway essential oils on expression of β-catenin during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colonic carcinogenesis

We have recently reported that the inhibition of colonic premalignant lesions induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is mediated by the interference of caraway oil components in the activities of the main hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary caraway oils on the progression of cancer, with emphasis on β-catenin expression in the colon during DMH-induced colonic carcinogenesis. For this purpose, colon cancer was induced by DMH in rats (20 mg/kg body weight for 5 weeks) and groups of animals were given dietary caraway essential oils at two levels (0.01 and 0.1%) for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks and at the end of the experimental period the colon tissue biopsies were processed for histopathological examination and the expression of β-catenin at mRNA and protein levels was estimated by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The formation of premalignant lesions based on aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in DMH-treated rats was greatly inhibited (72-87%) in rats given dietary essential oils when compared to respective controls. There was a correlation between the number of colonic ACF formation and the expression levels of β-catenin measured at protein and mRNA levels. These results indicate that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is activated during colon cancer promotion and that the expression of colonic β-catenin is altered in long-term caraway oil feeding, leading to suppression of DMH-induced premalignant lesions in rat colon.

Abnormal Savda Munziq, an Herbal Preparation of Traditional Uighur Medicine, May Prevent 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-Induced Rat Colon Carcinogenesis

The study tried to assess the chemoprotective effect of abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis. Male F344 rats were randomized into eight groups: Group 1 was served as control, no DMH injection was given and treated daily with normal saline. Rats in Groups 2–8 were given a single intraperitoneal injection of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) at the beginning of the study. Group 2 was served as negative control, administered with normal saline until the end of the experiment after the single DMH injection. Groups 3–5 were served as pretreatment group, administered with ASMq ethanol extract at 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, until the 45th day, continued by normal saline administration for another 45 days. Groups 6–8 were served as the treatment group, administered with normal saline for the first 45 days from the day of DMH injection, ASMq ethanol extract at three different doses to be administered until the end of the second 45th day. All rats were sacrificed at 91st day and the colons were analyzed for aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and crypt multiplicity. Results showed that ASMq ethanol extract reduced the number of ACF, AC and crypt multiplicity significantly (P < .05). It suggested that ASMq ethanol extract had chemoprotective effects on DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis, by suppressing the development of preneoplastic lesions, and probably exerted protection against the initiation and promotion steps of colon carcinogenesis.

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi are the sources of cumin and caraway seeds respectively, which have been used since antiquity for the treatment of various indications in traditional healing systems in wide geographical areas. Cumin and caraway seeds are rich sources of essential oils and have been actively researched for their chemical composition and biological activities. In recent times (especially during the last 3 years) considerable progress has been made regarding validation of their acclaimed medicinal attributes by extensive experimental studies. In this attempt many novel bioactivities have been revealed. This review highlights the significance of cumin and caraway as potential source of diverse natural products and their medicinal applications.

Effect of kaempferol on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine induced colorectal carcinoma in rats

Colorectal cancer, a common cause of cancer related deaths in both sexes in western population is often due to persistent oxidative stress leading to DNA damage. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and inhibit neoplastic process. Kaempferol, a flavonol widely distributed in tea, broccoli, grape fruit, brussels sprouts and apple, is claimed to have chemopreventive action in colon cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of kaempferol on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine induced colorectal cancer in male Wistar rats and to compare its efficacy with irinotecan. Experimental colon cancer induced by 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine in rats mimic human colon cancer and therefore is an ideal model for chemoprevention studies. The rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 received 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (20 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously once a week for four weeks. Group 3 received irinotecan (100 mg/kg body weight) intravenously once a week for four weeks with 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine. Groups 4 to 6 were given a daily oral dose of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight of kaempferol with 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine. The total study period was 16 weeks. Kaempferol supplementation lowered 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine induced erythrocyte lysate and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level and rejuvenated anti oxidant enzymes catalase, super oxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The recovery of enzyme status was maximum at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight and was comparable to irinotecan. Our study reveals that kaempferol could be safely used as a chemopreventive agent in colorectal cancer.

Effect of hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid, on bacterial enzymes and carcinogen-induced aberrant crypt foci in colon cancer rats: a dose-dependent study

Hesperetin, an important bioactive compound in Chinese traditional medicine, has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Hesperetin is found in abundance in orange and grape juices (200–590 mg L−1) consumed in the daily diet. We have investigated the effect of different doses of hesperetin on faecal and colonic mucosal bacterial enzymes and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into six groups and were fed a modified pellet diet for 16 weeks. Group 1 served as control and group 2 received the modified pellet diet along with hesperetin (30 mg kg−1). The rats in groups 3–6 rats were given a weekly subcutaneous injection of DMH (20 mg kg−1) for the first four weeks. Hesperetin was supplemented orally at different doses (10, 20 or 30 mg kg−1) for a total of 16 weeks. At the end of the experimental period all rats were killed. In DMH-treated rats, the activity of faecal and colonic mucosal bacterial enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase, nitroreductase, sulfatase and mucinase, were significantly elevated, but in rats supplemented hesperetin along with DMH the activity was significantly lowered (P &lt; 0.05). The total number of aberrant crypts was significantly increased in unsupplemented DMH-treated rats, while hesperetin supplementation to DMH-treated rats significantly reduced the total number of crypts. The results demonstrated that hesperetin supplementation at a dose of 20 mg kg−1 played a potent role in suppressing the formation of aberrant crypt foci and reducing the activity of bacterial enzymes in colon cancer.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of some antitubercular drugs with caraway: implications in the enhancement of drug bioavailability

This study deals with the pharmacokinetic interaction of selected anti-TB drugs with a natural product (CC-1a) derived from caraway (Carum carvi, L.) seed. CC-1a, chemically standardized butanolic fraction, enhanced the plasma levels of rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid in Wistar rat, resulting in increased bioavailability indices (C(max) and AUC) of the drugs. Moreover, a 40% reduced dose regimen of these drugs, which additionally contained CC-1a, was equivalent in terms of C(max) and AUC to a normal dose regimen. A permeation-enhancing property of CC-1a across small intestinal absorptive surface was found to be a contributing factor in its bioavailability enhancing profile.

Role of oregano on bacterial enzymes in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced experimental colon carcinogenesis

Colon cancer incidence is higher in developed countries than in developing countries. We determined the effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) on fecal bacterial enzyme activities in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced experimental colon carcinogenesis in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups and all animals were fed with a high-fat diet (20% fat in the diet). Group 1 served as control and group 2 animals received 60 mg.kg(-1) body weight (b.w.) oregano daily for 15 weeks. To induce colon cancer, DMH (20 mg.kg(-1) b.w.) was injected subcutaneously once a week for the first 4 weeks (groups 3-6). In addition, oregano was administered at 20, 40, or 60 mg.kg(-1) b.w. each day orally for the entire 15 weeks (groups 4-6). We analyzed the fecal bacterial enzyme activities and found it to be significantly higher in the group treated with DMH alone than in the control group. Oregano supplementation at all 3 doses significantly suppressed the bacterial enzyme activities and modulated oxidative stress significantly compared with the unsupplemented DMH-treated group. Results of our present investigation therefore revealed that oregano markedly inhibited DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis and that the optimal dose of 40 mg.kg(-1) b.w. was more effective than either the higher or lower doses.

Aberrant crypt foci and AgNORs as putative biomarkers to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of pronyl-lysine in rat colon carcinogenesis

Chemoprevention opens new perspectives in the prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases. Use of target-organ biological models at the histological and genetic levels can markedly facilitate the identification of potential chemopreventive agents. Our aim was to study the chemopreventive efficacy of pronyl-lysine, a key antioxidant present in bread crust by evaluating, the total number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), their distributions, dysplastic ACF, colonic tumor incidence and the expression of cell proliferation biomarker such as the argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated proteins (AgNORs) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized into seven groups, group 1 were control rats, group 2 received pronyl-lysine (2 mg/kg body weight p.o. everyday), rats in groups 3-7 were administered DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) in the groin for 15 weeks. In addition, group 4 (pre-initiation), 5 (initiation), 6 (post-initiation), and 7 (entire period) received pronyl-lysine (2 mg/kg body weight p.o) everyday. At the end of 34 weeks, pronyl-lysine supplementation showed markedly reduced tumor incidence, ACF development and also lowered number of AgNORs. Overall, these findings confirm that pronyl-lysine has a positive beneficial effect against chemically induced colonic preneoplastic progression in rats.