Effects of garlic on 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Chemical and biological properties of bio-active compounds from garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It has been used as a spice, food, and folk medicine for many years. Garlic contains about 2000 biologically active components. For centuries, scientists have obtained a variety of compositions and physiological activities of garlic, depending on the methods of processing and extraction. Many review articles were published, where the object of the study was garlic. But there are very few broad literature reviews where garlic has been fully disclosed as a medicinal raw material. The study found that some garlic products and processing procedures were not standardized or tested for safety. A broad overview of this object can direct the attention of the scientific community in the right direction. This review contains various processing methods and yields from these extracts. In addition, most of the key physiological properties of the active substances of the raw materials are prescribed.

Methods of Isolation of Active Substances from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Its Impact on the Composition and Biological Properties of Garlic Extracts

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is widely used in the human diet and in scientific research due to its biological properties. Various factors, e.g., temperature, pressure, extraction method, type of solvent, size, and territorial origin of garlic, affect the amount and type of bioactive compounds obtained from garlic extracts. In turn, the content of bioactive compounds correlates with the biological activity of the extracts. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge of the methods and effectiveness of isolation of active substances from garlic and their impact on the garlic extract composition and, consequently, biological properties. According to the literature, extracts obtained using water as a solvent are mainly responsible for antimicrobial properties, which is related to, inter alia, the high content of allicin. The use of alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, is associated with the outstanding antioxidant power of extracts resulting from the presence of phenolic compounds. In turn, due to the presence of diallyl disulfide and disulfide trisulfide, garlic oil has anticancer potential. Acetone is the most effective organic solvent; however, it is not suitable for immediate consumption.

Antitumor Effects of Natural Compounds Derived from Allium sativum on Neuroblastoma: An Overview

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used in alternative medicine to treat several diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and hepatic diseases. Several publications have highlighted other features of garlic, including its antibacterial, antioxidative, antihypertensive, and antithrombotic properties. The properties of garlic result from the combination of natural compounds that act synergistically and cause different effects. Some garlic-derived compounds have been studied for the treatment of several types of cancer; however, reports on the effects of garlic on neuroblastoma are scarce. Neuroblastoma is a prevalent childhood tumor for which the search for therapeutic alternatives to improve treatment without affecting the patients’ quality of life continues. Garlic-derived compounds hold potential for the treatment of this type of cancer. A review of articles published to date on some garlic compounds and their effect on neuroblastoma was undertaken to comprehend the possible therapeutic role of these compounds. This review aimed to analyze the impact of some garlic compounds on cells derived from neuroblastoma.

Types of garlic and their anticancer and antioxidant activity: a review of the epidemiologic and experimental evidence

Garlic, an Allium vegetable, contains rich flavonoids organosulfur compounds (OSCs) that have potent anticancer properties. The aim of the review is to provide an overview of the different types of garlic, their active compounds, and the potential anticancer benefits with a focus on antioxidant activity. Animal and cell line studies have provided convincing evidence that garlic and its organosulfur compounds inhibit carcinogenesis through a number of events including induction of apoptosis, inhibiting cellular proliferation, scavenging radical oxygen species (ROS), increasing the activities of enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase, and reducing tumor size. Epidemiological studies showed compelling evidence that garlic consumption is associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer, but inconsistent evidence for stomach, breast, and prostate cancers. Studies also suggest that the presence and potency of garlic OSCs varies with respect to the preparation and form of garlic. Further epidemiological studies with information on garlic form consumed or preparation methods and molecular studies regarding its antioxidant mechanisms, such as increasing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants levels, are warranted.

Immunomodulatory and antiparasitic effects of garlic extract on Eimeria vermiformis-infected mice

We investigated the immunomodulatory and parasiticidal effects of garlic extract on coccidiosis caused by Eimeria vermiformis infection in male ICR mice. One group received garlic extract daily until the end of the experiment by the oral route from 10 days prior to oral infection with 300 sporulated E. vermiformis oocysts (infected-garlic(+)). The other group served as a control positive with E. vermiformis infection alone (infected-garlic(-)). In the infected-garlic(+) group, garlic extract treatment induced a significant reduction in fecal oocyst output when compared with the infected-garlic(-) group. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analysis for inflammatory cytokines in ileal tissues showed that the garlic extract treatment impaired intracellular development of E. vermiformis during the early stages by increasing the number of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells and decreasing IL-10 expression. This induced cell cytotoxicity which was reflected by a decrease in oocyst numbers in the intestinal villi and the feces, indicating anticoccidial effects of the garlic extract. However, further studies to explore the precise mechanism of the observed effects of garlic treatment during Eimeria infection are needed to verify our results.

Differential miRNA expression in the mouse jejunum during garlic treatment of Eimeria papillata infections

Accumulating evidence indicates a critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the outcome of diseases. Here, we investigate the effect of garlic on the intestinal miRNA signature of male Balb/c mice during infections with Eimeria papillata. Garlic decreases the intracellular development as evidenced by a lowered fecal output of E. papillata oocysts from 3,150 ± 410 to approximately 1,750 ± 390 oocysts per gram feces on day 4 postinoculation. This anti-coccidial activity of garlic is associated with an inhibition of the E. papillata-induced increases of interferon gamma, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrite/nitrate, and malondialdehyde and decrease in glutathione. Moreover, garlic downregulates the E. papillata-induced increases in the expression of the miRNAs miR-1959, miR-203, and miR-21, and it upregulates the expression of the 11 miRNA species miR-142-5P, miR-15A, miR-10A, miR-29B, miR-1902, miR-125A-5P, let-7E, miR-148A, miR-130A, miR-10B, and miR-93, respectively, as revealed by miRXplore microarray technology. Real-time PCR confirms these effects of garlic in the jejunum of E. papillata-infected mice. Our data indicate that the anti-coccidial activity of garlic is associated with specific changes in the miRNA signature of the mouse jejunum, the target site of E. papillata. These changes may reflect an involvement of miRNAs in garlic-activated pathways to reduce and/or to repair E. papillata-induced tissue injuries.

Protective effects of crude garlic by reducing iron-mediated oxidative stress, proliferation and autophagy in rats

The impact of garlic, known for its antioxidant activities, on iron metabolism has been poorly investigated. The aim of this work was to study the effect of crude garlic pre-treatment on iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, proliferation and autophagy for 5 weeks. Rats were fed distilled water or garlic solution (1 g/kg body weight) by gavage for the first 3 weeks as pre-treatment and received a basal diet supplemented or not with ferrous sulfate (650 mg Fe/kg diet) for the last 2 weeks of treatment. Immunohistochemistry labeling and ultrastuctural observations were used to evaluate the iron deleterious effects in the liver. Iron supplementation induced cell proliferation predominantly in non parenchymal cells comparing to hepatocytes, but not apoptosis. In addition, iron was accumulated within the hepatic lysosomes where it triggers autophagy as evidenced by the formation of autophagic vesicles detected by LC3-II staining. It also induced morphologic alterations of the mitochondrial membranes due to increased lipid peroxidation as shown by elevated iron and malondialdehyde concentrations in serum and tissues. Garlic pre-treatment reduced iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation by decreasing the malondialdehyde level in the liver and colon and by enhancing the status of antioxidants. In addition, garlic reduced the iron-mediated cell proliferation and autophagy by lowering iron storage in the liver and protected mitochondrial membrane. Based on these results, garlic treatment significantly prevented iron-induced oxidative stress, proliferation and autophagy at both biochemical and histological levels due to its potent free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties.

Protective effects of garlic and silymarin on NDEA-induced rats hepatotoxicity

Background ­— The present study was conducted to investigate the chemopreventive effects of garlic extract and silymarin on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods and Results — Animals were pretreated with garlic, silymarin or both for one week prior to the injection of NDEA. Then animals received a single injection of NDEA followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of CCl₄ for 6 weeks. Oral administration was then continued along with the injection of CCl₄ for the duration of the experiment. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GSR) were measured. Injection of NDEA induced a significant elevation in serum AST, ALT and ALP. In the liver, NDEA increased oxidative stress through the increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, and GSH-dependent enzymes. Although administration of garlic or silymarin significantly reduced the liver toxicity, combined administration was more effective in preventing the development of hepatotoxicity. Conclusion — These novel findings suggest that silymarin and garlic have a synergistic effect, and could be used as hepatoprotective agents against hepatotoxicity.

Biological properties of garlic and garlic-derived organosulfur compounds

Medicinal properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been widely known and used since ancient times till the present. Garlic enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antivirus activities. It is known to prevent platelet aggregation, and to have hypotensive and cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering properties, although the latter features have been questioned. This review is focused on anticancer efficacy of Allium sativum, and attempts to explain the mechanisms of this action. Medicinal properties of garlic rely upon organosulfur compounds mostly derived from alliin. Organosulfur compounds originating from garlic inhibit carcinogen activation, boost phase 2 detoxifying processes, cause cell cycle arrest mostly in G2/M phase, stimulate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, increase acetylation of histones. Garlic-derived sulfur compounds influence also gap-junctional intercellular communication and participate in the development of multidrug resistance. This review presents also other little known aspects of molecular action of garlic-derived compounds, like modulation of cellular redox state, involvement in signal transduction and post-translational modification of proteins by sulfane sulfur or by formation of mixed disulfides (S-thiolation reactions).

Animal models for the study of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: a historical perspective with review of their utility and limitations. Part A. Chemically-induced de novo cancer, syngeneic animal models of HNSCC, animal models of transplanted xenogeneic human tumors

Understanding the complex histological, genetic and molecular changes that lead to malignant transformation of squamous epithelia of the head and neck will likely guide the development of methods for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The development and use of animal models that closely mimic the histopathology and molecular pathogenesis of HNSCC in humans would greatly expand the research possibilities and provide a means of testing potential therapeutic agents. However, many available animal models of HNSCC fall short of this objective. In order for investigators to select the appropriate model to answer scientific questions, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of available animal models for the study of HNSCC. The purpose of this work is to give an overview of the most pertinent animal models of HNSCC, and to discuss future directions of research in this field.

Effects of allitridi on cell cycle arrest of human gastric cancer cells

AIM: To determine the effect of allitridi on cell cycle of human gastric cancer (HGC) cell lines MGC803 and SGC7901 and its possible mechanism.

METHODS: Trypan blue dye exclusion was used to evaluate the proliferation, inhibition of cells and damages of these cells were detected with electron microscope. Flow cytometry and cell mitotic index were used to analyze the change of cell cycle, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR was used to examine expression of the p21^WAF1 gene.

RESULTS: MGC803 cell growth was inhibited by allitridi with 24 h IC50 being 6.4 μg/mL. SGC7901 cell growth was also inhibited by allitridi with 24 h IC50 being 7.3 μg/mL. After being treated with allitridi at the concentration of 12 μg/mL for 24 h, cells were found to have direct cytotoxic effects, including broken cellular membrane, swollen and vesiculated mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticula, and mass lipid droplet. When cells were treated with allitridi at the concentration of 3, 6, and 9 μg/mL for 24 h, the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells was decreased and that of G2/M phase cells was significantly increased (P = 0.002) compared with those in the group. When cells were treated with allitridi at the concentration of 6 μg/mL, cell mitotic index was much higher (P = 0.003) than that of control group, indicating that allitridi could cause gastric cancer cell arrest in M phase. Besides, the expression levels of p21^WAF1 gene of MGC803 cells and p21^WAF1 gene of SGC7901 cells were remarkably upregulated after treatment.

CONCLUSION: Allitridi can cause gastric cancer cell arrest in M phase, and this may be one of the mechanisms for inhibiting cell proliferation. Effect of allitridi on cells in M phase may be associated with the upregulation of p21^WAF1 genes. This study provides experimental data for clinical use of allitridi in the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Combinatorial antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic effects of tomato and garlic through modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes during hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Combination chemoprevention by dietary agents is a promising approach toward cancer control. Many dietary agents are known to prevent experimental mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by modulating xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. The present study evaluated the combinatorial chemopreventive effects of tomato and garlic on hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).

METHODS

Hamsters were assigned to one of four groups. The right buccal pouches of animals in group 1 were painted with 0.5% DMBA three times a week. The right buccal pouches of animals in group 2 were painted with DMBA and received intragastric administration of a combined dose of tomato and garlic on days alternate to DMBA application. Animals in group 3 were given chemopreventive agents alone. Animals in group 4 served as controls. Levels of phase I and II enzymes and the frequency of bone marrow micronuclei were used as biomarkers of chemoprevention.

RESULTS

All the hamsters painted with DMBA alone developed buccal pouch carcinomas that exhibited increased activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes associated with increased frequencies of bone marrow micronuclei. In the liver, an increase in phase I enzymes was accompanied by compromised phase II detoxification activities. Combined administration of tomato and garlic effectively suppressed the incidence and mean tumor burden of hamster buccal pouch carcinomas. In addition, tomato and garlic combination significantly decreased phase I enzymes and increased phase II enzyme activities in the pouch and liver with a decreased incidence of bone marrow micronuclei.

CONCLUSION

From these results, we suggest that modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes exerted by tomato and garlic combination plays a key role in mitigating the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of DMBA.

Attenuation of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress by tomato and garlic combination

The protective effect of pretreatment with tomato and garlic against N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress was investigated in male Swiss mice. In vivo bone marrow micronucleus test was performed to assess the antigenotoxic effect of tomato and garlic. Oxidative stress was monitored by estimating the extent of lipid peroxidation and the status of the glutathione redox cycle antioxidants. Increased frequency of bone marrow micronuclei with enhanced lipid peroxidation was associated with compromised antioxidant defenses in MNNG treated animals. Although pretreatment with tomato and garlic significantly reduced the frequencies of MNNG-induced bone marrow micronuclei, the combination of tomato and garlic exerted a greater protective effect. This was associated with modulation of lipid peroxidation as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and the GSH-dependent enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). These findings suggest that a diet containing even low levels of different naturally occurring compounds is effective in exerting antigenotoxic effects by modulating oxidative stress.

Altered expression of anti and proapoptotic proteins during chemoprevention of hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis by tomato and garlic combination

BACKGROUND

Effective combinations of dietary agents are promising candidates for cancer chemoprevention because of their safety and the fact that they are not perceived as medicine. The present study was designed to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of combined administration of tomato and garlic during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Hamsters were divided into four groups. The right buccal pouches of animals in group 1 were painted with 0.5% DMBA three times a week. Animals in group 2 painted with DMBA as in group 1, received in addition intragastric administration of a combined dose of tomato and garlic on days alternate to DMBA application. Group 3 animals were given chemopreventive agents alone. Animals in group 4 served as control. All the animals were sacrificed after an experimental period of 14 weeks. DNA fragmentation and the apoptosis-associated proteins-Bcl-2, Bax, Bim, P53 as well as caspases 8 and 3 were used as markers of apoptosis.

RESULTS

Topical application of DMBA for 14 weeks resulted in well-developed squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) associated with increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of Bax, Bim, P53 and caspases 8 and 3. Combined administration of tomato and garlic significantly inhibited the development of HBP carcinomas and induced apoptosis. This was evidenced by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, Bim, P53 and caspases 8 and 3.

CONCLUSION

The induction of apoptosis may be one of the mechanisms through which functional foods such as tomato and garlic exert their anticancer properties.

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf on Hepatic and Blood Oxidant-Antioxidant Status During Experimental Gastric Carcinogenesis

The modifying effects of aqueous extracts of garlic and neem leaf during the pre-initiation and post-initiation phases of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine were investigated in male Wistar rats. The extent of lipid peroxidation and the status of phase II biotransformation enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase that use reduced glutathione (GSH) as substrate were used to biomonitor the chemopreventive potential of these extracts. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in the liver and blood of tumor-bearing animals was accompanied by significant decreases in the activities of GSH-dependent antioxidants in the pre-initiation as well as in the post-initiation phases. Our results suggest that the modulatory effects of garlic and neem leaf on hepatic and blood oxidant-antioxidant status may play a key role in preventing cancer development at extrahepatic sites.

Tomato and garlic by gavage modulate 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Chemoprotection by dietary agents is a promising strategy for cancer prevention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the combined effect of tomato and garlic against 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genetic damage and oxidative stress in 12-14-week-old male Swiss albino mice. The animals were randomized into experimental and control groups and divided into eight groups of five animals each. Group 1 animals were injected intraperitoneally with 35 mg/kg body weight DMBA suspended in peanut oil as a single dose. Groups 2-4 animals received tomato (500 mg/kg body weight), garlic (125 mg/kg body weight) and a combination of tomato and garlic for 5 days by gavage, respectively, followed by DMBA 1.5 h after the final feeding. The doses of tomato and garlic correspond to the average human daily consumption. Animals in groups 5, 6 and 7 received tomato alone, garlic alone and tomato + garlic combination, respectively, for 5 days. Group 8 animals received the same volume of water and served as control. The incidence of bone marrow micronuclei and the extent of lipid peroxidation and the concentrations of antioxidants glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase were measured in the liver, 48 h after DMBA exposure. Increased frequency of micronuclei and enhanced lipid peroxidation accompanied by compromised antioxidant defenses were observed in DMBA-treated animals. Although pretreatment with tomato or garlic significantly reduced the frequency of DMBA-induced bone marrow micronuclei, the combination of tomato and garlic exhibited more profound effect in inhibiting DMBA-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress. We suggest that a broad spectrum of antimutagenic and anticlastogenic effects can be achieved through an effective combination of functional foods such as tomato and garlic.

Protective Effects of a Mixture of Dietary Agents Against 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-Induced Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Mice

We investigated the effects of pretreatment with tomato, garlic, and turmeric, alone and in combination, against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genetic damage and oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. Measurement of the incidence of bone marrow micronuclei as well as the extent of lipid peroxidation and the status of the antioxidants reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and erythrocytes were used as biomarkers of chemoprotection. In DMBA-treated animals, increased frequency of bone marrow micronuclei was accompanied by enhanced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant depletion. Pretreatment with tomato, garlic, and turmeric alone and a combination of these agents significantly reduced the frequencies of DMBA-induced bone marrow micronuclei as well as the extent of lipid peroxidation. These changes may be mediated by the antioxidant-enhancing effects of the dietary agents. The results of the present study suggest that a diet containing even low levels of different naturally occurring compounds is effective in exerting antigenotoxic effects by inhibiting DMBA-induced oxidative stress.

S-allylcysteine, a garlic constituent, inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

The effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC), a water-soluble garlic constituent, on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis was investigated in male Syrian hamstes. Forty hamsters were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals. The right buccal pouches of the animals in Group I were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week. The animals in Group II were painted with DMBA as in Group I and, in addition, received 200 mg/kg body wt p.o. SAC three times a week on days alternate to DMBA application. Group III animals received SAC as in Group II. Group IV animals received neither DMBA nor SAC and served as the control. The hamsters were killed after an experimental period of 14 wk. Measurement of lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, in the buccal pouch mucosa, liver, and circulation was used to monitor the chemopreventive potential of SAC. All hamsters painted with DMBA alone developed tumors identified histologically as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. In hamsters bearing DMBA-induced buccal pouch tumors, diminished lipid peroxidation in the tumor tissue was accompanied by decreased activities of SOD and catalase, whereas in the liver and circulation, enhanced lipid peroxidation was associated with compromised antioxidant defenses. Administration of SAC suppressed the incidence of DMBA-induced HBP tumors as revealed by the absence of carcinomas. Histologically, only keratosis was observed. SAC modulated DMBA-induced decreased susceptibility of the HBP to lipid peroxidation while simultaneously enhancing SOD and catalase activities, whereas in the liver and circulation, SAC decreased the extent of lipid peroxidation and significantly enhanced antioxidant activities. We suggest that SAC exerts its chemopreventive effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activities in the target organ as well as in the liver and circulation.

Garlic induces apoptosis during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

The apoptosis-inducing capacity of aqueous garlic extract during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis was investigated in male Syrian hamsters using DNA fragmentation and the apoptosis-associated proteins, tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and Bcl-2. Hamsters were divided into four groups of six animals each. Animals in group 1 were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin on the right buccal pouches three times a week for 14 weeks. Group 2 animals painted with DMBA as in group 1, in addition received 250 mg/kg body weight aqueous garlic extract orally on days alternate to DMBA application. Group 3 animals received garlic extract as in group 2. Group 4 animals received neither DMBA nor garlic extract and served as the control. The experiment was terminated at the end of 14 weeks. Administration of aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg body weight) to animals painted with DMBA inhibited DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis as revealed by the absence of neoplasms, induction of tTG and inhibition of Bcl-2 expression. The results of the present study suggest that garlic may exert its chemopreventive effect by inducing apoptosis.

Mechanisms by which garlic and allyl sulfur compounds suppress carcinogen bioactivation. Garlic and carcinogenesis

Overall, a host of studies provides compelling evidence that garlic and its organic allyl sulfur components are effective inhibitors of the cancer process. These studies reveal that the benefits of garlic are not limited to a specific species, to a particular tissue, or to a specific carcinogen. Several mechanisms are likely to account for this protection. Notable among these is a depression in nitrosamine formation and a reduction in carcinogen bioactivation. The benefits provided by garlic must be viewed as part of the entire diet, since several dietary constituents can influence the degree of protection. More than one compound is responsible for the anticancer properties associated with garlic. Future research should focus on how genetic variability and daily environmental factors influence the anticancer benefits attributed to garlic and its allyl sulfur components.

Construction of cDNA representational difference analysis based on two cDNA libraries and identification of garlic inducible expression genes in human gastric cancer cells

AIM: To elucidate molecular mechanism of chemopreventive efficacies of garlic against human gastric cancer (HGC).

METHODS: HGC cell line BGC823 was treated with Allitridi (a kind of garlic extract) and Allitridi-treated and parental BGC823 cDNA libraries were constructed respectively by using λZAP II vector. cDNA Representational Difference Analysis (cDNA RDA) was performed using BamH I cutting-site and abundant cDNA messages provided by the libraries. Northern blot analysis was applied to identify the obtained difference products.

RESULTS: Two specific cDNA fragments were obtained and characterized to be derived from homo sapiens folate receptorα (FRα) gene and calcyclin gene respectively. Northern blot results showed a 4-fold increase in FRα gene expression level and 9-fold increase in calcyclin mRNA level in BGC823 cells after Allitridi treatment for 72 h.

CONCLUSION: The method of cDNA RDA based on cDNA libraries combines the high specificity of cDNA RDA with abundant cDNA messages in cDNA library; this expands the application of cDNA library and increases the specificity of cDNA RDA. Up-regulation of FRα gene and calcyclin gene expressions induced by Allitridi provide valuable molecular evidence for the efficacy garlic in treating HGC as well as other diseases.

Protection of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced in vivo clastogenicity by aqueous garlic extract

The modulatory effects of garlic extract on the in vivo clastogenicity of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a carcinogenic nitrosamine, were evaluated by quantification of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations in metaphase cells from the bone marrow of male Wistar rats. A single intraperitoneal injection of MNNG (40 mg/kg bodyweight) was found to be clastogenic as revealed by the increased frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and chromosomal aberrations. Pretreatment with aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg bodyweight) for 5 days significantly reduced the frequencies of MNNG-induced micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations. The results demonstrate that administration of garlic extract protects against the clastogenic effects of MNNG.

Altered cytokeratin expression during chemoprevention of experimental hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis by garlic

BACKGROUND

Cytokeratins (also known as keratins (K)) are members of the family of intermediate filaments and form major components of the mammalian epithelial cell cytoskeleton. Cytokeratins have emerged as reliable cellular markers of oral cancer development and chemoprevention because of their abundance, stability and high antigenicity.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of aqueous garlic extract on cytokeratin expression during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis. Hamsters were divided into four groups of six animals. Animals in group 1 were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin, on the right buccal pouches, three times a week for 14 weeks. Group 2 animals were painted with DMBA as in group 1 and also received 250 mg/kg body weight aqueous garlic extract orally on alternate days to the DMBA application. Group 3 animals received garlic extract only, as in group 2. Group 4 animals received neither DMBA nor garlic extract and served as the control. The hamsters were killed after an experimental period of 14 weeks.

RESULTS

Cytokeratin expression was studied using human monoclonal antibodies AE1 and AE3, which react with type I and II keratins. In DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinomas, decreased expression of high molecular weight keratins was observed. Administration of garlic extract to animals painted with DMBA suppressed HBP carcinomas and restored normal cytokeratin expression.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that inhibition of HBP carcinogenesis by garlic may be due to its regulatory effects on differentiation, tumour invasiveness, migratory and metastatic potential. We suggest that one of the mechanisms of tumour inhibition by garlic is an influence on cellular differentiation.

Chemopreventive efficacy of lycopene on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

The chemopreventive efficacy of lycopene on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis was examined using lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) as biomarkers of chemoprevention. Twenty four male Syrian hamsters were divided into four groups of six animals each. The right buccal pouches of the animals in group 1 were painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week. The animals in group 2 were painted with DMBA as in group 1 and in addition received 2.5 mg/kg body weight lycopene orally three times a week on days alternate to DMBA application. Group 3 animals received lycopene as in group 2. Animals in group 4 received neither DMBA nor lycopene and served as control. The hamsters were killed after an experimental period of 14 weeks. Biochemical measurements were carried out in tumour and normal tissues. All hamsters painted with DMBA alone for 14 weeks developed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. Diminished lipid peroxidation in the oral tumour tissue was accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of GSH, GPx, GST and GR. Administration of lycopene significantly suppressed DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis as revealed by the absence of carcinomas. The results of the present study suggest that lycopene may exert its chemopreventive effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing the activities of the enzymes in the glutathione redox cycle.

Prevention of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis by garlic

The present study was undertaken to examine the inhibitory effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced tongue carcinogenesis in male rats, both in the initiation and post-initiation phases. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were used to monitor the chemopreventive potential of garlic. Biochemical estimations were carried out on tumour and normal tongue tissues. Diminished lipid peroxidation in the tumour tissue was accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of GSH, GPx and GST. Administration of garlic (250 mg/kg, p.o., three times a week) effectively suppressed 4NQO-induced tongue carcinogenesis as revealed by the absence of carcinomas in the initiation phase and their reduced incidence in the post-initiation phase. The results of the present study suggest that garlic may exert its chemopreventive effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of GSH, GPx and GST.

A historical perspective on garlic and cancer

Epidemiological and laboratory studies provide insight into the anticarcinogenic potential of garlic and its constituent compounds. Both water- and lipid-soluble allyl sulfur compounds are effective in blocking a myriad of chemically induced tumors. Part of the protection from these compounds probably relates to a block in nitrosamine formation and metabolism. However, blockage in the initiation and promotion phases of the carcinogenicity of various compounds, including polycyclic hydrocarbons, provide evidence that garlic and its constituents can alter several phase I and II enzymes. Their ability to block experimentally induced tumors in a variety of sites including skin, mammary and colon, suggests a general mechanism of action. Changes in DNA repair and in immunocompetence may also account for some of this protection. Some, but not all, allyl sulfur compounds can also effectively retard tumor proliferation and induce apoptosis. Changes in cellular thiol and phosphorylation stains may account for some of these antitumorigenic properties. The anticarcinogenic potential of garlic can be influenced by several dietary components including specific fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin A. Since garlic and its constituents can suppress carcinogen formation, carcinogen bioactivation, and tumor proliferation it is imperative that biomarkers be established to identify which individuals might benefit most and what intakes can occur with ill consequences.

Coffee enhances the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinomas

In this study, we examined the effect of roasted coffee extract on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis in male Syrian hamsters using lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity as biomarkers of chemoprevention. Forty male hamsters were divided into four groups of 10 animals. The right buccal pouches of the animals in Group 1 was painted with a 0.5% solution of DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week. The animals in Group 2 painted with DMBA as in Group 1, received in addition 2 ml of 8% black coffee extract intragastrically three times a week on days alternate to DMBA application. Group 3 animals received coffee extract as in Group 2. Animals in Group 4 received neither DMBA nor coffee extract and served as control. The hamsters were sacrificed after an experimental period of 14 weeks. Biochemical measurements were carried out on tumour and normal pouch tissues. Administration of roasted coffee extract had no preventive effect on DMBA-induced oral cancer as revealed by the higher mean tumour volume and tumour burden compared to animals painted with DMBA alone. Diminished lipid peroxidation in the oral tumour tissue was accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of GSH and GPx.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that coffee exerts a tumour enhancing effect when administered during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Garlic enhances circulatory antioxidants during 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

The protective effect of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) on circulatory lipid peroxidation and antioxidants was investigated during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis in male Syrian hamsters. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in the circulation of tumour-bearing animals was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Administration of garlic extract significantly decreased lipid peroxidation with simultaneous depletion of antioxidants. We speculate that garlic exerts its protective effects by decreasing circulatory lipid peroxides and enhancing antioxidants.