Chemopreventive efficacy of Atorvastatin against nitrosamine-induced rat bladder cancer: antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties

Pharmacokinetic interaction between regorafenib and atorvastatin in rats

BACKGROUND

Regorafenib is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the co-morbidity of hyperlipidemia in these conditions, statins, including atorvastatin, are used as potential adjuvant therapy agents. Both regorafenib and atorvastatin are metabolized by CYP3A4. In addition, atorvastatin is a P-gp and BCRP substrate, whereas regorafenib and its active metabolites M-2 and M-5 are inhibitors of these transporters. Hence, the concomitant use of both drugs may increase the risk of a clinically significant drug-drug interaction. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetic interactions of atorvastatin and regorafenib and their active metabolites.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (eight animals in each) and were orally administered: regorafenib and atorvastatin (IREG+ATO), a carrier with regorafenib (IIREG), and atorvastatin with a carrier (IIIATO). Blood samples were collected for 72 h. UPLC-MS/MS was the method of measurement of regorafenib and atorvastatin concentrations. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a non-compartmental model.

RESULTS

A single administration of atorvastatin increased the exposure to regorafenib and its active metabolites. In the IREG+ATO group, the Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of regorafenib increased 2.7, 3.2, and 3.2-fold, respectively. Atorvastatin also significantly increased the Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of both regorafenib metabolites. Regorafenib, in turn, decreased the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of 2-OH atorvastatin by 86.9% and 67.3%, and the same parameters of 4-OH atorvastatin by 45.0% and 46.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This animal model study showed a significant pharmacokinetic interaction between regorafenib and atorvastatin. While this interaction may be clinically significant, this needs to be confirmed in clinical trials involving cancer patients.

Statins-Beyond Their Use in Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on the Pediatric Population

Statins are a class of medications primarily used in adults to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the use of statins in children is generally limited and carefully considered despite the well-documented anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects, as well as their effect on cell signaling pathways. These multifaceted effects, known as pleiotropic effects, encompass enhancements in endothelial function, a significant reduction in oxidative stress, the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, immunomodulation, the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, an influence on bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory properties, antithrombotic effects, and a diminished risk of dementia. In children, recent research revealed promising perspectives on the use of statins in various conditions including neurological, cardiovascular, and oncologic diseases, as well as special situations, such as transplanted children. The long-term safety and efficacy of statins in children are still subjects of ongoing research, and healthcare providers carefully assess the individual risk factors and benefits before prescribing these medications to pediatric patients. The use of statins in children is generally less common than in adults, and it requires close monitoring and supervision by healthcare professionals. Further research is needed to fully assess the pleiotropic effects of statins in the pediatric population.

Non-Invasive Imaging Modalities in Intravesical Murine Models of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the sixth most prevalent cancer in men and seventeenth most prevalent cancer in women worldwide. Current treatment paradigms have limited therapeutic impact, suggesting an urgent need for the investigation of novel therapies. To best emulate the progression of human BCa, a pre-clinical intravesical murine model is required in conjunction with existing non-invasive imaging modalities to detect and evaluate cancer progression. Non-invasive imaging modalities reduce the number of required experimental models while allowing for longitudinal studies of novel therapies to investigate long-term efficacy. In this review, we discuss the individual and multi-modal use of non-invasive imaging modalities; bioluminescence imaging (BLI), micro-ultrasound imaging (MUI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) in BCa evaluation. We also provide an update on the potential and the future directions of imaging modalities in relation to intravesical murine models of BCa.

A review of effects of atorvastatin in cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases to manage. A sizeable number of researches are done each year to find better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. At the present time, a package of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy is available to cope with cancer cells. Regarding chemo-radiation therapy, low effectiveness and normal tissue toxicity are like barriers against optimal response. To remedy the situation, some agents have been proposed as adjuvants to improve tumor responses. Statins, the known substances for reducing lipid, have shown a considerable capability for cancer treatment. Among them, atorvastatin as a reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor might affect proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells. Since finding an appropriate adjutant is of great importance, numerous studies have been conducted to precisely unveil antitumor effects of atorvastatin and its associated pathways. In this review, we aim to comprehensively review the most highlighted studies which focus on the use of atorvastatin in cancer therapy.

Betulinic acid abates N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced changes in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the liver and kidney of Wistar rats

N-nitrosamines have been linked with cancer in humans due to their presence in drinking water and diets. This study evaluated the role of betulinic acid (BA) in abating oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia in rats treated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Twenty-four male rats were assigned into four equal groups. Group I served as the control, Group II received BA (25 mg/kg), Group III received NDMA (5 mg/kg) and, Group IV received BA (25 mg/kg) and NDMA (5 mg/kg). Results showed that the administration of NDMA significantly (p < 0.05) elevated malondialdehyde in the liver and kidney relative to controls. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase, and the level of glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by NDMA, while treatment with BA elevated the activities of these enzymes in the liver and kidney. The BA lowered serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels against the NDMA effect. Furthermore, NDMA increased hepatic and renal triglyceride while phospholipids levels were decreased. NDMA significantly modulated the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes (aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase, and uridyldiphosphoglucuronyltransferase), while BA was able to restore these enzymes to values close to controls. Histology revealed the presence of infiltration and fibroplasia in the liver, while cortical degeneration was noticed in the kidney in NDMA-administered rats. These lesions were reduced in the NDMA rats treated with BA. The findings suggest that BA improves NDMA-induced damage in the liver and kidney of rats through reactions that can be linked with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering pathways.

Chemopreventive Potential of Myrtenal against Nitrosamine-Initiated, Radiation-Promoted Rat Bladder Carcinogenesis

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of myrtenal, a natural monoterpene, against bladder carcinoma in rats induced with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) and promoted with γ-ionizing radiation (γ-IRR) as well as to assess the involvement of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative damage in tumor development. Histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of noninvasive papillary transitional cell carcinoma (Grade 2) in sections from BBN group indicating the credibility of the applied carcinogenesis model. Myrtenal treatment caused improvement in urinary bladder mucosa with cells more likely in Grade 1. Administration of myrtenal to BBN-treated rats exhibited downregulation in the expressions of COX-2, NF-kB and STAT-3 associated with suppression of inflammatory cytokines levels of TNF-α and IL-6 as well as biomarkers of oxidative damage (MDA & NO). In addition, myrtenal treatment caused a significant increase in caspase-3 activity and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Data obtained suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect and the induction of apoptosis contributed largely to the beneficial antitumor effects of myrtenal in rats with BBN/γ-IRR-induced bladder carcinoma. Present findings, in addition to benefits described in other pathologies, indicated myrtenal as a potential adjuvant natural compound for the prevention of tumor progression of bladder cancer.

Statins Prevent Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy: A Single-center Retrospective Study with a Median Follow-up of 51.20 Months

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Radical prostatectomy is a potentially curative alternative for localized disease, although a significant percentage of these patients will suffer a biochemical recurrence with associated mortality. A wide spectrum of anticancer properties of statins has been demonstrated and the role of these drugs in prevention and treatment of other types of cancer is being increasingly studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of statins is associated with reduced risk of biochemical recurrence among patients submitted to radical prostatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 875 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy between January 2009 and December 2018. Approximately 45.7% of the patients were on medication with statins at the time of surgery. We evaluated a possible association between statin use and biochemical recurrence and which patients would benefit the most with statin treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, statins were associated with an approximately 40% reduction in risk of biochemical recurrence at a median follow-up time of 51.2 months (HR 0.599, p<0.05). Patients with pT2c staging (HR 0.486, p=0.017) and ISUP ≥3 (HR 0.61, p=0.011) seem to have benefited more from statin use.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, use of statins proved beneficial in reducing the risk of biochemical recurrence among patients submitted to radical prostatectomy. Prospective studies are required to confirm this result and to evaluate its safety profile in those patients.

Statins are Associated with Reduced Overall and Cancer-Specific Mortality in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND: Existing literature provides contrasting data on statin use and bladder cancer (BC) outcome. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether (chronic) statin use was associated with clinical outcomes in patients with BC undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: Using provincial health administrative databases, we retrospectively identified BC patients undergoing RC in Quebec province in 2000-2015, and collected data from two years before RC until December 2016 or death. We compared patients who chronically used statins before RC to never statin users. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates in multivariable analyses were age, sex, Charlson’s comorbidity index, year of RC, distance to hospital, hospital type, hospital’s and surgeon’s annual RC volume, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Our cohort contained 1406 chronic and 1754 never statin users. Five-year overall, BC-specific and recurrence-free survival rates were 40.5% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 37.8–43.2%), 52.8% (95% CI 49.8–55.7%), and 50.1% (95% CI 47.2–53.0%) for chronic statin users, versus 34.9% (95% CI 32.5–37.2%), 45.5% (95% CI 42.9–48.1%), and 43.4% (95% CI 40.9–45.9%) for never statin users (p≤0.001). In multivariable analyses, hazard ratios (HR) for death, BC-specific deaths and recurrences were 0.83 (95% CI 0.75–0.91), 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.91), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.93) for chronic statin users, respectively. Similar observations were made in patients with diabetes and/or cardiovascular comorbidities (p≤0.001). Clinical outcome was not improved in patients who started statins in the year following surgery compared to never statin users (p > 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic statin use is associated with improved clinical outcome in BC patients undergoing RC in Quebec.

Selected pharmacotherapy agents as antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory compounds

The repurposing of safe therapeutic drugs has emerged as an alternative approach to rapidly identify effective, safe, and conveniently available therapeutics to treat/prevent cancer. Therefore, it was hypothesized that acidic chelator drugs could have a genuine potential as antiproliferative agents. Based on their pKa, the selected 15 acidic drugs of eight classes-namely sulfonylureas, proton pump inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, thiazolidinediones, thienopyridines, statins, and nicotinic acid-were assayed for anticancer HTS against the lung A549, skin A375, breast MCF7 and T47D, pancreatic PANC1, cervical HeLa, and leukemia K562 cancer cell lines and normal fibroblasts. Lipopolysaccharide-prompted inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages was the potential anticancer mechanism. Atorvastatin exerted remarkably superior cytotoxicity against A375.2S (IC50 value 0.02 μM p < .001 vs. cisplatin 0.07 μM IC50 value). Atorvastatin exhibited an equipotency to cisplatin's T47D growth inhibition (34.6 μM vs. 34.59 μM; p > .05). Levofloxacin as well as ciprofloxacin superbly superseded the antineoplastic cisplatin activity against the K562 cell line (respective IC50 values [μM] 10.4 and 19.5 vs. 29.3; p < .05-<.01). Gemifloxacin and lansoprazole had comparable antiproliferation in K562 to cisplatin's (respective IC50 values [μM] 34.9 and 36.3 vs. 29.3; p > .05). The selected agents lacked cytotoxicity in the panel of MCF7, HeLa, A549, or Panc1 cancer cells. Most notably, LPS prompted RAW264.7 macrophages, atorvastatin, piroxicam, clopidogrel, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole were of higher anti-inflammation potency than indomethacin (p < .01-.001). Evidently, omeprazole, pioglitazone, gemifloxacin, and indomethacin were of comparable anti-inflammation potencies (p > .05). Collectively, this work reveals acidic chelator drugs (atorvastatin, gemifloxacin, and lansoprazole with dual anti-inflammation and antiproliferation propensities) as authentic agents for the repurposing approach in anticancer chemotherapy/prevention.

Effects of statins on the chemoresistance-The antagonistic drug-drug interactions versus the anti-cancer effects

There has been growing interest in the potential anti-cancer activity of statins based on evidence of their anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and radiosensitizing properties, but no studies have focused on the effects of statins on the chemoresistance. In spite of their direct cytostatic/cytotoxic effects on the cancer cells, statins via drug interactions may affect therapeutic effects of the chemotherapy agents and so cause chemoresistance in cancer cells. Here, we aim to present the molecular mechanisms underlying cytotoxic effects of statins on the cancer cells against those mechanisms by which statins may lead to chemoresistance, in order to clarify whether the positive effects of the co-treatment of statins on the efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents is due to the natural anti-cancer effects of statins or it is due to increasing the cellular concentrations of chemotherapy drugs in cancer cells.

Evaluation of Uracil, Sodium Ascorbate, and Rosiglitazone as Promoters of Urinary Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinomas in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

The purpose of this study was to establish a 2-stage model of urinary bladder carcinogenesis in male Sprague-Dawley rats to identify tumor promoters. In phase 1 of the study, rats ( n = 170) were administered 100 mg/kg of the tumor initiator, N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN), twice weekly by oral gavage (po) for a period of 6 weeks. Phase 2 consisted of dividing rats into 4 groups ( n = 40 per group) and administering one of the following for 26 weeks to identify putative tumor promoters: (1) vehicle po, (2) 25 mg/kg/day rosiglitazone po, (3) 5% dietary sodium l-ascorbate, and (4) 3% dietary uracil. Rats were necropsied after 7.5 months, and urinary bladders were evaluated by histopathology. BBN/vehicle treatments induced the development of urothelial hyperplasia (83%) and papillomas (15%) but no transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs). Rosiglitazone increased the incidence and severity of papillomas (93%) and resulted in TCC in 10% of treated rats. Uracil was the most effective tumor promoter in our study and increased the incidence of papillomas (90%) and TCC (74%). Sodium ascorbate decreased the incidence of urothelial hyperplasia (63%) and did not increase the incidence of urothelial papillomas or TCC. These data confirm the capacity of our 2-stage model to identify urinary bladder tumor promoters.

Chemopreventive effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin in rats with bladder cancer

Bladder cancer remains a huge concern for the medical community because of its incidence and prevalence rates, as well as high percentage of recurrence and progression. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin proved anti-inflammatory effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma mechanism. However, their chemopreventive effect still remained to be examined and clarified. In this study, bladder cancer was induced in rats by the chemical carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid: 2:3 w/w; 1200 mg/kg) and/or atorvastatin (6 mg/kg) were given orally daily to rats for eight consecutive weeks concomitantly with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine and continued for further 4 weeks after cessation of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine administration. The histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of tumors and the absence of apoptotic bodies in sections from N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine group, while tumors were absent and apoptotic bodies were clearly observed in sections from rat groups treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, atorvastatin, or both drugs. The study of the molecular mechanisms illustrated downregulation of COX-2 and P53 (mutant) genes and suppression of transforming growth factor beta-1 and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde in serum of rats of the three treated groups. This chemopreventive effect was confirmed by and associated with lower level of bladder tumor antigen in urine. However, the combined treatment with both drugs exhibited the major protective effect and nearly corrected the dyslipidemia that has been induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Collectively, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin, besides having anti-inflammatory properties, proved a chemopreventive effect against bladder cancer, which nominates them to be used as adjuvant therapy with other chemotherapeutics.

Modulatory role of betulinic acid in N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a toxicant found in foods and drinking water. Several synthetic agents used in alleviation of NDMA toxicity have been associated with serious side effects. Therefore, a safe and less toxic agent is desirable. In this study, betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid antioxidant, is proposed as a better and alternative agent to modulate NDMA-induced toxicity. Twenty-four Wistar rats were assigned into four groups of six rats each and treated with normal saline (control), BA (25 mg/kg), NDMA (5 mg/kg) and (BA + NDMA). BA was given by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days, while NDMA was administered intraperitoneally on days 7 and 12. Results showed that administration of NDMA significantly ( p < 0.05) elevated the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase by 51%, 48% and 81%, respectively. Also, NDMA intoxication significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the levels of serum urea and creatinine by 64% and 82%, respectively, and decreased urinary creatinine by 67%. In addition, administration of NDMA significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the levels of hepatic and renal DNA fragmentation by 44% and 61%, respectively, relative to control. The number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mnPCEs) in NDMA-treated rats (11.1 ± 2.6 mnPCE/1000PCE) was significantly higher than control (4.3 ± 1.1 mnPCE/1000 PCE). Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expressions of Bcl-2 and nuclear p53 in NDMA-intoxicated rats. Interestingly, pretreatment with BA significantly ( p < 0.05) ameliorated NDMA-induced changes in serum biochemical indices, mnPCEs, DNA fragmentation and expressions of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins. These findings suggest that BA protects against NDMA-induced toxicity via anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

Obesity and brain inflammation: a focus on multiple sclerosis

The increase in prevalence of obesity in industrialized societies is an indisputable fact. However, the apparent passive role played by adipocytes, in pathophysiological terms, has been gradually substituted by a metabolically active performance, relevant to many biochemical mechanisms that may contribute to a chronic low-grade inflammatory status, which increasingly imposes itself as a key feature of obesity. This chronic inflammatory status will have to be integrated into the complex equation of many diseases in which inflammation plays a crucial role. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition typically confined to the central nervous system, and many work has been produced to find possible points of contact between the biology of this immune-mediated disease and obesity. So far, clinical data are not conclusive, but many biochemical features have been recently disclosed. Brain inflammation has been implicated in some of the mechanisms that lead to obesity, which has also been recognized as an important player in inducing some degree of immune dysfunction. In this review, we collected evidence that allows establishing bridges between obesity and MS. After considering epidemiological controversies, we will focus on possible shared mechanisms, as well as on the potential contributions that disease-modifying drugs may have on this apparent relationship of mutual interference.

Mammalian models of chemically induced primary malignancies exploitable for imaging-based preclinical theragnostic research

Compared with transplanted tumor models or genetically engineered cancer models, chemically induced primary malignancies in experimental animals can mimic the clinical cancer progress from the early stage on. Cancer caused by chemical carcinogens generally develops through three phases namely initiation, promotion and progression. Based on different mechanisms, chemical carcinogens can be divided into genotoxic and non-genotoxic ones, or complete and incomplete ones, usually with an organ-specific property. Chemical carcinogens can be classified upon their origins such as environmental pollutants, cooked meat derived carcinogens, N-nitroso compounds, food additives, antineoplastic agents, naturally occurring substances and synthetic carcinogens, etc. Carcinogen-induced models of primary cancers can be used to evaluate the diagnostic/therapeutic effects of candidate drugs, investigate the biological influential factors, explore preventive measures for carcinogenicity, and better understand molecular mechanisms involved in tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Among commonly adopted cancer models, chemically induced primary malignancies in mammals have several advantages including the easy procedures, fruitful tumor generation and high analogy to clinical human primary cancers. However, in addition to the time-consuming process, the major drawback of chemical carcinogenesis for translational research is the difficulty in noninvasive tumor burden assessment in small animals. Like human cancers, tumors occur unpredictably also among animals in terms of timing, location and the number of lesions. Thanks to the availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with various advantages such as ionizing-free scanning, superb soft tissue contrast, multi-parametric information, and utility of diverse contrast agents, now a workable solution to this bottleneck problem is to apply MRI for noninvasive detection, diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring on those otherwise uncontrollable animal models with primary cancers. Moreover, it is foreseeable that the combined use of chemically induced primary cancer models and molecular imaging techniques may help to develop new anticancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

The impact of nutrition in urogenital cancers

Prostate, bladder and kidney cancers remain the most common cancers of the urinary tract. Despite improved primary prevention, detection and treatment, the incidence of age-related cancers of the urinary tract is likely to rise as a result of global population ageing. An association of diet with prostate, bladder and kidney carcinogenesis is plausible since the majority of metabolites, including carcinogens, are excreted through the urinary tract. Moreover, large regional differences in incidence rates of urologic tumours exist throughout the world. These rates change when people relocate to different geographic areas, which is suggestive of a strong environmental influence. As a result of these observations, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of diet and nutritional status in kidney, bladder and prostate carcinogenesis. Here, we review the literature assessing the effect of diet and nutritional status on urological cancer risk, which has attracted the most interest.

Current animal models of bladder cancer: Awareness of translatability (Review)

Experimental animal models are crucial in the study of biological behavior and pathological development of cancer, and evaluation of the efficacy of novel therapeutic or preventive agents. A variety of animal models that recapitulate human urothelial cell carcinoma have thus far been established and described, while models generated by novel techniques are emerging. At present a number of reviews on animal models of bladder cancer comprise the introduction of one type of method, as opposed to commenting on and comparing all classifications, with the merits of a certain method being explicit but the shortcomings not fully clarified. Thus the aim of the present study was to provide a summary of the currently available animal models of bladder cancer including transplantable (which could be divided into xenogeneic or syngeneic, heterotopic or orthotopic), carcinogen-induced and genetically engineered models in order to introduce their materials and methods and compare their merits as well as focus on the weaknesses, difficulties in operation, associated problems and translational potential of the respective models. Findings of these models would provide information for authors and clinicians to select an appropriate model or to judge relevant preclinical study findings. Pertinent detection methods are therefore briefly introduced and compared.

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit tumor growth in a rat model of bladder cancer

Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids have been tested on prevention and treatment of several cancer types, but the efficacy on “in vivo” bladder cancer has not been analyzed yet. This study aimed at evaluating the chemopreventive efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) mixture in an animal model of bladder cancer. Forty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups during a 20-week protocol: control; carcinogen—N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN); ω-3 (DHA + EPA); and ω-3 + BBN. BBN and ω-3 were given during the initial 8 weeks. At week 20 blood and bladder were collected and checked for the presence of urothelium lesions and tumors, markers of inflammation, proliferation, and redox status. Incidence of bladder carcinoma was, control (0%), ω-3 (0%), BBN (65%), and ω-3 + BBN (62.5%). The ω-3 + BBN group had no infiltrative tumors or carcinoma in situ, and tumor volume was significantly reduced compared to the BBN (0.9 ± 0.1 mm³ versus 112.5 ± 6.4 mm³). Also, it showed a reduced MDA/TAS ratio and BBN-induced serum CRP, TGF-β1, and CD31 were prevented. In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the development of premalignant and malignant lesions in a rat model of bladder cancer, which might be due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic properties.