Aruldass Ilakkia

Breast cancer comprises a diverse collection of diseases rather than a single homogeneous disease. Both preclinical and clinical research now commonly target specific subgroups of breast cancer with the aim of identifying biological markers or genetic phenotypes, and to reveal subgroup-specific therapeutic targets or indicators of prognosis. Since genetics is believed to account for only 10% of the reported cases, the environmental factors including diet are thought to play a significant role in predisposing breast cancer. The present study was aimed to evaluate the chemotherapeutic potential of taurine in 7, 12-dimethyl Benz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinoma in rats. Oral treatment of taurine (100 mg/kg BW) to breast tumor bearing rats daily for ten to fifteen weeks was found to be effective against DMBA induced mammary gland carcinogenesis in female Sprague Dawley rats. The increased activities of 5′-ND, GGT and LDH in tissue of control and experimental breast cancer rats were significantly (p 

Breast cancer is one of the most serious problems in oncology. It is a leading cause of death among women in many countries. Environmental factors, of either biological or chemical origin, may act as initiators and promoters of  the carcinogenesis. Chemical carcinogens such as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene [DMBA],benz[a]pyrene [BP], and N-nitroso-N-methylurea are commonly employed to initiate and promote neoplastic transformation in experimental animals. DMBA is well established as a highly potent carcinogen. Cancer chemoprevention is recognized as the most promising and novel approach to prevent, inhibit or reverse the carcinogenic processes by intervention with natural products or synthetic chemical substances. Taurine is a sulfur containing beta amino acid with a wide range of vital, biological functions, ranging modulation, cell membrane stabilization to bearing an antioxidant and scavenging agent. In from neuro the last decade it has been widely used in the field of oncology as a chemo protective agent against hepatocarcinogenesis and colon carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to get insight into the process of chemo resistance acquisition for a better understanding of the breast cancer therapy. Therefore, the current study has been undertaken to examine the effect of taurine on DMBA induced breast cancer in rats. At the end of the experimental period, the homogenized breast tissue was investigated and recorded the body weight, tumor weight and antitumor activity of Taurine in the experimental rats. Overall, these results suggested that the taurine treatment provided antioxidant defense with strong chemopreventive activity against the genesis of DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma.

The most important problem that humanity is facing in this century is environmental pollution. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are abundant pollutants and many of them are carcinogenic. The most important PAH is Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] which is formed by the incomplete combustion of organic substances, cigarette smoke, charcoal and grilling of food. Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]  has been shown to cause mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects in various species and tissues. The present study was aimed to divulge the cytotoxic effect of B(a)P induced oxidative damage in liver of male Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into 3 groups of which Group I served as control and were given corn oil, Group II animals were administered with B(a)P (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil orally thrice a week for three successive weeks for an induction period of 6 weeks, Group III animals were  administered with B(a)P (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil orally thrice a week for three successive weeks for an induction period of  12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the extracted liver tissue was investigated biochemically for cytotoxic markers, oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes .The evaluation of these enzymes and their activities reflect the severity of damage caused to the membrane or to the organ itself.  The data suggests that the difference in morphology and cellular changes in liver on exposure to B(a)P is time dependent. Key words: PAH, B(a)P, toxicity, swiss albino mice,  liver, oxidative stress

  Isoprenoids are one of the largest groups of natural products comprising numerous compounds with important roles in physiological and pathological processes. High intake of fruits and vegetables has proven to show protective action against different cancer types. Diet-derived isoprenoids represent promising cancer therapeutic agents. Monoterpenes such as Geraniol (GOH), found in essential oils of citrus fruits, cherry, mint, and herbs, are non-nutritive dietary micro constituents mainly responsible for the distinctive fragrance of many plants; have anticancer activities. In the present study the cytoprotective efficacy of geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol was evaluated in Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] induced lung cancer in male Swiss Albino mice. Level of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glycoproteins and Lung marker enzymes were studied.  Oral administration of Geraniol (150 mg/kg body weight) helped in maintaining the cellular redox status of the animals which plays an important role in cellular function there by increasing the efficiency of antioxidant defense system and reducing the adverse effects of cancer. Key Words: Antioxidants, Isoprenoids, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Geraniol, lung cancer.