Gajendran Nithya

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.