Benzo(a)Pyrene

About 1,685,210 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2016. Superoxide dismutase protect against oxygen free radicals by catalyzing the removal of superoxide radicals  hydrogen peroxide mediated LPO. B(a)P induces the oxidation of mitochondrial NADPH.  An increase in the NADP+/NADPH ratio, the low availability of substrate NADPH may be responsible for the decrease in the activity of GR. Reduced glutathione, vitamin C and α-tocopherol comprise the non-enzymatic antioxidant components which protects the cells against the deleterious effects of the free radicals. Phase I & II metabolizing enzymes plays an important role in the detoxification of electrophilic toxicants and their induction protects against carcinogenesis and mutagenesis.

  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.