Calcium glucarate inhibits DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster: histomorphometric evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Calcium glucarate (CGT) is a promising chemopreventive agent. This study evaluated the in vivo efficacy of CGT in preventing 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha) anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster. Matherials and Methods: Seventy-six Syrian hamsters were used, divided into four groups: group 1, untreated animals; 2, CGT controls; 3, DMBA-treated; 4, DMBA- and CGT-treated. Hamsters were painted three times weekly with 0.5% solution of DMBA and were fed a diet supplemented with CGT (64 mmol/kg, 2%). Animals were sacrificed at week 9 and 12 and pathology and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

RESULTS

At week 9, four dysplastic lesions and six carcinomas were identified in group 3 while only three dysplasias and five carcinomas were detected in group 4. At week 12, five animals of group 3 displayed a dysplasia, which was only detected in one animal of group 4. Squamous carcinomas were identified in all animals of both group 3 and 4. However, in group 3 four of the animals displayed multifocal lesions and carcinomas displayed histological features indicative of increased aggressiveness.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that CGT can exert an inhibitory effect on oral carcinogenesis in tha hamster and that further studies are warranted to evaluate its potential use as a chemopreventive agent in humans.