Effect of some fatty acid methyl esters on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

Methyl linoleate hydroperoxide (MLHP) and native methyl linoleate (ML) were tested for carcinogenicity toward the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in male specific-pathogen-free outbred Wistar rats. N-Methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was given in the drinking water in a dose of 20 mg/liter when cocarcinogenic properties of the test substances were to be tested. MLHP and ML were fed by stomach tube and had no effect as complete carcinogens. Given concomitantly with MNNG, ML did not enhance carcinogenesis. MLHP in conjunction with MNNG was the only treatment which, as treatment with MNNG in a dose of 83 mg/liter, led to an increase of GI cancers in animals that died before day 354. Cumulative results after a maximum of 612 days showed a distribution of GI cancers in favor of the glandular stomach only after MLHP was given with MNNG.