Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the isoforms of the oxid nitric synthase (Nos1, Nos 2, Nos 3)and the antioxidant activity of the pequi pulp ethanolic extract and oil, measuring lipid peroxidations and DNA damage in an experimental modelo f lung cancer induced by urethane. Methods: 25 male BALB/c mice that received two intraperitoneal doses of urethane (Ugroup = 5).10 mices received by gavage 3μg/kg of the extract (UEgroup = 10). 10 animals received by gavage 15μL of the oil (UOgroup=10). After 75 days, the tree groups were sacrificed. The expression of the NOSs isoforms were estimated by imunohistochemestry and the antioxidant activity of pequi oil and extract was evaluated by TBARS test and by the comet test method. Results:The lung parenchyma from the Urethane groups showed neoplastic formations induced by the chemical carcinogenesis. The imunohistochemestry for analysis of the NOSs isoforms didn’t show a significant difference. The image analysis of the comet assay showed a statistical significant decreased of the DNA damage cells in the Urethane + Extract group (p=0.02) and the UOgroup (p=0.001) when compared with U. Group. The results of TBARS also showed a significant decreased of lipid peroxidation in the UE group (p=0.02) and a marginal decreased of the UOgroup (p=0.08) when compared with the U. Group. Conclusion: We conclude that the pequi oil and extract are efficient to diminish the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in chemical carcinogenesis induced by urethane. These results suggest that the different natural antioxidant components found in the pequi fruit might be an strategy in the prevention of the lung cancer.
- © 2013 ERS