Caryocar brasiliense camb protects against genomic and oxidative damage in urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2015 Sep;48(9):852-62. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20154467. Epub 2015 Jul 21.

Abstract

The antioxidant effects of Caryocar brasiliense Camb, commonly known as the pequi fruit, have not been evaluated to determine their protective effects against oxidative damage in lung carcinogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the role of pequi fruit against urethane-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in forty 8-12 week old male BALB/C mice. An in vivo comet assay was performed to assess DNA damage in lung tissues and changes in lipid peroxidation and redox cycle antioxidants were monitored for oxidative stress. Prior supplementation with pequi oil or its extract (15 µL, 60 days) significantly reduced urethane-induced oxidative stress. A protective effect against DNA damage was associated with the modulation of lipid peroxidation and low protein and gene expression of nitric oxide synthase. These findings suggest that the intake of pequi fruit might protect against in vivo genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Carcinogens
  • Comet Assay
  • DNA Damage / drug effects*
  • Ericales / chemistry*
  • Genome
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Lung Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Urethane

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Carcinogens
  • Plant Extracts
  • Urethane