COX-2 as a Potential Target in Chemoprevention of Benzo(a)pyrene Induced Lung Carcinogenesis in Mice-combined Role of Curcumin and Quercetin

The present study was undertaken to assess the cumulative effects of curcumin and quercetin in inhibiting the activity of COX-2 alongwith other biophysical parameters such as 3 H thymidine uptake as well as uptake and turnover of 14 C-glucose during BP induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. The mice were segregated into five groups viz., normal control, BP treated, BP + curcumin treated, BP + quercetin treated and BP + curcumin+ quercetin treated. Lung carcinogenesis was induced by a single intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of BP (100mg/Kg body weight). Curcumin and quercetin were supplemented to mice at dose levels of 60mg/Kg body weight and 40mg/Kg body wt in drinking water, respectively. All the treatments were continued for a period of 22 weeks. BP treatment brought about a significant increase in the activities of COX-2. Supplementation of phytochemicals individually as well in combination to BP treated mice brought about moderation in the enzymatic activity which was restored to within normal limits. Further, BP treatment recorded increased 3 H thymidine uptake as well as enhanced 14 C-glucose uptake and its turnover which were reduced significantly following simultaneous treatment with phytochemicals. Therefore, cumulative treatment with curcumin and quercetin has the potential of providing protection against lung cancer by inhibiting the COX-2 activity and moderating the 3 H thymidine uptake as well as 14 C-glucose uptake and its turnover.