Quercetin enhances pretumorous lesions in the NMU model of rat pancreatic carcinogenesis

The effect of dietary quercetin (Q) was evaluated in rats treated with nitrosomethylurea (NMU). Pancreatic nodules and focal acinar cell hyperplasias were observed in groups treated with NMU (87%) and Q-NMU (100%). Although rats with dysplastic foci (27%) were found in the NMU-treated group, Q-NMU treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of rats with dysplastic foci (73%). Furthermore, carcinomas in situ (12%) and one microcarcinoma (4%) were found in these animals. Mitosis was significantly increased and apoptosis was diminished in focal acinar cell hyperplasias of the Q-NMU group. Our present results support a promoting and progressing effect of quercetin in the NMU model of rat pancreatic carcinogenesis.