beta-carotene and Peritoneal-Neoplasms

The differential levels of induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 (cyt. P-450), UDP-glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) and cytosolic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were evaluated over various periods of time, following tumor transplantation in male Swiss albino mice in the presence and absence of beta-carotene supplementation in their basal diet (100 mg/kg). An increase in the total hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and UDP-glucuronyl transferase and cytosolic GSH-transferase activities (1.5 to 2 fold) occurred during the later stage of tumor progression (22 +/- 2 days onwards). However, beta-carotene supplementation throughout the study increased or decreased the random activity trends of the above markers significantly (P < 0.05- < 0.01). Finally, beta-carotene supplementation could enhance the survival of the host bearing lymphoma by almost 2-fold (50-60 days) over and above the lymphoma controls (30-35 days).

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; beta Carotene; Biotransformation; Carotenoids; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Glucuronosyltransferase; Glutathione Transferase; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Male; Mice; Microsomes, Liver; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Neoplasm Transplantation; Peritoneal Neoplasms