Cytoprotective Effect of Mangiferin on Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract: Antioxidants are one of the key players in tumourigenesis, and several natural and synthetic antioxidants have been shown to have anticancer effects. In the present investigation, the efficacy of mangiferin on the antioxidant status of benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice was assessed. The animals were divided into five groups. The animals in groups I and V were normal control and mangiferin control, respectively. Groups II, III and IV were administered with benzo(a)pyrene (50 mg/kg body weight, orally) for 4 weeks (twice a week) to induced lung carcinogenesis. Starting 1 week prior to benzo(a)pyrene administration, group III animals were treated with mangiferin (100 mg/kg body weight) in the diet for 18 weeks; 12 weeks after benzo(a)pyrene administration, group III animals were treated with mangiferin that continued until the end of the experiment period (18 weeks). At the end of the experiment period, the reactive oxygen species, glutathione and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were assessed in both lung and liver tissues. The levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, vitamin E and vitamin C were decreased in group II animals. However, in the mangiferin + benzo(a)pyrene-treated groups III and IV, the levels of GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in both lung and liver were improved when compared with benzo(a)pyrene-induced group II animals. In addition, the finding that mangiferin decreased reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced antioxidant status suggests that this polyphenol might also be of value in the prevention of benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis.