Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Epidemiological and in vitro studies suggest that antioxidants such as quercetin and vitamin E (VE) can prevent lung tumor caused by smoking; however, there is limited evidence from animal studies.

METHODS:

In the present study, Swiss mouse was used to examine the potential of quercetin and VE for prevention lung tumor induced by smoking.

RESULTS:

Our results suggest that the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity were 43.5% and 1.00 +/- 0.29 in smoking group; Quercetin has limited effects on lung tumor prevention in this in vivo model, as measured by assays for free radical scavenging, reduction of smoke-induced DNA damage and inhibition of apoptosis. On the other hand, vitamin E drastically decreased the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity which were 17.0% and 0.32 +/- 0.16, respectively (p < 0.05); and demonstrated prominent antioxidant effects, reduction of DNA damage and decreased cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). Combined treatment with quercetin and VE in this animal model did not demonstrate any effect greater than that due to vitamin E alone. In addition, gender differences in the occurrence of smoke induced-lung tumor and antioxidant intervention were also observed.

CONCLUSION:

We conclude that VE might prevent lung tumor induced by smoking in Swiss mice.