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

Cancer Lett. 1998 Jul 3;129(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3835(98)00033-0.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Carcinogens / toxicity*
  • Cocarcinogenesis
  • Female
  • Male
  • Methylnitrosourea / toxicity*
  • Organ Size
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Precancerous Conditions / chemically induced*
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Quercetin / toxicity*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Methylnitrosourea
  • Quercetin