Chemoprevention of lung squamous cell carcinoma in mice by a mixture of Chinese herbs

Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2009 Jul;2(7):634-40. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-09-0052.

Abstract

Antitumor B (ATB) is a Chinese herbal mixture of six plants. Previous studies have shown significant chemopreventive efficacy of ATB against human esophageal and lung cancers. We have recently developed a new mouse model for lung squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). In this study, lung SCC mouse model was characterized using small-animal imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography). ATB decreased lung SCC significantly (3.1-fold; P < 0.05) and increased lung hyperplastic lesions by 2.4-fold (P < 0.05). This observation suggests that ATB can block hyperplasia from progression to SCC. ATB tissue distribution was determined using matrine as a marker chemical. We found that ATB is rapidly absorbed and then distributes to various tissues including the lung. These results indicate that ATB is a potent chemopreventive agent against the development of mouse lung SCCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biological Assay
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / prevention & control*
  • Chemoprevention
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Mice
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Antitumor B
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal