Modulatory Effect of Chrysin against N-Methyl Nitrosourea (NMU)-Induced Proliferative Lesions in Rat Mammary Glands

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of the phytoestrogen (chrysin) in the treatment or protection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced preneoplastic lesions in mammary glands of post estrous female rats. Rats were divided into seven groups. Group1 is the negative group. Groups 2 &3 are the positive controls where rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 4 doses of NMU (75 mg/kg b.w., once/5days) before and after oral administration of glycofurol (vechile of chrysin), respectively. Groups 4 &5 are the treatment groups where rats were received 4 doses of NMU and were administered 3 doses/week of chrysin (125 or 250 mg/kg b.w. per orally; p.o), respectively, as in group 2. Groups 6 & 7 are the protective groups where rats were received 3 doses/week of chrysin (125 or 250 mg/kg b.w., p.o.), respectively, and were injected with 4 doses of NMU as in group3. The NMU injection caused a significant decrease in platelet count, hemoglobin, serum estradiol, and total antioxidant capacity levels as well as serum glutathione-S-transferase and Catalase activities. On the other hand, NMU significantly elevated white blood cell count, red cell distribution width, serum C-reactive protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels as well as serum arginase activity. Either treatment or protection with chrysin modulated the adverse effects of NMU and ameliorated the biochemical parameters. The biochemical observations were also confirmed by histological studies. In conclusion, phytoestrogens may relieve the severity of post estrous pre-cancerous disorders, especially when consumed in a high dose for a while before the incidence of lesions.