Lycopene enriched tomato extract suppresses chemically induced skin tumorigenesis in mice.

The present study revealed the effects of Lycopene enriched tomato extract (LycT) on chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Skin tumors were induced by topical application of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) [500 nmol/100 ul of acetone, twice a week for two weeks] and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) [1.7 nmol/100 ul of acetone, twice a week for eighteen weeks] and LycT (5 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally. Male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups (n = 15 per group): control, DMBA/TPA, LycT and LycT + DMBA/TPA. The chemopreventive response of LycT to skin tumorigenesis was evident by inhibition in tumor incidence, number, size, burden and volume in LycT + DMBA/TPA group when compared to DMBA/TPA group. This was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation in LycT + DMBA/TPA group as observed by the decrease in epidermal morphometric parameters and mRNA and protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen when compared to DMBA/TPA group (p ≤ 0.05). LycT decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the mRNA and protein expression of angiogenic genes (vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, basic fibroblast growth factor) in LycT + DMBA/TPA group, suggesting its anti-angiogenic effects. The increase (p ≤ 0.05) in protein expression of connexin-32 and 43 in LycT + DMBA/TPA group suggests improved inter cellular communication when compared to DMBA/TPA group. Histochemical studies demonstrated that the components of extracellular matrix (fibrous proteins and mucopolysaccharides) were also modulated during skin carcinogenesis and its chemoprevention by LycT. The decrease in cell proliferation parameters and expression of angiogenesis associated genes, modulation of ECM components and increase in expression of connexins suggest that LycT improved multiple dysregulated processes during chemoprevention of skin cancer.

Knowledge, attitude, behavioural response and use of preventive measures regarding pandemic H1N1 influenza outbreak among dental students in Udaipur city, India.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitude, behavioural response and use of preventive measures regarding a pandemic H1N1 influenza outbreak among dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 448 dental students (118 in preclinical categories, 330 in clinical categories) were surveyed using a self-administered, structured questionnaire pretested through a pilot survey. RESULTS: Out of 448 dental students, 92.6% had heard about swine flu, whereas only 64.3% of them knew about the H1N1 virus. More than 50% of dental students showed a positive response towards swine flu attitude, and pandemic H1N1 influenza modified the behaviour of dental students. Respondents rated hand washing and face masks as the most effective measures for the prevention of pandemic influenza. CONCLUSION: Half of the dental students had enough information and showed a positive attitude towards a H1N1 pandemic influenza outbreak. However, the behavioural response of the participants was poor.