Genetic mutations are linked to cancer. We evaluated gum arabic (GA) and eugenol (EUG) on systemic genotoxicity (spleen, kidney, lung) in rats with DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis. The prevention arm, once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg. During the same period and for an additional 9 weeks, the animals received water, GA, EUG or GA + EUG. The treatment arm, once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg. During the subsequent 9 weeks, the animals received water, GA, EUG or GA + EUG. The spleen, kidneys and lungs were harvested for genotoxicity evaluation. Genotoxicity was significantly less severe in spleen and kidney tissue in Group VIII and in Group XII, reflecting the synergistic antioxidant and antigenotoxic effect of GA and EUG administered in rats with DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis.

Introduction. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used to treat malignant neoplasias and control autoimmune diseases. Still, one of its metabolites, acrolein, is toxic to the urothelium and can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis and severe discomfort.Objective. To evaluate the ability of red propolis to prevent and treat CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.Materials and methods. Red propolis was extracted in 1% gum arabic and administered subcutaneously (sc). In the first experiment, groups IA, IIA, and IIIA and groups IB, IIB, and IIIB received water, gum arabic (GA), or propolis, respectively, for 30 days. Then water (controls) or CP (treatment) was administered i.p. In the second experiment, groups IVA, VA, and VIA received water i.p. while groups IVB, VB, and VIB received CP i.p. This was followed by 5 injections at 2-hour intervals with either water, GA, or propolis. Bladder tissue was examined according to Gray’s criteria.Results. The total inflammatory histology score was significantly smaller in group VIB (11.33 ± 2.07). Mild inflammation predominated in group VIB while most of the animals in group IVB had severe inflammation (p=0.0375). Ulcers were predominantly multiple in Groups IVA and VB but rare or absent in Group VIB (p=0.0118). Urothelial cells were mostly absent in groups IVB and VB and present/normal in group VIB (p=0.0052). Fibrin was abundant in groups IVB and VA but mostly absent in group VIB (p=0.0273).Conclusions. Red propolis can reduce inflammation in CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.