Capsaicin inhibits benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in an in vivo mouse model

Lung cancer is a serious health problem in most developed countries and its incidence rate is profusely increasing. Capsaicin, a component of red chilli and red pepper has been studied widely for its chemopreventive properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the anti-tumor activity of capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. Benzo(a)pyrene was administered orally (50 mg/kg body weight) to induce lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Hematological study (hemoglobin content, RBC, WBC count and differential count), histochemical analysis of mast cells and Western blot analysis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) were carried out. Hematological parameters and the histochemical analysis of mast cells showed abnormal changes, and the immunoblotting analysis revealed increased protein expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, COX-2 and NF-kappa B in lung cancer-challenged mice administered with benzo(a)pyrene. Capsaicin (10 mg/kg body weight) supplementation to lung cancer bearing mice considerably prevented all the above abnormalities. The results of the present study indicate the protective effect of capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in mice.