Ursolic Acid Attenuates Oxidative Stress-mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induction by Diethylnitrosamine in Male Wistar Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary cancer of the liver in Asian countries. For more thana decade natural dietary agents including fruits, vegetables and spices have drawn a great deal of attention inthe prevention of diseases, preferably cancer. Ursolic acid is a natural triterpenoid widely found in food, medicinalherbs, apple peel and other products it has been extensively studied for its anticancer and antioxidant properties.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ursolic acid in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced andphenobarbital promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. Antioxidant status was assessed by alterationsin level of lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls. Damage to plasma membrane was assessed by levels of membraneand tissue ATPases. Liver tissue was homogenized and utilized for estimation of lipid peroxides, protein carbonylsand glycoproteins. Anticoagulated blood was utilized for erythrocyte membrane isolation. Oral administrationof UA 20 mg/kg body weight for 6 weeks decreased the levels of lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls at asignificance of p<0.05. Activities of membrane and tissue ATPases returned to normal after UA administration.Levels of glycoproteins were also restored after treatment. Histopathological observations were recorded. Thefindings from the above study suggest the effectiveness of UA in reducing the oxidative stress mediated changesin liver of rats. Since UA has been found to be a potent antioxidant, it can be suggested as an excellentchemopreventive agent in overcoming diseases like cancer which are mediated by free radicals.