Comparative evaluation of the chemopreventive efficacy of green and black tea polyphenols in the hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model

Objectives: To evaluate the comparative chemopreventive efficacy of green tea polyphenols (Polyphenon-E) and black tea polyphenols (Polyphenon-B) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis. Design and methods: Hamsters were divided into 6 groups. Animals in group 1 served as controls. Animals in groups 2 and 3 were administered 0.05% Polyphenon-E and B, respectively, in the diet. The right buccal pouches of animals in groups 4–6 were painted with 0.5% DMBA three times a week for 14 weeks. While group 4 received no further treatment, hamsters in groups 5 and 6 received diet containing 0.05% Polyphenon-E and B, respectively. The status of carcinogen-metabolising enzymes, lipid peroxidation and glutathione-dependent antioxidants in the buccal pouch and liver, as well as the frequency of bone marrow micronuclei were used as biomarkers. Results: Application of DMBA induced HBP carcinomas, increased genotoxicity with an imbalance in carcinogen-metabolising enzymes and the cellular redox status. Inhibition of HBP carcinomas by Polyphenon-E and B was associated with a significant decrease in phase I enzymes, modulation of lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities. Conclusion: The greater efficacy of Polyphenon-B in inhibiting HBP carcinogenesis suggests that it may have a major impact in the chemoprevention of oral cancer.