The effects of ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxyanisole in the chemoprevention of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced large bowel neoplasms.

Human large bowel neoplasia seems to be caused by environmental carcinogens. The experimental carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), must be oxidized in the body to have effect. The antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and ascorbic acid, were tested for efficacy in prevention of experimental large bowel neoplasia. Carcinogenesis was induced in female CF-1 mice by administering DMH, 20 mg/kg, sq for 24 weekly doses. Test animals received varying doses of ascorbic acid, BHA, or both agents together. Animals were sacrificed when moribund or at 35 weeks. All colons were totally embedded and analyzed histologically. Ascorbic acid demonstrated no effects on incidence or density of large bowel tumors. Ascorbic acid did increase the ratio of adenomas to adenocarcinomas. BHA decreased the incidence and density of large bowel tumors. The lowest incidence was obtained in the group receiving both agents combined. It is concluded that BHA is effective in the chemoprevention of DMH-induced large bowel neoplasms. Ascorbic acid demonstrates only modest effect. The greatest effect on tumor incidence is seen when ascorbic acid and BHA are administered together.