Prevention of cancer by diet is considered as a rational strategy for chemoprevention. Phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate, PA), a phytochemical present in a variety of plant species, has been shown to prevent various cancers of mammary gland, colon, and liver. However, the mechanism of chemoprevention by PA has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we examined the serum lipid profile modulation and lipid peroxidation lowering effects of PA and/or inositol supplementation on rat hepatocarcinogenesis initiated by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and promoted by partial hepatectomy (PH). Rats were supplemented with 2% PA, 2% inositol, or 1% PA⁢1% inositol combination in drinking water, starting one week prior to administration of DEN. There were a significant decrease in the area of placental glutathione S-transferase positive (GST-P⁢) foci, a preneoplastic marker for DEN-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis. The administration of PA and/or inositol in drinking water caused marked decrease in the serum triacylglycerol (TG) and liver microsomal lipid peroxidation. Based on these findings, it is likely that the chemopreventive effects of PA or inositol on rat hepatocarcinogenesis are partly associated with the serum TG lowering effects and suppression of lipid peroxidation.

Keywords: Hepatocarcinogenesis, Phytic acid, Inositol, Placental glutathione S- transferase positive foci, Triacylglycerol, Lipid peroxidation