Modulatory action of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on mitomycin C-and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice in vivo.

Background: 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a structural analog of glucose is an effective inhibitor of glucose metabolism and ATP production. It selectively accumulates in cancer cells and interferes with glycolysis leading to cell death. 2-DG is shown to differentially enhance the radiation-induced damage in cancer cells both under euoxic and hypoxic conditions. A combination of 2-DG and ionizing radiation selectively destroys tumors while protecting the normal tissue. 2-DG is being advocated as an adjuvant in the radiotherapy and chemotherapy of cancer.

Objective: The present investigation focuses on the modulatory effect of 2-DG on mitomycin C- (MMC) and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO)-induced cytogenetic damage in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice in vivo.

Materials And Methods: Experimental animals were pretreated with 2-DG (500 mg/kg, i.p.) for five consecutive days followed by MMC (2 mg/kg, i.p) or 4-NQO (15 mg/kg, i.p.), 24 h prior to sacrifice. Control animals were given either the mixture of olive oil and acetone (3:1) or distilled water. Bone marrow cells were processed for the micronucleus assay and metaphase analysis for estimating cytogenetic damage.

Results: 2-DG significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the frequency of aberrant cells induced by MMC (approximately 90%) and 4-NQO (approximately 74%). Incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) induced by the mutagens were reduced up to 68%.

Conclusion: 2-DG effectively reduces the MMC-and 4-NQO-induced genotoxicity.