Roussin red methyl ester, a tumor promoter isolated from pickled vegetables.

Abstract

Roussin red methyl ester [RRME; Fe2(SMe)2(NO)4], has recently been isolated from pickled vegetables consumed in Linxian, China. In the present studies, the tumor-promoting effect of RRME was found in rats treated first with nitrosodiethylamine. A two-stage experiment was also carried out by application of RRME on BALB/c mouse skin subsequent to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene treatment, and induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was observed in epidermal cells. After 37-week treatments with 150, 300 or 450 nmol of RRME, the skin developed precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinomas. The epidermal ODC activity was increased rapidly following a single application of RRME, and the level of its activation was in proportion to the doses used, although the promoting effect of RRME was weaker than that of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate. Since pickled vegetables are staple food in high-risk areas for esophageal cancer, RRME, as a tumor promoter, may therefore play a role in the development of this malignant disease.

• Authors: J G Liu, M H Li
• Journal: Carcinogenesis (Carcinogenesis) Vol. 10 Issue 3 Pg. 617-20 (Mar 1989) ISSN: 0143-3334 [Print] England
• PMID: 2494003 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carcinogens
• Nitroso Compounds
• Roussin red methyl ester
• 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
• Ornithine Decarboxylase
• Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Topics

• 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
• Animals
• Carcinogens (isolation & purification)
• Esophageal Neoplasms (etiology)
• Nitroso Compounds (toxicity)
• Ornithine Decarboxylase (biosynthesis)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Skin Neoplasms (chemically induced)
• Stomach Neoplasms (chemically induced)
• Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate
• Vegetables (analysis)