Targeting chemical carcinogenesis: α-pinene and D-limonene as chemopreventive agents against NNK/ TCDD- and urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis

Authors

Kuo-Ching Huang, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
Vui-Hyen Chew, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
Yu-ying Chen, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
Huey-Jen Su, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
Hao-Ting Chang, Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Rong‑Jane Chen, Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
Ying‑Jan Wang, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70428, TaiwanFollow

Keywords

Monoterpenes, NNK, PRC1—Wnt-β-catenin, TCDD, Urethane

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, driven by carcinogens such as tobacco-derived nitrosamines, dioxins, and urethane. This study evaluated the chemopreventive effects of two monoterpenes, α-pinene and D-limonene, using NNK/TCDD- and urethane-induced lung tumor models and A549 lung cancer cells. Both compounds significantly reduce tumor number and size, with enhanced effects when combined. Mechanistic studies revealed suppression of PRC1, β-catenin, and c-Myc, alongside activation of p53, Bax, and caspase-3, indicating inhibition of the PRC1—Wnt/β-catenin pathway and induction of apoptosis. These findings suggest α-pinene and D-limonene as safe, promising agents for lung cancer chemoprevention.

Abstract Image

Recommended Citation

Huang, Kuo-Ching; Chew, Vui-Hyen; Chen, Yu-ying; Su, Huey-Jen; Chang, Hao-Ting; Chen, Rong‑Jane; and Wang, Ying‑Jan (2025) "Targeting chemical carcinogenesis: α-pinene and D-limonene as chemopreventive agents against NNK/ TCDD- and urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis," Journal of Food and Drug Analysis: Vol. 33 : Iss. 4 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.38212/2224-6614.3576

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