Abstract
Although there are many strategies for the treatment of cancer, chemoprevention seems to be the best strategy for lowering the incidence of this disease. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of Spirulina Platensis to prevent initiation of carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) which is a potent initiator and carcinogen.
Methods: Female Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups. Group 1: received normal saline. Group 2: given Spirulina only. Group 3 injected with DENA. Group 4: treated with Spirulina and DENA. Group 5: received Doxorubicin. Group 6: Spirulina and Doxorubicin. Group 7: received DENA and Doxorubicin. Group 8: treated with Spirulina, DENA and Doxorubicin. Results: Results obtained showed that Groups treated with DENA, Doxorubicin alone or in combination led to significant increase in plasma liver functions tests: Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) and Total Bilirubin (T.BIL) and also showed increased tumor marker (AFP). Parameters measured in lung and kidney tissues in groups treated with DENA and DOX alone or in combination showed elevation of lipid peroxides (MDA) and Catalase enzyme activity (CAT) and also showed significant decrease in Total protein content (T.P.) and tissue antioxidants like Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), Total Thiol and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). Histopathological examination of the lung and kidney showed the loss of the normal architecture in DENA and Doxorubicin treated groups. On the other hand, supplementation with Spirulina has attenuated these biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by DENA and Doxorubicin and improved the antioxidant parameters.
Conclusion: data from this study suggested that Spirulina prevents lipid peroxidation, lung and kidney cell damage, protects the antioxidant system against DENA-induced carcinogenesis and could protect against oxidative stress created by Doxorubicin.

Key words: cancer- diethylnitrosamine- doxorubicin- spirulina- lung- kidney.