Preventive effect of genistein on malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive effect of genistein on the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia in hamster cheek pouch. METHODS: Sixty male Syrian golden hamsters were randomly divided into 4 groups, with two of 20 and two of 10. DMBA solution (0.5% in acetone) was applied topically to the left cheek pouch of male Syrian golden hamsters in group A and B, while animals in group C were painted with acetone, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. For the next 12 weeks, animals in group B received genistein (10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) daily by gavage; animals in group A and C received same volume of saline; animals in group D serving as blank control. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination. RESULTS: No significant differences in the tumor latency and tumor incidence were observed between the control and genistein treated group. CONCLUSIONS: No inhibitory effect of genistein on the transformation of oral leukoplakia was observed in hamster.