PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF RUTIN, A FLAVONOL GLYCOSIDE, ON THE CARCINOGEN-INDUCED DNA-DAMAGE AND REPAIR ENZYMES IN RATS

Administration of hepatocarcinogens aflatoxin B-1 and N-nitrosodimethy lamine to rats caused single-strand breaks in nuclear DNA. Inclusion i n the diet of rutin, a naturally occurring phenolic flavonoid glycosid e, significantly reduced the appearance of such breaks. The protection against DNA damage was found to be reduction in the induction of repa ir enzymes polymerase, DNA polymerase beta and DNA ligase. Even associ ated with poly(ADP-ribose) a marginal dose of rutin was effective in t his regard. Since DNA damage and inefficient repair are expected to in itiate the process of carcinogenesis, modulation by rutin of these par ameters emphasizes the protective role of this flavonoid against carci nogenesis induced by chemical carcinogens.