Background. Cigarette smoke (CS) induces an oxidative stress, DNA damage, and lung cancer. Pomegranate juice (PJ) possess\npotent antioxidant activity attributed to its polyphenols. We investigated whether PJ supplementation would prevent the\nformation of lung nodules, attenuate mitotic activity, and reduce hypoxia-inducible factor-1�± (HIF-1�±) expression secondary\nto CS exposure in an animal model. Methods. Mice were divided into: Control group, CS group, CS + PJ group, and PJonly\ngroup. CS and CS + PJ were exposed to CS, 5 days per week, for a total of 5 months. Animals were then housed for\nadditional four months. CS + PJ and PJ groups received PJ throughout the experiment period while others received placebo. At\nthe end of the experiment, the incidence of lung nodules was assessed by (1) histological analysis, (2) mitotic activity\n[measurement of PHH3 antibodies], and (3) measurement of HIF-1�± expression. Results. The incidence of lung nodules was\nsignificantly increased in CS. CS exposure significantly increased PHH3 and HIF-1�± expression. PJ supplementation attenuated\nthe formation of lung nodules and reduced PHH3 and HIF-1�± expression. Conclusion. PJ supplementation significantly\ndecreased the incidence of lung cancer, secondary to CS, prevented the formation of lung nodules, and reduced mitotic activity\nand HIF-1�± expression in an animal model.
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