Year: 1998
Type: dissertation
Abstract: There is conflicting evidence as to the role of riboflavin in cancer. Riboflavin deficiency has been demonstrated to be both a protective factor and potentiating factor in experimental carcinogenesis. In human studies, riboflavin deficiency has been linked to oesophageal cancer, although there is little in the literature regarding the effects of riboflavin deficiency on the oral mucosa. This thesis examines the effects of riboflavin deficiency on the oral epithelium Chapter 1 is a review of riboflavin, its sources, functions, metabolism and measurement and the effects of riboflavin deficiency, particularly its role in cancer. It was decided to attempt to induce riboflavin deficiency in the hamster. This animal was chosen with a view to using the frequently used hamster cheek pouch model of experimental oral carcinogenesis in subsequent studies. Chapter 2 describes the method of bleeding of the hamsters and verification that testing of riboflavin levels was possible on the small sample size available. Optimisation of the erythrocyte glutathione reductase test for hamster blood is described. The biochemical criteria for assessing the presence of riboflavin deficiency in the hamster were determined. Chapter 3 describes the induction of riboflavin deficiency in a group of hamsters together with biochemical monitoring of their riboflavin status. Compartment and cell analysis of the lingual epithelium was undertaken. A number of difficulties were encountered in the experiment. Firstly, both experimental and control hamsters suffered from gastro-enteritis (wet tail) and several subsequently died, reducing the numbers available for analysis. Analysis of the riboflavin content of the diet indicated that the difference between the experimental and control diets was less than expected. In Chapter 4 the problems which were met and possible avenues for future research are discussed.
Author: Fiona Anne Carmichael
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3004146307