Mechanisms and Applications of N-Methyl-N'-nitro-Nnitrosoguanidine in Animal Tumor Models: Current situation and challenges

Xiyan Zhang¹Yupei Xu²Junwen Cao³Tong Li¹Jiaqi Wang¹Jingna Tao¹Liju Zhang¹Zhihong Li^1*

• ¹Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
• ²First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
• ³8th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China

The worldwide health and economic burden of cancer is substantial, necessitating urgent, focused prevention and treatment strategies. The investigation of cancer animal modeling techniques is particularly critical. N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a nitrosamine carcinogen, is extensively utilized in the development of several tumor animal models due to its ability to replicate the natural onset of cancer. Nonetheless, MNNG exhibits a propensity for multi-organ carcinogenesis; yet, this aspect remains undiscussed. Additionally, its mechanism of action and model standardization protocol require rigorous summarization. This research examines the carcinogenic mechanism and application characteristics of MNNG in gastric cancer models and other organ models, emphasizing its carcinogenic properties across different organs. Furthermore, through the examination of drug administration routes, dosage effects, combined modeling strategies, and model specificity, we endeavored to identify effective methods to enhance the specificity of target organs by optimizing the administration approach (local exposure, integration of advanced detection technologies with auxiliary factors). Experimental animals are crucial in scientific study. Future investigations must develop standardized protocols to minimize non-target organ damage and examine the interaction mechanisms between these animals and the tumor microenvironment.