[Original studies on anti-tumor and immunological effect of extracts from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the anti-tumor and immunological effect of extracts from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak on mice transplanted S180 tumor cells.

METHODS

Different doses of volatile oil and alcohol extracted substances from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak were given to mice bearing S180 tumor for 9 days. Tumor inhibition rates and coefficients of spleen and thymus were determined.

RESULTS

Tumor inhibition rates of the groups with alcohol extracts (40 g crude drug.kg(-1).d(-1) and 20 g crude drug.kg(-1).d(-1)) were 51.5% (P<0.01) and 36.4% (P<0.05) respectively, and those of the groups with volatile oil (40 g crude drug.kg(-1).d(-1) and 20 g crude drug.kg(-1).d(-1))were both 39.4% (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The extracts from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak have anti-tumor activities. The coefficient of spleen in group with alcohol extracts (40 g crude drug.kg(-1).d(-1))was close to normal value, and its coefficient of thymus was between that of the negative control group and the group with cyclophosphamide (0.02 g.kg(-1).d(-1)). The anti-tumor activity of the alcohol extracts was significantly higher than that of the control group and the tumor inhibition rate was depending on drug concentration. Depending on index of immunity,the extracts from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak may have some influences on immunity.

Role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the resistance of tumor-bearing mice against Candida albicans infection

Tumor-bearing mice showed a significant resistance against Candida albicans intravenous infection. Longer survival was observed in groups of mice inoculated with fungal cells 2-3 weeks after tumor transplantation with allogeneic sarcoma 180, syngeneic methylcholanthrene-induced Meth A fibrosarcoma, and MM 46 mammary carcinoma than in non-tumor-bearing mice inoculated only with fungal cells. This effect was not observed when the mice were infected only 1 week after tumor transplantation. A significant decrease in the number of C. albicans cells in the kidneys was observed in mice inoculated with fungal cells 2-3 weeks after tumor transplantation. In the tumor-bearing mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CY), a remarkable decrease in both the number of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the defense against challenge with C. albicans cells was observed, as compared with the CY-untreated groups (normal and tumor-bearing mice). A marked increase in the calcium concentration in serum and number, candidacidal activity, active oxygen level, and myeloperoxidase activity of PMNs was observed in the 2-3-week tumor-bearing mice. From these results, it is suggested that PMNs, which accumulated in the 2-3-week tumor-bearing mice, play an important role in the protection from C. albicans infection by increasing the number and the types of killing factors.

[Experimental study on xiaoliu decoction in treating tumor and modulating immune function]

OBJECTIVE

To study the anti-tumor effect and immune function modulation of Xiaoliu decoction (XLD) and to explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

S180 tumor bearing mice were treated with large or small dose of XLD and cyclophosphamide (CTX) to observe the tumor suppressive rate, lymphocyte transformation rate, natural killer cell (NK) activity, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) level in the mice, as well as the tumor cell apoptosis in vitro.

RESULTS

The tumor suppressive rate of XLD on tumor bearing mice was over 30%. XLD showed obvious trend in enhancing the tumor suppressing rate of chemotherapy, could increase the lymphocyte transformation rate, NK activity, and TNFalpha level. It also could accelerate the tumor cell apoptosis in vitro.

CONCLUSION

XLD has significant anti-tumor effect, it could elevate the immune function or organism and alleviate the chemotherapy induced lowering of immune function.

[Inhibition of fibrosarcoma growth in mice by antibody against B cell epitope on mouse Toll-like receptor-2 extracellular domain]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of the antibody to a B cell epitope on mouse Toll-like receptor-2 (mTLR-2) extracellular domain on the growth of murine fibrosarcoma.

METHODS

An immunogen was prepared by conjugating a 20-mer peptide, synthesized on the basis of prediction for B cell dominant epitope of mTLR-2, to a carrier protein. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against B cell epitope of mTLR-2 were prepared and purified, and characterized by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Murine fibrosarcoma S180 cells were inoculated into the left hindlimbs of Swiss mice, and in the treatment group, the injected cells were mixed with 100 microg anti-mTLR-2 antibody TSP-1, with the same dose of irrelevant rabbit IgG in the IgG control group and with buffer solution only in the blank control group. The mice in each group were anesthetized and sacrificed on days 10, 14, and 18 following the injections, respectively, and the weight of the tumors was measured and the inhibition rate calculated.

RESULTS

A distinct band for the antibody TSP-1 was shown at the relative molecular mass of 95 000 by Western blotting. The antibody TSP-1 could also react with native mTLR-2 expressed on J774A.1 cells, as identified by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The growth of the fibrosarcoma S180 was obviously inhibited by injections with the antibody TSP-1 mixture, and the weight of tumor in mice treated with TSP-1 was significantly lower than that in the two control groups (P<0.05), with an inhibition rate of 77% on day 10, 51% on day 14 and 53% on day 18.

CONCLUSION

Local application of the antibody against B cell epitope on mTLR-2 extracellular domain can inhibit the growth of murine fibrosarcoma, especially in the early stage of tumor proliferation.

[Experimental studies of lycopene in inhibiting tumor growth in S180-bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of lycopene (LP) on tumor in mice.

METHODS

S180-bearing mice were used as animal model. The mice were given LP by oral. The effects of LP on tumor weight, immune function and antioxidative enzyme were measured respectively.

RESULTS

LP group could promote spleen lymphocyte proliferation, NK activity and increase activity of SOD, GSH-Px and decreased the concentrations of MDA significantly compared with model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LP could inhibit the growth of S180 tumor. The antitumor effect may be related to its immune function and antioxidative effect.

[Effect of association of Shiquandabu Tang with Hetaokun on liver and immunity of tumour mouse]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect of the association of Shiquandabutang with Hetaokun on the protection to liver and immunity of tumor mouse S180.

METHOD

Through the comparison between tumor transplanted and tumor cultured completely out of cell body, the effect was investigated, with Hetaokun singly used and Shiquandabutang associated with Hetaokun, on the level of SGPT, licking up function of monocyte macrophage, thymus index, spleen index and transform percentage of lymphocyte of the mouse S180. The scanning electron micrographs indicated the protective function of the association of Shiquandabutang with Hetaokun for liver.

RESULT

12.5 mg x kg(-1) Hetaokun could obviously restrain the tumor when it was singly used at 73.1%, but it increased SGPT at the same time. The association of Shiquandabutang with Hetaokun could protect liver of the mouse S180. SGPT (P > 0.05) was compared with the common ones and the result showed that the association of shiquandabutang with Hetaokun could make K value increase (P > 0.01). Through the scanning electron micrographs, association of two medicines was found to change liver cells little and expansion of rough Neizhiwang was not found. Compared with the control group, the immunity of the two tumor mouse groups taking the medicine mentioned above was promoted obviously.

CONCLUSION

The association of Shiquandabutang with Hetaokun can enhance the efficiency and decrease poison of them to body. With the promotion of immunity of the body, the efficiency is enhanced on the whole.

Antitumor effects of various low-molecular-weight chitosans are due to increased natural killer activity of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in sarcoma 180-bearing mice

Various low-molecular-weight chitosans such as the 21-kDa, 46-kDa, and 120-kDa chitosans obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of a high-molecular-weight chitosan (average molecular weight, 650 kDa) had low viscosity and were water soluble. We examined the antitumor activity of various water-soluble chitosans with different molecular weights in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. A 21-kDa water-soluble chitosan and oligochitosan (100 and 300 mg/kg body) administered by i.g. intubation reduced the tumor growth and final tumor weight in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. A 46-kDa water-soluble chitosan at a dose of 100 mg/kg body reduced the tumor growth and final tumor weight, but had no effect at 300 mg/kg. On the other hand, a 130-kDa water-soluble chitosan had no effect on tumor growth. The 21- and 46-kDa chitosans (10 mg/L) enhanced the natural killer (NK) activity in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) or splenic lymphocytes. The NK activity of low-molecular-weight chitosan (21- and 46-kDa chitosans)-treated IELs or splenic lymphocytes was stronger than that of high-molecular-weight chitosan (130- and 650-kDa chitosans)-treated IELs or splenic lymphocytes. In addition, low-molecular-weight chitosan-treated IELs or splenic lymphocytes also enhanced the cytotoxic activity against sarcoma 180 cells. In an in vivo study, although low-molecular-weight chitosan-treated IELs had cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, splenic lymphocytes treated with chitosans had no effect. These findings suggest that the antitumor activity of low-molecular-weight chitosans (12- and 46-kDa chitosans) and oligochitosan might be due in part to the enhancement of NK activity in IELs. Thus, the low-molecular-weight chitosans or oligochitosan might be useful in preventing tumor growth through the activation of intestinal immune functions.

Oral administration of Agaricus blazei (H1 strain) inhibited tumor growth in a sarcoma 180 inoculation model

Agaricus blazei (H1 strain) was tested for its anticancer activity using a sarcoma 180 (S180) inoculation model and the changing patterns of splenocyte subsets were examined. Its hot-water extract was administered orally to ICR and KSN nude mice that were inoculated with S180. The growth of S180 was significantly inhibited in A.blazei treated groups. Pan T cells significantly increased in all treated groups compared to controls, even in KSN nude mice. Splenocyte subset changes were slightly different between ICR and KSN nude mice. This S180 inoculation model proved to be effective in screening the antitumor effect of basidiomycetes and allowed comparisons of immunological cellular changes between the mouse strains.

Immunoprotection by botanical drugs in cancer chemotherapy

Most of the synthetic chemotherapeutic agents available today are immunosuppressants, cytotoxic, and exert variety of side effects that are particularly evident in cancer chemotherapy. Botanical based immunomodulators are often employed as supportive or adjuvant therapy to overcome the undesired effects of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and to restore normal health. Total extract, polar and non-polar extracts, and their formulations, prepared from medicinal plants mentioned in Ayurveda, namely, Withania somnifera (Linn Dunal) (Solanaceae), Tinospora cordifolia (Miers) (Menispermaceae), and Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) (Liliaceae), exhibited various immunopharmacological activities in cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated mouse ascitic sarcoma. Treatment of ascitic sarcoma-bearing mice with a formulation of total extracts of Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia (80:20) and alkaloid-free polar fraction of Withania somnifera resulted in protection towards CP-induced myelo- and immunoprotection as evident by significant increase in white cell counts and hemagglutinating and hemolytic antibody titers. Treatment with these candidate drugs will be important in development of supportive treatment with cancer chemotherapy.

[Influence of bondage stress on Th1/Th2 cytokines and growth of tumors in mice bearing S180 tumor cells]

AIM

To observe the influence of bondage stress on Th1/Th2 cytokines and growth of tumor in mice bearing S180 tumor cells.

METHODS

2 x 10(6) S180 tumor cells were injected subcutaneously into the murine right oxter,and bondage stress was imposed on mice for 8 hours per day,ten days running. Then T lymphocyte proliferation was detected by MTT colorimetry. IFN-gamma and IL-2 secreted by splenocytes was measured by mitogen-activating lymphoblast assay and macrophage NO production assay. At the same time, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in serum were detected by ELISA, and the weight of the tumors and thymuses were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with mice only injected with S180 tumor cells, tumor bearing mice suffered from bondage stress showed decreased T lymphocyte proliferation, thymus index, and levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2, but increased levels of IL-4 and IL-10(P<0.05), and tumor weight (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Bondage stress could aggravate the suppression of cellular immunity in mice bearing S180 tumor and promote the T cells to shift towards Th2 type cells, which may be one of the mechanisms of promoting tumor growth by bondage stress.

[The role of nitric oxide in the cytotoxic effect of macrophages]

AIM

To explore the role of nitric oxide (NO) in cytotoxicity of macrophages.

METHODS

20 mice of Kunming species were divided into two groups. One group were injected subcutaneously with rhabdosarcoma cells S180 and the other were normal controls. The macrophages in peritoneal lavage fluid of two groups of mice were co-cultured with tumor cells K562. L-arginine(L-Arg) or NG nitro L-arginine methyleste(L-NAME) was added to the culture medium, and the cytotoxicity of macrophages was measured.

RESULTS

Macrophages from tumor bearing mice had stronger cytotoxicity than those from normal mice. L-Arg increased and L-NAME decreased the cytotoxicity of macrophages from tumor bearing mice, but both had no effect on the cytotoxicity of macrophages from normal mice.

CONCLUSION

NO is an effector molecule in cytotoxicity of activated macrophages.

[Anti-tumor effect of polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa and its influence on immunological function]

When the polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa (PGF) was taken orally by S180 bearing mice at the dosage of 50-150 mg/kg.d for 9 d, the inhibitory rate to S180 was 27.97%-38.46%. The PGF can also enhance thymus index, the ability of splenic lymphocyte proliferation and formation of antibody in splenic cells, and promote the production of IgM hemolysin significantly in S-180 bearing mice.

[Study on antitumor effect and mechanism of aloe polysaccharides]

OBJECTIVE

To study the antitumor activity and mechanism of aloe polysaccharides (AP).

METHODS

AP was administered i.p. or i.v. to Sarcoma 180(S180) bearing mice or Hepatoma22(H22) bearing mice solely or combining with CTX, FU and ADM respectively. 10 days later, for S180 mice, the blood was analyzed, the tumor was peeled off and weighed, and the spleen index, thymus index was calculated. For H22 bearing mice, the survival rate was observed or the IL-2, TNF content in serum was tested.

RESULTS

25 mg/kg.d or 50 mg/kg.d AP group could evidently reduce the tumor weight of S180 bearing mice and prolong the survival time of H22 bearing mice. AP also could improve the antitumor effects of CTX, ADM, FU, and lessen the chemotherapy side-effects. Furthermore, AP could improve the level of IL-2, TNF in the serum of mice bearing S180 or H22.

CONCLUSION

AP has the effects of antitumor, enhancing the antitumor activity of chemotherapy drugs and lessening their side-effects. This effect was possibly derived from inducing IL-2 and TNF producing in body and improving the immunity activity.

[Effect of "yang wei kang liu" granula on expression of P53 and PCNA in mice bearing sarcoma 180]

OBJECTIVE

To study possible mechanism of "Yang Wei Kang Liu" (YWKL) granula in treating tumor.

METHODS

Mice bearing sarcoma180 and immunohisto-chemical method were adopted.

RESULTS

Both YWKL granula and its cooperated chemothrapy could restrain the expression of P53 and PCNA. Compared with the chemotherapy group and the cooperated chemotherapy, YWKL granula group was significantly different.

CONCLUSION

YWKL granula could restrain the expression of P53 and PCNA, and increase the effect together with chemotherapy.

Effects of moxa-cone moxibustion at Guanyuan on erythrocytic immunity and its regulative function in tumor-bearing mice

In the sarcoma S180 ascitic mice, the effects of moxa-cone moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) on erythrocytic immunity and its regulative function were investigated. The results indicated that moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) could significantly increase the decreased erythrocytic C3b receptor rosette forming rate (RBC-C3bRR), lower the raised erythrocytic immunocomplex rosette forming rate (RBC-ICR, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), increase the decreased activity of erythrocytic immuno-accelerative factor, and reduce the increased activity of erythrocytic immunosuppressive factor (P < 0.05) in the tumor-bearing mice. This suggests that moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) can strengthen erythrocytic immunity and promote its regulative function.

[Study on immunomodulating mechanism of the active fraction of liuwei dihuang decoction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immunomodulating mechanism of 3A, an active fraction extracted from the ethanol-soluble portion of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (LWDHD).

METHODS

Influence of 3A on T-lymphocyte subsets, IgG production of B cells, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) mRNA expression in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated mice, tumor bearing mice and senescence accelerated mouse-prone/8 (SAMP8) were assessed in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Oral administration of 3A could elevate the decreased T-lymphocyte subsets in all model mice, it also could promote the IgG secretion of splenic cells in SAMP8 and increase IFN-gamma mRNA expression in Cy-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

The immunomodulating effect of 3A is related with its effects in regulating ratio of T and B cells or in improving their functions.

[Immunological study on the antitumor effects of fungus polysaccharides compounds]

Fungus polysaccharides compounds (FPC) are the mixture of procyanidins oligomers, glycyrrhetinicacid and polysaccharides of hericium erinaceus, lentinus edodes and poria cocos. The antitumor effects of FPC and its immunity regulating effects as an immunostimulant on the mice burdened with sarcoma 180 (S-180) were studied. FPC (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW) was gavaged to mice for 31 days. S-180 was transplanted to these mice on the 21th day. Lentinus edodes group was gavaged 200 mg/kg BW saccharine of lentinus edodes. The results showed that FPC could inhibit the growth of S-180 effectively. The inhibitory rates were 37.74%, 44.73% and 48.32% respectively. The antineoplastic activity of FPC (200 mg/kg. BW) was more effective than polysaccharide of lentinus edodes at the same dose. In S-180 burdened mice, the percentage of L3T4 and the ratio of L3T4/Lyt-2, NK activity and the induced IL-2, IFN-gamma levels were decreased significantly compared with the normal control group. As an immunostimulant, FPC could increase the percentage of L3T4 and the ratio of L3T4/Lyt-2 in S-180 burdened mice, but had no significant effects on the percentage of Lyt-2. Polysaccharide of lentinus edodes alone could also increase the immunity competence of mice burdened with S-180, but was not better than that of FPC at the same dose. It could be concluded that the compound of antineoplastic component could be synergetic.

[Experimental study on antitumor activity of the root of Eurphorbia helioscopia in vivo]

Previous studies showed EWE could strongly inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in vivo. Experimental results also showed that EWE had antitumor effect in S180-bearing mice and H22-bearing mice and prolonged life-span in S180-bearing mice in this paper, Furthermore, it was found that EWE could improve the immune function of S180-bearing mice. Therefore EWE can be considered as a potent antitumor herb.

[Studies on 14 functional foods labelled with tumor inhibition effects]

Tumor inhibition effects of 14 functional foods were measured. Test items included sarcoma 180(S180) inhibiting test, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) inhibiting test, phagocyte phagocytosis test and NK cell activity test. The results showed dose-response tendencies in all indices. But the tumor inhibition rate and survival time were decreased in high dose groups and even lower than those of control group (P < 0.05) in some samples. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between tumor inhibition rate and survival time, phagocytic percentage and phagocytic index, phagocytic percentage and NK activity, phagocytic index and NK activity (P < 0.01). Tumor inhibition rate and phagocytic percentage appeared negative correlation (P < 0.05). It is suggested that the present methods should be modified. The new and better methods needed to be established. The judge criterion for functional food should be strictly enacted. More Studies needed to be repeated for some foods with significant tumor inhibition functions.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated tumor regression by the in vivo transfer of genes into the artery that leads to tumors

We report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha induced a strong antitumor immune reaction when it was produced in arteries leading to tumors by gene transfer in vivo. We used a mouse model carrying a sarcoma-180 tumor in the right footpad and injected the fusogenic liposomes encapsulating the human TNF-alpha gene into the right femoral artery. Under this condition, human TNF-alpha was detected only in the artery leading to the tumor and in the tumor. There was a significant regression in tumor growth when the TNF-alpha gene was delivered into the right femoral artery, with 4 of 11 mice completely cured. No regression was observed when the TNF-alpha gene was delivered into the left femoral artery or into the tumor or when the luciferase gene was administered. Tumor regression was inhibited by the injection of anti-TNF-alpha, anti-CD4, or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody, and CD8+ T cells accumulated in the tumors of TNF-alpha-treated mice. These results suggest that TNF-alpha expressed locally in the arteries leading to tumors efficiently suppresses tumor growth through reinforcement of an antitumor immune reaction. The significance of this phenomenon for cancer gene therapy was discussed.

[Study on pharmacological actions of pingxiaozhitong pill]

Pingxiaozhitong pill was administered ig. once daily for 7 successive days at dosages (4,2,2 g/kg). It was shown markelly suppressive effects on solid sarcoma 180 (S180) and Ehrlich aseites carcinoma (EAC) and synergism effect on cytoxan inhibiting S180 in mice. It had significant analgesic effect. 4,2 g/kg pingxiaozhitong pill enhanced effects on phagocysis of monocyte macrophage and value of hemagglutinin in serum in mice.

The effect of blockage of macrophage on tumor-suppressive activity of polyactin B

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the tumor-suppressive activity of polyactin B (PB) and the life-span of tumor bearing mice treated with PB and the anti-tumor mechanisms of PB by blockage of macrophage in vivo.

METHODS

Thirty-two S180 sarcoma-bearing (s.c.) BALB/c inbred mice were divided into 4 groups, i.e., control group (8 mice), PB group (8), Trypan blue (TrB) group (8) and PB + TrB group (8). Five days after PB injection (i.p.), the tumor size of the mice was measured, and the ratio of TNA to TTA in HE section of the tumor maximal area was calculated and the pathological features of the tumors were observed. Forty S180 sarcoma-bearing (i.p.) ICR mice, which were randomly divided into 4 groups as above, were used for observation of the life-span.

RESULTS

PB could strongly inhibit the growth of S180 sarcoma with the tumors regressing completely in 3 of 8 mice, prolong the life-span of mice bearing S180 sarcoma, increase the infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes in the periphery and inside of the tumors. In addition, there were more prominent hemorrhagic necrosis, neutrophil infiltration and microthrombi in small vessels around the necrotic areas in the tumors of PB treated group. The tumor-suppressive effect of PB disappeared after macrophage system blockage with TrB. In PB + TrB, TrB, control and PB groups, the size of tumors reduced, and the life-span of mice increased in successive order.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) PB is a strong activator of macrophage. (2) In vivo the tumor-suppressive effect of PB is initially mediated by PB activated macrophage system. Then other immunocompetent cells, e.g., T-cells, NK-cells, etc, activated directly and/or indirectly by PB, may play a very important role in tumor suppression. (3) PB-activated macrophages are more sensitive to TrB blockage. Therefore, using TrB + PB to block macrophage system is more effective than TrB alone. (4) Blockage of macrophage function might influence the life-span of the mice.

[The effects of jianpizengmian granule on tumor growth and immune function]

The effects of Jianpizengmian (JPZM) granule on tumor growth and immune function were researched in tumor-bearing mice. The results showed it had significant inhibiting activity against S180 and HePA by oral JPZM. The inhibitory rate of JPZM reached 46.25% and 45.57%. JPZM could markedly increase the index of spleen and thymus, the level of serum hemolysin and the spleen lymphocytes transformation in tumor-bearing mice, compared to control group (H2O) respectively.