Evaluation of cost effective diagnostic tools in characterisation of Acute Leukemia in Southern India

The incidence of Acute Leukemia (AL) subtypes varies according to geographical distribution and more predominant in developing countries. The aim here was to evaluate the usefulness of cost effective diagnostic tools in characterization of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in resource poor population. One hundred and two AL cases were diagnosed. For diagnosis, cytochemical analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed. Among the children < 12 years, ALL was 64.3% while AML accounted for 30%. In patients > 12 years, ALL was 59.4% and AML was 31.3%. The B-ALL occurred most frequently than T-ALL in both the age groups while based on immunophenotyping in AML, CD13 was the most commonly expressed antigen. Hence, cost effective diagnostic tools namely the immunophenotyping and cytochemistry are useful and improve accuracy and rapidly risk-stratify patients that were diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Protective role of Kalpaamruthaa in type II diabetes mellitus-induced cardiovascular disease through the modulation of protease-activated receptor-1

Background:

Kalpaamruthaa (KA) is a formulatory herbal preparation has beneficial antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties against cardiovascular damage (CVD).

Objective:

The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective role of KA in type II diabetes mellitus-induced CVD through the modulation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1).

Materials and Methods:

CVD was developed in 8 weeks after type II diabetes mellitus induction with high fat diet (2 weeks) and low dose of streptozotocin (2 × 35 mg/kg b.w. i.p. in 24 h interval). CVD-induced rats treated with KA (200 mg/kg b.w. in 0.5 ml of olive oil) orally for 4 weeks.

Results:

KA increased the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants in pancreas of CVD-induced rats. KA effectively reduced the lipid peroxides and carbonyl content in the pancreas of CVD-induced rats. KA reduced cellular damage by ameliorating the activities of marker enzymes in plasma, heart and liver. The protective nature of KA was further evidenced by histological observation in pancreas. Further, KA reduced CVD by decreasing the expression of PAR1 in heart.

Conclusion:

This study exhibits the defending role of KA in type II diabetes mellitus-induced CVD through altering PAR1.

Kalpaamruthaa modulates oxidative stress in cardiovascular complication associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus through PKC-β/Akt signaling

This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of Kalpaamruthaa (KA) on cardiovascular damage (CVD) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in experimental rats by reducing oxidative stress and the modulation of the protein kinase C-β (PKC-β)/Akt signaling pathway. CVD-induced rats were treated with KA (200 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·(day)(-1)) orally for 4 weeks. KA effectively reduced insulin resistance with alterations in blood glucose, hemoglobin, and glycosylated hemoglobin in CVD-induced rats. Elevated levels of lipids in CVD-induced rats were decreased upon KA administration. In CVD-induced rats the levels of lipoproteins were returned to normal by KA treatment. KA effectively reduced the lipid peroxidative product and protein carbonyl content in liver of CVD-induced rats. KA increased the activities and (or) levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in liver of CVD-induced rats. KA treatment reduced the fatty inclusion and mast cell infiltration in liver of CVD-induced rats. Further, treatment with KA reduced the chromatin condensation and marginization in myocardium of CVD-induced rats. KA alters insulin signaling by decreasing PKC-β and increasing p-Akt and GLUT4 expressions in heart of CVD-induced rats. The above findings suggest that KA renders protection against CVD induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus by augmenting the cellular antioxidant defense capacity and modulating PKC-β and the p-Akt signaling pathway.

Kalpaamruthaa ameliorates myocardial and aortic damage in cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Myocardial and aortic damage in cardiovascular complications (CVD) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the protective efficacy of Kalpaamruthaa (KA) are evaluated in this study. CVD developed in 8 weeks after type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by the administration of a high-fat diet for 2 weeks, and then with streptozotocin (2 × 35 mg·(kg body mass)(-1), by intraperitonal injection, at 24 h intervals) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. CVD-induced rats were treated with KA at 200 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)·(day)(-1) orally for 28 days. Increased oxidative stress in CVD-induced rats lowers antioxidant defense in the aorta. Treatment with KA reduced oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant status with decreased lipid peroxides in CVD-induced rats. Histological examination of the myocardium and aorta provided support for the cytoprotective effect of KA in CVD. Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium of CVD-induced rats were improved by KA treatment. Aortic damage was observed through decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increased NADPH oxidase mRNA expressions in CVD-induced rats. KA reduced the aortic damage by ameliorating these levels back to normal. KA treatment reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6 in CVD-induced rats. Immunohistochemical expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were observed to be elevated in the myocardium of CVD-induced rats, but these were decreased by the administration of KA. This study demonstrates the cardiovascular protective effect of KA in type 2 diabetes.

Modulation of oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial protective effect of Semecarpus anacardium in diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative and nitrosative stress play an important role in the complications of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are produced when there is an electron leak in the mito-chondria and a change in the mitochondrial membrane potential. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of Semecarpus anacardium in protecting the mito-chondria by modulating the production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight and, starting 3 days after the induction, Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract was administered for 21 days. The same duration of study was used for control, diabetes-induced and drug control groups, together with a group treated with metformin. After the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and the levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitrate and nitrite were estimated. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium were also determined. Confocal laser microscopic images were taken for mitochondria isolated from the liver and kidneys.

KEY FINDINGS

The results of the study revealed that Semecarpus anacardium was able to decrease the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and reverse the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and the influx of calcium into the mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONS

The mitochondrial protective effect may be mediated by scavenging of free radicals and complexing of metal ions by virtue of the antioxidative effect of Semecarpus anacardium.

Therapeutic effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on carbohydrate metabolizing and mitochondrial TCA cycle and respiratory chain enzymes in mammary carcinoma rats

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. of the family Anacardiaceae has many applications in the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine. We have evaluated the effect of S. anacardium nut milk extract on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and respiratory enzymes in liver and kidney mitochondria of dimethyl benzanthracene-induced mammary carcinoma in Sprague–Dawley rats. Mammary carcinoma-bearing rats showed a significant rise in glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase and aldolase) and a simultaneous fall in gluconeogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-diphosphatase). The activities of mitochondrial enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH-dehydrogenase and cytochrome C oxidase were significantly lowered in mammary carcinoma-bearing rats when compared with control rats. S. anacardium nut extract administration to tumour-induced animals significantly lowered the glycolytic enzyme activities (hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase and aldolase) and there was a rise in gluconeogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-diphosphatase), which indicated an antitumour and anticancer effect. Comparison of normal control rats and rats administered S. anacardium only as drug control animals showed no significant variations in enzyme activities. S. anacardium nut extract administration to dimethyl benzanthracene-tumour-induced animals significantly increased the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, thereby suggesting its role in mitochondrial energy production.

Cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium against toxicity induced by Streptozotocin in rats

Leakage of cellular enzymes into the plasma is a clear indication of cell damage. When liver plasma membrane is damaged, a variety of enzymes normally located in the cytosol are released into the blood stream and their estimation is a quantitative marker for the extent of damage. The cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium was evaluated in rats that were rendered diabetic by administration of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The activities of the marker enzymes were assayed in the serum, liver and kidney. The indicators of renal damage such as urea, uric acid and creatinine were assayed in addition to the blood profile. The results of the present study reveal that Semecarpus anacardium was able to reverse the levels of the marker enzymes, and protect the kidney by reverting back to the normal levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. The abnormal blood parameters were also reverted to near normal levels indicating the drug’s cytoprotective effect.

Protective effect of Kalpaamruthaa in combating the oxidative stress posed by aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma with special reference to flavonoid structure-activity relationship

AIMS/BACKGROUND

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin. It has been postulated to play a major role in the aetiology of primary human liver cancer. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the main manifestations of oxidative damage and has been found to play an important role in the toxicity and carcinogenesis of many carcinogens. The present investigation aimed at assessing the effect of Kalpaamruthaa (KA), a modified Siddha preparation, on AFB1-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The drug was administered orally (300 mg/kg body weight/day) for 28 days to HCC-bearing rats. The level of lipid peroxides, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and glutathione-metabolizing enzyme activity were determined in the plasma, haemolysate and liver homogenate of control and experimental rats.

RESULTS

Rats subjected to AFB1showed a decline in the thiol capacity of the cell, accompanied by high malondialdehyde levels along with lowered activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant and glutathione-metabolizing enzyme levels. KA treatment restored the deranged LPO and enzyme activities almost to control levels, thereby suggesting hepatoprotection.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the beneficial effect of KA in reversing the damage posed by AFB1 and thereby bringing about an improvement in the antioxidant status to combat the oxidative stress.

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract on ECM and proteases in mammary carcinoma rats

The early stages of invasion are characterized by the extracellular proteolysis and the accumulation of specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, that are responsible for the development of vascular bed, endothelial cell proliferation and invasion of tumour cells. The ground substance of provisional matrix consists of collagen, elastin, glycoaminoglycans and proteoglycans that facilitate the interaction of tumour cells with the host environment. In the present work, we have studied the influence of Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract on localized differentials of ECM component and proteases involved in matrix metabolism of tumour tissue. Mammary carcinoma was induced in Sprague Dawley rats with 7,12, dimethyl benz(a)anthracene and treated with S. anacardium nut milk extract administered orally for 14 days. The altered amount of ECM components in tumour tissues was almost reverted back to normal level in the drug treated animals. The activities of reported proteases and glycohydrolases were also decreased on treatment with S. anacardium nut milk extract indicating decreased turnover of the matrix. Also, the factors associated with the matrix turnover and expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were restored back to near normal values. The stabilization of the ECM with the decreased activity of proteases might inhibit the epithelial-endothelial interaction and tumour cell migration thus, preventing the adjacent invasion and tumour growth and might be regarded as antineoplastic agent which demands further studies.

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract on mammary and hepatic expression of xenobiotic enzymes in DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma

Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Environmental risk factors particularly genotoxic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are likely to account for a much higher mortality. Xenobiotic metabolising enzymes in breast tissue are potentially important determinants in both the susceptibility to the mutagenic effects of chemical carcinogens and in the response of breast tumors to chemotherapy. The well known carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthrazene of PAH family was given (25mg/ml) orally by gastric intubation to induce mammary carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley rats. Increased level of cytochromes (P(450), B(5)), EROD, PROD activities, Phase I biotransformation enzymes (NADPH-cytochrome (P(450)) reductase, NADPH-cytochrome (b(5)) reductase, epoxide hydrolase) and expression of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 in liver and breast tissue microsome were documented in DMBA treated group. Phase II enzyme activities (glutathione-S-transferase, gluthatione peroxidase, gluatathione reductase, UDP-glucuronyl transferease) were decreased markedly in cancerous rats. The nut extract of Semecarpus anacardium was administered orally (200mg/kg body wt/day) to the mammary carcinoma rats for 14 days. Drug treatment restored back the altered Phase I and II biotransformation enzymes thus achieving complete detoxification of the carcinogen. These findings suggest that S. anacardium can effectively modulate the catabolism of xenobiotics in rats.

Effect ofSemecarpus anacardiumLinn. Nut Milk Extract on Glutathione and Its Associated Enzymes in Experimentally Induced Mammary Carcinoma

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous thiol-containing tripeptide that plays a key role in the etiology of many diseases and, in particular, cancer. GSH, the foremost internal protective system, participates directly in the destruction of free radical compounds and detoxification of carcinogens. The effect of Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract was studied for gaining insight into the disease relationship to GSH and its metabolizing enzymes. Mammary carcinoma was induced by giving 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) (25 mg/mL of olive oil) perorally by gastric intubation, and nut milk extract of S. anacardium was administered orally (200 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 14 days to mammary carcinoma-bearing rats. The levels of GSH and its metabolizing enzyme activities were determined in liver and kidney homogenates. Significant decreases in GSH, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and a concomitant increase in oxidized glutathione, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were observed in DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in rats, while drug treatment reversed the conditions to near normal levels. There was a marked increase in GSH level and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity in drug control rats. These findings suggest that S. anacardium can exert its protective effect in maintaining the glutathione redox status by restoring the associated enzymes against oxidative stress in experimental mammary carcinoma.

Effect of gallium nitrate on tamoxifen induced hypercalcemia in rats bearing mammary tumor

AIM

To study the effect of gallium nitrate in the treatment of flare hypercalcemia in rats, bearing mammary tumor with bone metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were used in the study. Animals were divided into 5 groups: normal control; hypercalcemic rats bearing DMBA-induced mammary tumors; flare hypercalcemic animals bearing DMBA-induced mammary tumors (hypercalcemic rats, treated with tamoxifen at the dose of 10 mg/kg); flare hypercalcemic rat bearing DMBA-induced mammary tumors, treated with gallium nitrate at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg; control rats, treated with gallium nitrate at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Eligibility criteria - serum calcium levels were 11.0 mg% or above. Biochemical parameters were measured, using standard methods. Urinary excretion of calcium, creatinine ratio, urinary bone marker were also evaluated by using standard method.

RESULTS

All flare hypercalcemic rats were treated with gallium nitrate and developed normocalcemia. Biochemical parameters were measured in hypercalcemic and flare hypercalcemic animals. Calcium level in blood serum, alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in flare hypercalcemia than in hypercalcemic rats. Urinary pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline and hydroxyproline were also elevated in flare hypercalcemic rats. In contrast, intact parathyroid hormone and albumin levels were lowered in flare as well as hypercalcemic groups when compared with normal control groups. After gallium nitrate treatment all the above parameters returned to normal level.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of gallium nitrate in vivo is highly effective in treatment of flare hypercalcemia.

Therapeutic potential of riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in secondary endometrial carcinoma bearing rats

Curative potential of riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid against tamoxifen mediated endometrial carcinoma was established by studies on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The enzymes investigated were glycolytic enzymes namely, hexokinase; aldolase; phosphoglucoisomerase and the gluconeogenic enzymes namely, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1, 6-biphosphatase in endometrial carcinoma bearing rats. A significant increase in glycolytic enzymes and a subsequent decrease in gluconeogenic enzymes were observed in plasma, liver and kidney of endometrial carcinoma animals. The administration of riboflavin (45 mg/kg bw/day), niacin (100 mg/kg bw/day) and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg bw/day) along with tamoxifen (45 mg/kg bw/day) caused a significant decrease in the activity of glycolytic enzymes and a significant increase in the activities of gluconeogenic enzymes to near normal levels in experimental animals. Our results suggest that riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid have potential combination therapy against tamoxifen mediated secondary endometrial carcinoma in experimental rats. However, there were no deleterious side effects observed in combinants alone treated animals.

Effect ofSemecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on rat neutrophil functions in adjuvant arthritis

Neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and various inflammatory conditions, by accumulation and liberation of active proteolytic enzymes. The effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nuts (SA) at a dosage of 150 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) for 14 days on adjuvant arthritis was studied to gain some insight into this intriguing disease in relation to neutrophil functions. The decreased phagocytic function of neutrophils (phagocytic index and avidity index) found in adjuvant arthritis was significantly increased by the administration of the drug SA. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, H2O2 and myeloperoxidase), lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase and cathepsin D) and increased accumulation of neutrophils in the joints observed in adjuvant arthritic animals were reverted back to near normal levels by treatment with SA. The results of this study indicate that SA can be considered to be a good therapeutic agent for inflammation and arthritis.

Tamoxifen flare hypercalcemia: an additional support for gallium nitrate usage

In 12 of 93 hypercalcemic patients with metastatic advanced breast cancer treated with tamoxifen the most common life-threatening metabolic complication of flare hypercalcemia developed. All the hypercalcemic patients had osteolytic or mixed lytic and blastic bone metastases. In patients with advanced breast cancer, hypercalcemia develops within the first few weeks of initiation of tamoxifen therapy. In our study group, calcium levels were measured frequently in both serum and urine samples by a semi-autoanalyzer and an autoanalyzer, using standard methods. Elevation of calcium levels was noticed in the tamoxifen-receiving hypercalcemic breast cancer patients, and levels returned to normal when tamoxifen was withdrawn. The median duration of flare hypercalcemia was 9 days (range, 4-16 days). The median calcium value was 13.6 mg/dl (range, 11.7-15.8). The diagnosis of tamoxifen flare hypercalcemia was based on the normal pretreatment serum or urine calcium values and the occurrence of hypercalcemia within the first few weeks of tamoxifen initiation. There are no specific treatment recommendations for hormone flare hypercalcemia, except for tamoxifen withdrawal, which is usually temporary, and the introduction of a low dose of an antihypercalcemic drug. We evaluated the effect of such a drug, gallium nitrate, on flare hypercalcemia. All the patients were treated with hydration, and 6 patients, whose calcium level was above 13.6 mg/dl, were treated with a moderate dose of gallium nitrate (200 mg/m(2) per kg) for 5 consecutive days, they achieved normocalcemia and continued with tamoxifen. The median time from hormonal drug initiation to flare hypercalcemia was 17.5 days, and median duration was 9 days. The above result indicates that the serious metabolic complication of hypercalcemia develops due to the iatrogenic effect of tamoxifen, but it can be controlled with an antihypercalcemic drug, gallium nitrate, while continuing tamoxifen therapy. It seems that the use of gallium nitrate in the treatment of flare hypercalcemia could allow safe readministration of tamoxifen and prevent premature tamoxifen discontinuance or withdrawal.

Energy-modulating vitamins--a new combinatorial therapy prevents cancer cachexia in rat mammary carcinoma

Mitochondria are the major intracellular organelles producing ATP molecules via the electron transport chain. Cancer cells have a deviant energy metabolism, and a high rate of glycolysis is related to a high degree of dedifferentiation and proliferation. The overall net ATP production is diminished with cancer, which ultimately leads to cancer cachexia. The present study was designed to investigate the altered energy metabolism in cancer cells and to enhance ATP production in the normal host cell metabolism by enhancing the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, using energy-modulating vitamins, and thus prevent cancer cachexia. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for the experimental study. Mammary carcinoma was induced by the oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (25 mg/kg body weight), and treatment was started by the oral administration of the energy-modulating vitamins riboflavin (45 mg/kg body weight per d), niacin (100 mg/kg body weight per d) and coenzyme Q10 (40 mg/kg body weight per d) for 28 d. Mitochondria were isolated from the mammary gland and liver of all four groups, and the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were assayed. In mammary carcinoma-bearing animals, the activities of the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were significantly decreased. These activities were restored to a greater extent in animals treated with energy-modulating vitamins. From these experimental results, one may hypothesize that the combination therapy of energy-modulating vitamins could be of major therapeutic value in breast cancer.

Combined efficacy of tamoxifen and coenzyme Q10 on the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in DMBA induced breast cancer

An increasing amount of experimental and epidemiological evidence implicates the involvement of oxygen derived radicals in the pathogenesis of cancer development. It is well known that chemical carcinogenesis is multistage process. Free radicals arefound to be involved in both initiation and promotion of multistage carcinogenesis. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a potent antioxidant and a non-steroidal antiestrogen drug most used in the chemotherapy and chemoprevention of breast cancer. Besides its anticarcinogenic potential, it also produces some adverse toxic side effects, while taken for a long time. In order to minimise the side effects and to improve the antioxidant efficacy of tamoxifen, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was added. Hence the present study was designed to investigate the combined efficacy of TAM along with CoQ10 in 7, 12 dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced peroxidative damage in rat mammary carcinoma. The experimental setup comprised of one control and five experimental groups and it was carried out in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Mammary carcinoma was induced by oral administration of DMBA (25 mg kg(-1) body wt) and the treatment was started by the oral administration of TAM (10 mg kg(-1) body wt day(-1)) and CoQ10 (40 mg kg(-1) body wt day(-1)) dissolved in olive oil and continued for 28 days. Rats induced with DMBA showed a decline in the thiol capacity of the cell accompanied by high malondialdehyde content levels along with lowered activities of antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione). In contrast, glutathione metabolising enzymes (glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase) were increased significantly in chemically induced carcinoma bearing rats. Administration of TAM along with CoQ10 restored the activities to a significant level thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. This study highlights the increased antioxidant enzyme activities in relation to the susceptibility of cells to carcinogenic agents and the response of tumour cells to the chemotherapeutic agents.

Therapeutic effect of tamoxifen and energy-modulating vitamins on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer cells have an abnormal energetic metabolism. One of the earliest discovered hallmarks of cancer had its roots in bioenergetics, as many tumours were found in the 1920s to exhibit a high glycolytic phenotype. An animal with cancer shows significant and progressive energy loss from the host (i.e. noncancerous) tissues, which could occur by the establishment of a systemic energy-depriving cycle involving the interaction of tumour glycolysis and host gluconeogenesis. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a nonsteroidal antioestrogen that is widely used in adjuvant therapy for all stages of breast carcinoma. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of TAM and to expand its usage in the treatment of breast cancer, it is necessary to establish an energy-enhancing programme. In order to provide sufficient energy and to prevent cancer cachexia, TAM can be supplemented with energy-modulating vitamins (EMV). In this investigation the augmentation of the efficacy of TAM by the effects of EMV supplementation on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, the mitochondrial Krebs cycle and respiratory enzymes was evaluated in the mammary gland of carcinoma-bearing rats.

METHODS

Female albino Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for the investigation. The experimental set-up included one control and four experimental groups. Mammary carcinoma was induced with 7,12- dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (25 mg), and TAM was administered orally (10 mg/kg body weight per day) along with EMV which comprised riboflavin (45 mg/kg per day), niacin (100 mg/kg per day) and coenzyme Q(10) (40 mg/kg per day).

RESULTS

Measurements were made on tumour tissue and surrounding normal tissue in all experimental groups. Tumour tissue showed significant (P<0.05) increases in the glycolytic enzymes hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase and aldolase, and significant decreases in the gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase. In contrast, the surrounding tissue showed significant decreases in glycolytic enzymes and significant increases in gluconeogenic enzymes. The activities of the mitochondrial Krebs cycle enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, and respiratory chain enzymes NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase were significantly reduced in both tumour and surrounding tissue of the mammary carcinoma-bearing rats. These biochemical disturbances were effectively counteracted by supplementation with EMV, which restored the activities of all these enzyme to their respective control levels.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy of TAM with EMV not only alters carbohydrate metabolism but can also prevent body weight loss by enhancing the host energy metabolism.

Augmented efficacy of tamoxifen in rat breast tumorigenesis when gavaged along with riboflavin, niacin, and CoQ10: Effects on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in mitochondria

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in causing mitochondrial changes linked to cancer and metastasis. Uptake of antioxidants by tissue to reduce the ROS production could be instrumental in controlling cancer. Tamoxifen (TAM), a nonsteroidal anti-estrogen drug most used in the chemotherapy and chemoprevention of breast cancer. Riboflavin, niacin and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are proved to be potent antioxidants and protective agents against many diseases including cancer. The objective of this research is to determine the therapeutic efficacy of combinatorial therapy on mammary carcinoma bearing rats in terms of the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status especially MnSOD. Female albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were selected for the investigation. Mammary carcinoma was induced with 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA: 25 mg), and the treatment was started by the oral administration of TAM (10 mg/kg body weight/day) along with riboflavin (45 mg/kg body weight/day), niacin (100 mg/kg body weight/day) and CoQ10 (40 mg/kg body weight/day) for 28 days. The levels of lipid peroxides, activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were measured in the mitochondria isolated from the mammary gland and liver of control and experimental rats. Rats treated with DMBA showed an increase in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (mammary gland 52.3%; liver 25.1%) accompanied by high malondialdehyde levels along with lowered activities of mitochondrial enzymic antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (mammary gland 19.9%; liver 24.8%), catalase (mammary gland 50%; liver 19.7%), glutathione peroxidase (mammary gland 47.8%; liver 31.1%)] and non-enzymic antioxidants [reduced glutathione (mammary gland 14.3%; liver 13.3%), Vitamin C (mammary gland 6.49%; liver 21.4%) and E (mammary gland 20.3%; liver 22.2%)]. Administration of combinatorial therapy restored lipid peroxide level and the activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants to near normalcy. In addition, antitumour activity was also found to be enhanced which is evident from the increased expression of tumour suppressor gene MnSOD thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. These results suggested that TAM treatment is the most effective during co-administration of riboflavin, niacin and CoQ10 in terms of mitochondrial antioxidant and antitumour activity.

Potency of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: reflection on microsomal biotransformation enzymes

The effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on host detoxification system in aflatoxin B(1) induced hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a vital mechanism in cancer treatment, was studied in male albino rats. Oral administration of nut extract (200 mg kg(-1)body weight per day for 14 days) is found to be highly effective in inducing phase I and phase II biotransformation enzymes. The obtained results have shown an overall decrease of liver microsomal cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and aniline hydroxylase with a subsequent decrease of phase II enzymes, glutathione-S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase in cancer-bearing animals. The Semecarpus anacardium nut extract affords anticancer activity by enhancing both phase I and phase II enzymes to near normal levels. We propose that, much of the anticarcinogenic potency of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract on aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is mediated through the induction of hepatic biotransformation enzymes.

Stabilization of lysosomal membrane and cell membrane glycoprotein profile by Semecarpus anacardium linn. nut milk extract in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 14 days exerted an in vivo stabilizing effect on lysosomal membrane and glycoprotein content in rat hepatocellular carcinoma. This was demonstrated in normal rats and in animals whose biomembranes were rendered fragile by induction of hepatocellular carcinoma with aflatoxin B(1) and subsequent treatment with Semecarpus anacardium nut extract. In this condition, the discharge of lysosomal enzymes increased significantly with a subsequent increase in glycoprotein components. The nut extract administration reversed these adverse changes to near normal in treated animals. The possible reason for this reversal is discussed. Such stabilization of biomembranes by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers involving abnormal fragility of lysosomes and glycoprotein content providing the extract demonstrates safety in a full toxicity study.

Salubrious effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on tamoxifen-treated women in breast cancer with reference to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels

Tamoxifen, a non-steroidal antiestrogen, has been used in the hormonal treatment for breast cancer. The hepatic estrogenic effect of tamoxifen causes severe triglyceridemia. The combined effect of tamoxifen, vitamin C and vitamin E on plasma lipid and lipoprotein is important, since, vitamin C and vitamin E encumbered the lipid abnormalities instigated by tamoxifen. Therefore supplementation of vitamin C (Celin 500 mg) and vitamin E (Evion 400 mg) for 90 days along with tamoxifen (10 mg twice a day) to postmenopausal breast cancer patients was ventured. In tamoxifen-treated patients, total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), phospholipids (PL), free fatty acids (FFA), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels were decreased and the triglycerides (TG), ester cholesterol (EC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) levels were increased. Combination therapy reduce all the cholesterol level and VLDL, LDL. TG levels were significantly decreased and HDL, EC levels were significantly increased. These results suggested that tamoxifen treatment is the most effective during co-administration of vitamin C and vitamin E in that they reduce the tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia.

Toxic studies on biochemical parameters carried out in rats with Serankottai nei, a siddha drug-milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nut

A toxicological study was carried out in rats with a Siddha preparation, milk extracts of Semecarpus anacardium nuts. The effect of acute (72 h) and subacute (30 days) treatment of the drug with different dosage on liver and kidney functions and hematological parameters were studied. The acute toxicity studies with this drug did not produce mortality at any dose level given (75-2000 mg/kg body weight). No marked adverse alterations were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters during the subacute toxicity studies (50, 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight). In the subacute treatment, the highest dose (500 mg/kg body weight) alone showed a moderate increase in the level of blood glucose, plasma urea, uric acid, and creatinine. In addition, alteration in lipid profiles were observed which may be attributed to the ghee preparation of the drug. Decrease in urinary urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were also observed. Histopathological examination of vital organs showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological disturbances.

Modulating role of Semecarpus anacardium L. nut milk extract on aflatoxin B(1) biotransformation

As part of a substantial effort to curtail the adverse health effects posed by aflatoxin B(1), studies have been conducted to elucidate the possible mechanism for the anticarcinogenic action of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Rats are monitored for levels of urinary, serum and liver biomarkers, namely, unmetabolised aflatoxin B(1), and its metabolites aflatoxin M(1), and aflatoxin Q(1), over the course of 2 weeks with nut extract therapy following a single-exposure to aflatoxin B(1). Due to the administration of nut extract, the excretion of unmetabolised aflatoxin B(1) was increased in day 1 urine when compared with rats without drug treatment. In serum and liver which were collected on day 16 and the rest of periodical urine samples showed aflatoxin B(1) and its metabolites in undetectable levels. The nut extract administration induced cytochrome P(450), glutathione, and glutathione-S-transferase levels in liver homogenates of aflatoxin B(1)-treated rats. These data seem to indicate that anticarcinogenic action by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract is possibly via suppression of aflatoxin B(1)activation and through interaction with microsomal-activating components. Previous evidence from this laboratory about the potency of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma together with the present results suggest that extremely effective therapeutic protection can be achieved by this drug against aflatoxin B(1)-mediated ill effects.

Semecarpus anacardium L. nut extract administration induces the in vivo antioxidant defence system in aflatoxin B1 mediated hepatocellular carcinoma

The antioxidant defence system which plays a critical role in carcinogenesis is severely altered in aflatoxin B1 induced hepatocellular carcinoma conditions. In order to assess the antitumour activity of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract, a flavonoid containing drug, non-enzymic antioxidant levels were analysed in control and experimental animals. Plasma was analysed for uric acid, vitamin E and vitamin C. Glutathione, total thiols, non-protein thiols, vitamin E, vitamin C and cytochrome P450 were estimated in liver and kidney homogenates. Depletion of all these antioxidants were recorded in cancer conditions. These deleterious effects are controlled by the administration of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract. Following drug administration, there was a marked increase in antioxidant levels and a dramatic elevation in cytochrome P450 content. It can be concluded that the observed anticancer property of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract may also be explained by its strong antioxidant capacity and capability to induce the in vivo antioxidant system.

Anticancer potency of the milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nuts against aflatoxin B1 mediated hepatocellular carcinoma bearing Wistar rats with reference to tumour marker enzymes

Aflatoxin B1 is an important consideration in the aetiology of human and animal hepatocellular carcinoma. The influence of the drug, Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract, on hepatocarcinogenicity of aflatoxin B1 was evaluated in adult albino male Wistar rats. Aflatoxin B1 was administered intraperitoneally to induce hepatocellular carcinoma. These cancer bearing animals were treated with Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) in sunflower oil orally for 14 days. The plasma and the liver tumour tissue were investigated biochemically for lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. The elevation of plasma concentration of these enzymes were indicative of the persistent deteriorating effect of aflatoxin B1 in cancer bearing animals. Lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases levels were decreased in liver, whereas alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were increased in cancer conditions. These enzyme levels were reversed to near normal control values in drug treated animals. The analysis of marker enzyme activities clearly indicates the antitumour efficacy of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract on aflatoxin B1 induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

The salubrious effect of tamoxifen [correction of Tamaxifen] on serum marker enzymes, glycoproteins, and lysosomal enzymes level in breast cancer woman

Tumour markers correlate strongly with prognosis based on tumour burden and surgical resectability. If chemotherapy is extremely effective in certain stage of the disease, the sensitive marker may be of great use in monitoring disease response and drug treatment. Hence, this study was launched to evaluate the changes in tumour marker enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase in before and after 3 and 6 months tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients. In addition, the changes in serum glycoproteins viz., hexose, hexosamine, and sialic acid and lysosomal enzymes such as N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-D-galactosidase, and beta-D-glucuronidase were analysed in these patients. These values were compared with their age matched healthy control subjects. At 6 months evaluation, the tamoxifen treated postmenopausal breast cancer women showed a statistically significant decreased (p < 0.001, 0.05 respectively) levels of LDH, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline and acid phosphatases than their baseline values. Similarly, the levels of hexose, hexosamine, and sialic acid and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-D-galactosidase, and beta-D-glucuronidase were decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in tamoxifen received postmenopausal women. The result of this study suggested that tamoxifen potentially retard the metastasis of breast cancer as well as the bone demineralisation in postmenopausal breast cancer women. Thus, tamoxifen may also have its antitumour activity through its beneficial effects on tumour marker enzymes and serum proteins in breast cancer women.

The salubrious effects of ascorbic acid on cyclophosphamide instigated lipid abnormalities in fibrosarcoma bearing rats

The combined effect of cyclophosphamide and ascorbic acid on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles are important since, ascorbic acid encumbered the lipid abnormalities initiated by cyclophosphamide during cancer chemotherapy. Hence, the study was launched to appraise the salutary role of ascorbic acid in cyclophosphamide administered fibrosarcoma bearing rats. Fibrosarcoma cell line induced rats were treated with cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg body weight) and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg body weight) individually and in combination for 28 days. The concentration of plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles were determined in control and experimental animals. The untreated, as well as cyclophosphamide administered fibrosarcoma bearing rats, divulged significantly increased levels of plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, VLDL- and LDL-cholesterol, as compared with their respective control animals. In contrast, ester and HDL-cholesterol levels exhibited a marked decrease in these animals. Similar observations were also noticed in liver lipid values, as well. However, these lipid abnormalities were corrected by the co-administration of ascorbic acid. These results suggested, that some clinical entanglement of cyclophosphamide was refrained by co-administration of ascorbic acid in tumor stress condition.

Salubrious effect of Semecarpus anacardium against lipid peroxidative changes in adjuvant arthritis studied in rats

Oxygen derived free radicals are known to play an important role in the etiology of tissue injury in rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nuts at the dose level of 150 mg/kg body weight for 14 days on adjuvant arthritis was studied for gaining insight into the intrigue disease in relation to the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence system. Increased lipid peroxides' levels in both plasma and tissues (liver, kidney and heart) of adjuvant arthritis was significantly decreased by the administration of the drug. The antioxidant defence system studied in tissues of arthritic animals were altered significantly as evidenced by the decreased level of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, vitamin E, vitamin C, NPSH and TSH) and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and GPx except SOD). Administration of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract brings back the altered antioxidant defence components to near normal levels. These observations suggest that the diseased state of adjuvant arthritis may be associated with augmented lipid peroxidation and the administration of the drug may exert its antiarthritic effect by retarding lipid peroxidation and causing a modulation in cellular antioxidant defence system.

Modulating effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract on glucose metabolizing enzymes in aflatoxin B1-induced experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

The herbal remedy extended by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against Aflatoxin B1 mediated hepatocellular carcinoma was established by studies on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. Since some definite correlation exists between tumour progression and the activities of glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes, assessment of alterations in their activity can be used as successful markers of diagnosis and prognosis. The present work compares the activities of glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes in hepatocellular carcinoma bearing rats with drug-treated animals. An overall increase in glycolytic enzymes namely hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, and aldolase with a subsequent reduction in gluconeogenic enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase was observed in plasma and liver homogenates of hepatocellular carcinoma bearing rats. The administration of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract caused a significant decrease in the activity of glycolytic enzymes and an increase in gluconeogenic enzymes' activities to near normal values in drug-treated animals.

Effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nuts on glycohydrolases and lysosomal stability in adjuvant arthritis in rats

Lysosomal acid hydrolases are thought to play an important role in inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A Siddha preparation of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract called Serankottai Nei was tested for its capacity to stabilize lysosomes obtained from liver and kidney of adjuvant-induced arthritic animals. Lysosomal membrane stability was measured by determining the release of acid hydrolases from the lysosomes. The drug was administered at a dose level of 150 mg/kg body weight for 14 days to arthritic animals after the adjuvant injection. The total and free activity of lysosomal enzymes were significantly increased in arthritic rats with concomitant increase in plasma levels of protein-bound carbohydrates. Significantly increased lysosomal membrane fragility as observed in arthritic condition was reduced in drug-treated animals. Antiarthritic activity of the drug through its stabilizing action on lysosomal membranes could be inferred from this study.

Effect of tamoxifen on lipids and lipid metabolising marker enzymes in experimental atherosclerosis in Wistar rats

Tamoxifen, a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen, is used in the treatment of breast cancer, both receptor positive and negative tumours. It also possesses weak oestrogenic activity which forms the basis of this study. Tamoxifen (2 different dosages) was administered through diet (10 mg/kg diet and 20 mg/kg diet) to experimental atherosclerosis induced female rats to assess the effect of tamoxifen on plasma lipid levels, lipoprotein cholesterol level and on the activity of lipid metabolising enzymes. The plasma total lipid level was increased in atherosclerosis suffering animals compared to control animals with concomitant changes in the activity of lipid metabolising enzymes. HDL-cholesterol was decreased while LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were increased in the atherosclerosis induced group. Cholesterol and free cholesterol were decreased in tamoxifen treated groups while the other lipids show a moderate increase. HDL-cholesterol was increased but LDL-cholesterol was decreased in the tamoxifen treated groups. The higher dosage tamoxifen given group animals show significantly favourable results from therapy stand point when compared to diseased group.

Effect of the milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium nut on adjuvant arthritis--a dose-dependent study in Wistar albino rats

1. Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is used as a pathologic model for chronic inflammatory disease to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic agents. 2. In the present work, attempts have been made to study the potency of a milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium (Serankottai Nei), a Siddha preparation from Semecarpus anacardium nut, which has been shown to have antiarthritic effects. 3. Experimental arthritis induces a significant modification in lysosomal enzyme release and total carbohydrate components of glycoprotein. 4. Milk extract was administered at the dose level of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg body weight in olive oil orally (volume 0.5 ml) after 14 days from the day of adjuvant injection. 5. After administration of the extract the lysosomal enzyme activity and protein-bound carbohydrate component levels were significantly normalized. 6. The data obtained clearly indicate that the Semecarpus anacardium is effective at the dose level of 150 mg/kg body weight in adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino Wistar rats.

Alpha-tocopherol ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced hyperlipidemia in fibrosarcoma-bearing rats

Cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent, is currently being used for the treatment of various types of cancer, either alone or in combination with other cytostatic drugs. However, cyclophosphamide has a detrimental effect on lipid metabolism and causes hyperlipidemia in patients. Since alpha-tocopherol is known to reduce hyperlipidemia, we have investigated the effects of adding alpha-tocopherol to the cyclophosphamide treatment. Our study, carried out on fibrosarcoma-bearing rats, shows that alpha-tocopherol markedly reduces cyclophosphamide-induced hyperlipidemia and brings lipid metabolism down to values observed in untreated controls.

Plasma lipids and lipoprotein alterations in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer women in relation to the menopausal status

Plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles were monitored in 72 postmenopausal and 29 premenopausal breast cancer women who were treated with tamoxifen (20 mg twice a day) for 6 months. The levels of total and free cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were markedly (P < 0.001 for each) decreased in 3 and 6 month tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal women than the baseline values of untreated breast cancer patients. On the contrary, plasma ester cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels were increased significantly in these patients. In the case of premenopausal women the lipid lowering potential of tamoxifen was markedly retarded. These results indicated that tamoxifen - treatment was more beneficial and estrogenic in postmenopausal women's lipids. In premenopausal breast cancer women, tamoxifen was antiestrogenic and less beneficial. Hence, the difference in plasma lipids and lipoprotein content was no greater among those receiving tamoxifen and baseline values of premeno - pausal women. These results indicate that tamoxifen-treatment has a more beneficial effect in postmenopausal women, with a likely reduction in cardiovascular disease, than in premenopausal subjects.

Effect of administering cyclophosphamide and vitamin E on the levels of tumor-marker enzymes in rats with experimentally induced fibrosarcoma

Cyclophosphamide, and antineoplastic drug, and vitamin E, the common antioxidant present in the diet, were administered in separate dosages and in combination to animals (rats) with fibrosarcoma, metastatic tumor of the connective tissues, induced. The anticancer drug (20 mg/kg body weight) and the vitamin-E (400 mg/kg body weight) was administered for a period of 28 days from the day of tumor transplantation. The individual and the combined effects of these two substances were investigated by checking the growth of the tumor. Tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed for the changes in their concentration in serum, liver, and kidney to assess the success of the therapy. The increased level of the enzymes in the fibrosarcoma-suffering rats (GPII) was reduced by cyclophosphamide treatment (GP III) and vitamin E administration (GP IV). Among the treated groups, the combination therapy (GP V) showed greater efficacy in the treatment of fibrosarcoma than did individual administration, as there was more reduction in the levels of enzymes in Group V than those in to Groups III and IV. The enzyme levels were brought to near the normal level.

Effect of tamoxifen on erythrocyte membrane lipids, lipid peroxides, and antioxidative enzymes in breast cancer women

Fasting blood samples were taken from 64 tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer. The levels of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and the status of erythrocyte detoxifying enzymes were analyzed in untreated and treated patients for 3 months and 6 months with tamoxifen. Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane cholesterol, phospholipid were also determined in all the patients. The 3 months and 6 months tamoxifen-treated patients showed significantly decreased levels of erythrocyte, erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxide with concomitantly increased levels of detoxifying enzymes when compared with baseline values of untreated women. Erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and phospholipid levels were markedly decreased in tamoxifen-treated patients than in untreated women. An interesting finding of this study indicates that the lipid peroxide, as well as, the lipid lowering efficacy of tamoxifen, was increased in patients with greater levels of baseline lipid and lipid peroxides in their erythrocyte membrane. These results indicate that tamoxifen is a potent suppressor of lipid peroxide formation through the favorable effects on membrane lipids and protective enzyme system.

Effect of tamoxifen on lipid peroxide and antioxidative system in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Current evidence clearly indicates that free radicals play a prominent role in the incidence and development of breast cancer. Available literature suggests that tamoxifen is a potent suppressor of lipid peroxide formation in both animal and human systems. The purpose of this study was to understand the rate of lipid peroxidation and the status of antioxidants in tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

METHODS

A short term evaluation of 6 months' tamoxifen therapy (10 mg twice a day) in 64 postmenopausal women was conducted. The rate of serum lipid peroxidation and the status of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants were evaluated before and after 3 and 6 months' tamoxifen treatment.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months' evaluation, tamoxifen-treated patients showed a significantly decreased concentration of malondialdehyde (P < 0.001), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and remarkably increased levels of enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants. In addition to that, the concentrations of serum selenium and vitamins A, C, and E were increased significantly (P < 0.01 for each) in these patients.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that tamoxifen therapy exerts significant positive effects on the rate of lipid peroxidation and protective systems in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in fibrosarcoma bearing rats

The anticarcinogenic activity of alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) was tried in fibrosarcoma induced rats through its antioxidative potential. The rate of formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation was analysed in alpha-tocopherol (400 mg/kg body weight) treated and untreated fibrosarcoma bearing rats with respective controls. The levels of non-enzymic antioxidants like, glutathione and vitamin E, and enzymic antioxidants viz., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were assayed as well. Significantly increased (p < 0.001) level of lipid peroxide was observed with concomitant decreases in the level of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants in fibrosarcoma bearing rats when compared with control animals. In alpha-tocopherol supplemented animals, the corrected level of these parameters were observed likely to near normal values. Thus, alpha-tocopherol can be accepted to pose first line of defense mechanism against excessively formed reactive species due to impaired antioxidant systems in fibrosarcoma conditions, that cause membrane damage leading to deleterious effects.

Effect of tamoxifen on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant tamoxifen therapy is given to large and increasing numbers of women with early-stage breast cancer. The effects of this drug on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles are important, because cardiovascular disease also develops over time in a large percentage of tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of tamoxifen on plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles in postmenopausal Indian women who were disease-free after primary treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS

A short-term evaluation of 6 months of tamoxifen therapy (10 mg twice a day) in 45 postmenopausal women was conducted. The plasma lipids and lipoprotein levels were evaluated before and after 3 and 6 months of tamoxifen treatment.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months' evaluation, patients receiving tamoxifen showed significantly decreased levels of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001 for each) and increased levels of plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that tamoxifen therapy benefits postmenopausal patients with breast cancer, with likely reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Plumbagin on some glucose metabolising enzymes studied in rats in experimental hepatoma

Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) isolated from Plumbago zeylanica Linn, when administered orally, at a dosage of 4 mg/kg body weight induces tumour regression in 3-methyl-4-dimethyl aminoazobenzene (3MeDAB) induced hepatoma in Wistar male rats. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the changes in the rate of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in tumour-bearing rats and the effects of treatment with Plumbagin. The levels of certain glycolytic enzymes, namely, hexokinase; phosphoglucoisomerase; and aldolase levels increased (p < 0.001) in hepatoma bearing rats, whereas they decreased in Plumbagin administered rats to near normal levels. Certain gluconeogenic enzymes, namely, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase decreased (p < 0.001) in tumour hosts, whereas Plumbagin administration increased the gluconeogenic enzyme levels in the treated animals. These investigations indicate the molecular basis of the different biological behaviour of 3MeDAB induced hepatoma and the anticarcinogenic property of Plumbagin against hepatoma studied in rats.

Effect of panchakavvyam, an indigenous drug on the lipid levels and related enzymes in fibrosarcoma - bearing rats

In Yajur Vedhika, "Panchakavvyam", an indigenous preparation, is referred to have anticarcinogenic property. In firbosarcoma, Panchakavvyam has been tried, which on feeding promotes longevity of rats. The advantageous effect of the drug is substantial, so we tried to study the lipid changes in serum of both control and experimental animals. A significance increase in free cholesterol and phospholipids (p<0.001); total cholesterol and free fatty acids; a significant decrease in (p<0.001) ester cholesterol; and triglycerides. Among the enzymes, a significant increase in cholesterol ester hydrolase are observed. On panchakavvyam administration to the humour-bearing rats, a significant increase in ester cholesterol and triglycerides; and a gradual decrease in total cholesterol, free cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty acids; and a significant decrease in cholesterol ester synthetase and an increase in the level of cholesterol ester.