Biochemical Evaluation of Antitumor Activity of Vitamin B17 Alone or in Combination with Platinum Based Drugs Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Female Rats

Abstract

Chemotherapeutic agents are associated with many side effects. Consequently, much research is interested in the discovery of natural phytochemical compounds that can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model was used to indicate the effectiveness of some chemotherapy and plant sources against cancer due to its similarity with human tumors. The present study was undertaken to investigate antitumor and antioxidant effects of vitamin B17 beside platinum-based drugs in EAC-bearing female rats. Animals were randomly distributed into seven groups (n=7) as follows: Group A, negative control. Group B, positive control that was injected by EAC cells as a cancer model. Group C, EAC-bearing rats were treated with cisplatin. Group D, rats with EAC and were treated by a single dose of oxaliplatin. Group E, rats with EAC and were treated with vitamin B17 (VB17). Group F, rats with EAC and were treated with cisplatin plus vitamin B17. Group G, EAC-bearing rats that were treated by single-dose oxaliplatin plus VB17. One week after the beginning of treatments, blood samples were collected and tumor markers (AFP, CEA, CA19-9, TPA, and LDH), as well as antioxidants biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA), were measured. Liver and kidney functions were evaluated. Besides, histopathological examination was performed to evaluate antitumor activity and side effects of used drugs on hepatic and renal tissues. Results showed that administration of VB17 alone or in combination with cisplatin or oxaliplatin led to a decrease of tumor markers together with enhancement of antioxidant indicators compared with EAC-bearing rats. Statistical analysis showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP accompanied by an increase in the serum levels of creatinine, BUN, and total bilirubin in cisplatin and oxaliplatin treated groups, thus confirming their toxic effects on hepatocytes and renal cells. These findings were supported by histopathological alterations in these groups. VB17 treated groups showed improvement in the studied parameters. From the current study, it could be concluded that vitamin B17 possesses anticancer and antioxidant activities that justify its traditional use, and its potential hepatoprotective effect and kidney ameliorative role.