Effect of balanitoside and gemcitabine on serum biochemistry during mouse lung carcinogenesis

Abstract

Background: Gemcitabine is utilized as a standard anti malignancy chemotherapy. Its use, however, is limited due to the associated serious side effects. Aim: The aim of the present study is to study the impact of balanitoside, extracted from Balanites aegyptiaca fruits on mouse serum biochemistry during chemically-induced lung cancer. Methods: Mice were treated with the carcinogen (Ure+ BHT) to induce lung carcinogenesis and then left without treatment, treated gemcitabine, or both gemcitabine and balanitoside. Results: Our results reveal that elevated serum levels of alanine and aspartate transaminases caused by Ure+BHT injection were inhibited in mice treated with the ethanolic extract of B. aegyptiaca, indicating to its hepatoprotective actions either alone combined with gemcitabine. Also, the doses of B. aegyptiaca extract used here enhanced the renal function parameters as it improved the changes induced by Ure+BHT occurred in serum creatinine and uric acid levels. Moreover, the present data showed increased serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels after carcinogen-treatment when compared with the control normal group. These changes were ameliorated after treatment with B. aegyptiaca either alone or combined with gemcitabine. Conclusion: B. aegyptiaca extract has significant modulatory effects and chemo-preventive properties against biochemical changes during lung carcinogenesis, indicating to its prophylactic anti-toxic effect.