Microgramma vacciniifolia frond lectin (MvFL) exhibits antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 in mice

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of a lectin from Microgramma vacciniifolia frond (MvFL) in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. First, the in vitro cytotoxicity of MvFL on sarcoma 180 cells was evaluated. Tumor cells were inoculated into Swiss female mice, and after 7 days, the animals were treated intraperitoneally with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, negative control), methotrexate (MTX, positive control, 1.5 mg/kg) or MvFL (10 or 20 mg/kg) for 7 days. We analyzed tumor weight, angiogenesis, relative water and food consumption, body weight, and hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters. MvFL inhibited cell growth (IC50: 20.6 μg/mL) and induced apoptosis and necrosis. Treatment with MvFL led to an 89.2–96.8% reduction in tumor weight. Histopathological analysis of tumors of animals treated with MvFL revealed necrotic points, presence of leukocyte infiltrates, and a smaller number of pleomorphic cells than negative control. MvFL interfered with the angiogenesis around the sarcoma 180 tumors. No changes in water and food consumption or weight gain were observed. There were no important changes in blood hematological and biochemical parameters in lectin-treated animals. The liver, kidneys, and spleen did not show signs of toxicity in all groups. In conclusion, MvFL has strong antitumor potential against sarcoma 180 models, without toxic effects.