Abstract
Background and aims: Although some preclinical and clinical studies have extensively confirmed the pharmacological effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Physalis alkekengi on several diseases, little is known about the effects of P. alkekengi HE (PAHE) on breast cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of PAHE on estrogen receptor+ breast cancer. Methods: To this end, tumors were created in mice by injecting MC4L2 cells into the sternum of the mice. Then, the animals were gavaged for 16 days at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg daily of PAHE. In addition, the tumor growth and body weight of the mice were measured on the 16th day, and they were killed on 21st day. Finally, their tumor tissues were removed and the apoptotic cell tissue and expression of the ATG-5 gene were studied as well. The experiments were repeated three times, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software (P<0.001 and P<0.05). Results: The average body weight of the control group significantly decreased 16 days after tumor establishment (P<0.001). Further, the PAHE inhibited the growth of the breast cancer tumor in higher doses (50 & 100 mg/kg, P<0.001). Based on the results, a significant histopathological alteration was found in the breast tumors of the PAHE-treated groups compared with the control group, including the decreased level of mitotic cells the intensive level of necrotic cells and lymphocyte infiltration into the breast tumors bearing mice 21 days after PAHE administration (P=0.012). Eventually, PAHE significantly increased the mRNA level of the expression of the autophagy ATG-5 specific gene in the effective dosage-treated group (50 mg/kg, P=0.037). Conclusion: The evidence suggests that the PAHE has a suitable efficacy for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer by promoting autophagy mechanisms into these tumor types
Highlights
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in females
No significant changes in mice weight were observed in the P. alkekengi HE (PAHE) groups
The tumor size among different doses of PAHE close to 0.6 mm was in the greatest dimension with the dosage of 10 mg/kg after 16 days
Summary
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in females In most cases, this neoplasm has an uncontrolled growth of mammary cells originating from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules as a consequence of mutations in the genes that are responsible for adjusting the cell development. The tumor growth and body weight of the mice were measured on the 16th day, and they were killed on 21st day. Their tumor tissues were removed and the apoptotic cell tissue and expression of the ATG-5 gene were studied as well. Results: The average body weight of the control group significantly decreased 16 days after tumor establishment (P < 0.001).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
