The Therapeutic Effect of Turmeric Extract on Apoptotic Markers in Rats with Breast Cancer Treated with Zovegalisib

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is still one of the significant causes of both morbidity/worldwide mortality among women. In recent years, natural products have become a hot topic as adjuvant therapy, to improve efficacy and reduce toxicities in cancer treatment.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic influence of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts on apoptotic markers in zovegalisib-treated breast cancer-induced rats paying special attention to its ability enhance the apoptosis and histopathological improvements.

Methods: Twenty-eight female albino rats were distributed randomly into 4 groups (n = 10 in each group); Group 1 (DMBA control), Group 2 (DMBA + zovegalisib), Group 3 (DMBA + zovegalisib + turmeric125mg/kg) and lastly Group 4(DMBA + zovegalisib+ turmeric150 mg /kg). Breast Cancer was initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA). Treatments were continued for 12 weeks, and breast tissues were analyzed for apoptotic markers (Caspase-7, Cytochrome c and Bcl-2) expression levels accompanied by histopathological alterations.

Results: DMBA control (G1) showed significantly decreased Caspase-7 and Cytochrome c while Bcl-2 higher expression was noticed implicated in apoptosis inhibition. Zovegalisib treatment alone (G2) moderately increased the apoptotic effect, whereas its combination with turmeric extracts led to a significant up regulation of Caspase-7 and Cytochrome c and downregulation of Bcl-2 (G3 and G4). These observations were confirmed by histopathological analysis, where they were observed a severe recovery of the tissue architecture; group 4 presented more obvious apoptotic features and fewer malignant cells. Conclusion: Turmeric extract enhances zovegalisib therapeutic activity in breast cancer through apoptotic modulators regulation and tumor cell apoptosis induction. The synergistic effect was dose-dependent: high dose (150 mg/kg) showed the most beneficial protective and restorative.

Keywords:

Turmeric Extract, Zovegalisib, Breast Cancer, Apoptosis

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