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Preventive effects of Glycyrrhizae radix extract on estrogen-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice
K Niwa1, M Hashimoto, S Morishita
1Department of Obstetrics, Gifu University School of Medicine. kniwa@cc.gifu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Short- and long-term experiments were conducted to examine the effects of Glycyrrhizae radix (Gl radix) extract on mouse endometrial carcinogenesis. Gl radix treatment (2 weeks) decreased the levels of c-fos/jun mRNA and the corresponding oncoproteins induced by estradiol-17 beta (E2) in castrated mice uteri, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis, and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. For the long-term assays, 98 female ICR mice were given N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) solution (1 mg/100 g body wt.) and normal saline (as controls) into their left and right uterine corpora, respectively. They were divided into four groups as follows: group 1 was given 0.625% Gl radix- and 5 ppm E2-containing diet; group 2, 5 ppm E2-containing diet; group 3, 0.625% Gl radix-containing diet; and group 4, the basal diet alone. Gl radix treatment significantly decreased uterine weights and the incidences of uterine endometrial atypical hyperplastic and malignant lesions. It is suggested that Gl radix has inhibitory effects on E2-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice, through suppression of estrogen-induced c-fos/jun-expressions.
Insights
Glycyrrhizae radix extract inhibits estrogen-driven endometrial cancer in mice. This natural compound reduced tumor development by suppressing key gene expressions linked to cancer growth.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Products Research
Background:
- Endometrial cancer is often linked to estrogen exposure.
- Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice root) is a traditional herbal medicine with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Estrogen-induced gene expression, such as c-fos/jun, plays a role in endometrial carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Glycyrrhizae radix extract on estrogen-induced endometrial carcinogenesis in a mouse model.
- To determine if Glycyrrhizae radix extract can suppress the expression of c-fos/jun mRNA and oncoproteins induced by estradiol-17 beta (E2).
Main Methods:
- Short-term experiments involved treating castrated mice with estradiol-17 beta (E2) and Glycyrrhizae radix (Gl radix) extract, followed by analysis of c-fos/jun mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR, Southern blot, and immunohistochemistry.
- Long-term experiments utilized 98 female ICR mice induced with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and divided into four groups receiving different diets (Gl radix, E2, both, or control).
- Uterine weights and lesion incidences were assessed in the long-term study.
Main Results:
- Short-term Gl radix treatment significantly decreased E2-induced c-fos/jun mRNA and oncoprotein levels in mouse uteri.
- In the long-term study, Gl radix treatment significantly reduced uterine weights.
- Gl radix administration markedly decreased the incidence of uterine endometrial atypical hyperplasia and malignant lesions in MNU-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Glycyrrhizae radix extract demonstrates inhibitory effects on estrogen-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice.
- The mechanism involves the suppression of estrogen-induced c-fos/jun expression.
- These findings suggest Gl radix as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating endometrial cancer associated with estrogen.
