Tumoricidal Activity of RNase A and DNase I

O A Patutina1, N L Mironova, E I Ryabchikova

  • 1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Acta Naturae
|June 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Ribonuclease A (RNase A) and Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) show significant antitumor and antimetastatic effects. These enzymes reduced tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models, suggesting potential as supplementary cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic tumors pose a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
  • Enzymes like RNase A and DNase I have potential therapeutic applications.
  • Understanding their effects on tumor metastasis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antitumor and antimetastatic activities of RNase A and DNase I.
  • To investigate the effects of these enzymes on Lewis lung carcinoma and hepatoma 1A models.
  • To determine the optimal dosage and efficacy of RNase A and DNase I in reducing tumor metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Murine models of pulmonary (Lewis lung carcinoma) and liver (hepatoma A-1) metastases were utilized.
  • Intramuscular administration of varying doses of RNase A and DNase I.
  • Assessment of primary tumor growth, metastasis number, and hepatic index.
  • Histological analysis of metastatic organs to evaluate cellular changes.

Main Results:

  • RNase A (0.1-50 µg/kg) retarded primary tumor growth by 20-40%, with optimal effect at lower doses.
  • DNase I did not affect primary tumor growth.
  • Both RNase A and DNase I significantly decreased lung and liver metastases.
  • Histological analysis revealed induced pathomorphism, increased necrosis/apoptosis, and mononuclear infiltration in metastases.

Conclusions:

  • RNase A and DNase I demonstrate promising antimetastatic activities.
  • These enzymes induce significant pathological changes in metastatic tumor cells.
  • RNase A and DNase I are potential supplementary therapeutics for metastasizing tumors.

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