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The protective and therapeutic effects of alpha-solanine on mice breast cancer
Maryam Mohsenikia1, Ali Mohammad Alizadeh, Saeed Khodayari
1Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Alpha-solanine, a naturally steroidal glycoalkaloid, is found in leaves and fruits of plants as a defensive agent against fungi, bacteria and insects. Herein, we investigated solanine toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and assessed its protective and the therapeutic effects on a typical animal model of breast cancer. The study conducted in three series of experiments to obtain (i) solanine effects on cell viability of mammary carcinoma cells, (ii) in vivo toxicity of solanine, and (iv) the protective and therapeutic effects of solanine on animal model of breast cancer. Alpha-solanine significantly suppressed proliferation of mouse mammary carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05). Under the dosing procedure, 5 mg/kg solanine has been chosen for assessing its protective and therapeutic effects in mice breast cancer. Tumor take rate in the solanine-treated group was zero compared with a 75% rate in its respective control group (P<0.05). The average tumor size and weight were significantly lower in solanine-treated animals than its respective control ones (P<0.05). Proapoptotic Bax protein expression increased in breast tumor by solanine compared with its respective control group (P<0.05). Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression found to be lower in solanine-treated animals (P<0.05). Proliferative and angiogenic parameters greatly decreased in solanine-treated mice (P<0.05). Data provide evidence that solanine exerts a significant chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic effects on an animal model of breast cancer through apoptosis induction, cell proliferation and angiogenesis inhibition. These findings reveal a new therapeutic potential for solanine in cancer.
Insights
Alpha-solanine, a natural compound, demonstrated significant chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic effects against breast cancer in mice. It inhibited tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and reducing proliferation and angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha-solanine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid found in plants, acting as a natural defense.
- Its potential in cancer treatment remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of alpha-solanine.
- To evaluate its protective and therapeutic effects on breast cancer in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies on mouse mammary carcinoma cells.
- Assessment of solanine's effects on cell viability, tumor growth, and protein expression (Bax, Bcl-2).
- Evaluation of proliferation and angiogenesis parameters.
Main Results:
- Alpha-solanine suppressed mammary carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
- A 5 mg/kg dose showed zero tumor take rate and significantly reduced tumor size and weight.
- Increased proapoptotic Bax and decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression were observed.
Conclusions:
- Solanine exhibits significant chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic properties against breast cancer.
- It functions by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
- Solanine shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.