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Published on: June 18, 2015
Oregano demonstrates distinct tumour-suppressive effects in the breast carcinoma model
Peter Kubatka1, Martin Kello2, Karol Kajo3
1Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Malá Hora 4, 03601, Martin, Slovakia. kubatkap@gmail.com.
Purpose:
There has been a considerable interest in the identification of natural plant foods for developing effective agents against cancer. Thus, the anti-tumour effects of oregano in the in vivo and in vitro breast cancer model were evaluated.
Methods:
Lyophilized oregano (ORE) was administered at two concentrations of 0.3 and 3 % through diet. The experiment was terminated 14 weeks after carcinogen administration. At autopsy, mammary tumours were removed and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, in vitro evaluation in MCF-7 cells was carried out.
Results:
Low-dose ORE suppressed tumour frequency by 55.5 %, tumour incidence by 44 %, and tumour volume by 44.5 % compared to control animals. Analysis of rat tumour cells showed Ki67, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM expression decrease and caspase-3 expression increase after low-dose ORE treatment. High-dose ORE lengthened tumour latency by 12.5 days; moreover, Bcl-2, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM expression decrease and caspase-3 expression increase in carcinoma cells were observed. Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas in both treated groups. In vitro studies showed that ORE decreased survival and proliferation of MCF-7 cells. In ORE-treated MCF-7 cells, an increase in cells expressing sub-G 0/G 1 DNA content and an increase in the percentage of annexin V/PI positive MCF-7 cells were observed. In vitro, both caspase-dependent and possible non-caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways were found. The deactivation of anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-2, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway were observed in the ORE-treated MCF-7 cells.
Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a distinct tumour-suppressive effect of oregano in the breast cancer model.
Insights
Oregano exhibits significant anti-tumour effects in breast cancer models. This natural plant food suppressed tumor growth, reduced cancer cell survival, and induced apoptosis, demonstrating its potential as a cancer-fighting agent.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Growing interest in natural plant-derived compounds for cancer treatment.
- Need for effective and safe anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumour effects of oregano (ORE) in an in vivo and in vitro breast cancer model.
- To investigate the impact of oregano on tumor growth, incidence, and molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Administration of lyophilized oregano (ORE) at 0.3% and 3% concentrations in the diet of rats.
- Mammary tumors were analyzed for histopathological and immunohistochemical changes.
- In vitro evaluation using MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Low-dose ORE suppressed tumor frequency (55.5%), incidence (44%), and volume (44.5%).
- Both low and high doses of ORE decreased expression of Ki67, VEGFR-2, CD24, and EpCAM, while increasing caspase-3 expression.
- In vitro, ORE reduced MCF-7 cell survival and proliferation, inducing apoptosis through caspase-dependent and independent pathways.
Conclusions:
- Oregano demonstrates a distinct tumor-suppressive effect in a breast cancer model.
- Oregano possesses anti-cancer properties, highlighting its potential therapeutic value.
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