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Brucea javanica oil emulsion alleviates cachexia induced by Lewis lung cancer cells in mice
1a Department of Radiotherapy , The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , Hangzhou , PR China.
Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and possible mechanism of Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) on cachexia, by observing changes in related indexes in mice with cachexia and identifying the genes responsible based on gene chip analysis. In the BJOE treatment group, body weight loss, tumour growth and metastasis were found obviously inhibited, food and water intake had markedly increased, and survival time was significantly prolonged, as compared to the control group. Moreover, the BJOE witnessed improvement in body weight, prevention of tumour metastasis and overall increase in survival time, as compared to Indometacin (IND, the positive control medicine). It was also found that TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly lower in both groups of BJOE and IND, than in the control group (p < .01). Based on the gene expression data, seven and six hub genes of BJOE and IND groups were found in the potential prognostic impacts networks, and three common genes comprising of Nmd3, Bcl2 and Nhp2l1 were screened. Thus, BJOE could reduce tumour growth and effectively alleviate cancer cachexia, due to inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nmd3, Bcl2, Nhp2l1 may be important drug targets, establishing the role of BJOE in the treatment of lung cancer induced cachexia.
Insights
Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) effectively combats cancer cachexia by inhibiting tumor growth and reducing inflammation. This natural compound improves survival and may target key genes like Nmd3, Bcl2, and Nhp2l1.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and anorexia.
- Existing treatments for cachexia have limited efficacy, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
- Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) is a traditional remedy with potential anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of BJOE in mitigating cancer cachexia in a mouse model.
- To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of BJOE's action, including its effects on gene expression.
- To compare BJOE's performance against Indometacin (IND), a positive control medication.
Main Methods:
- A cachexia mouse model was established, and animals were treated with BJOE, IND, or a control.
- Key indicators such as body weight, tumor growth, metastasis, food/water intake, and survival time were monitored.
- Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were measured, and gene chip analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes.
Main Results:
- BJOE treatment significantly inhibited body weight loss, tumor growth, and metastasis compared to the control group.
- BJOE administration markedly increased food and water intake and prolonged survival time.
- BJOE and IND treatments significantly reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels; gene analysis identified Nmd3, Bcl2, and Nhp2l1 as common potential drug targets.
Conclusions:
- BJOE demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing tumor growth and alleviating cancer cachexia by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- The identified genes Nmd3, Bcl2, and Nhp2l1 represent potential therapeutic targets for BJOE in treating lung cancer-induced cachexia.
- BJOE shows promise as a therapeutic agent for managing cancer cachexia, offering improved outcomes compared to the positive control.
