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Published on: March 8, 2012
Laurus nobilis (laurel) aqueous leaf extract's toxicological and anti-tumor activities in HPV16-transgenic mice
B Medeiros-Fonseca1, V F Mestre, B Colaço
1Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal. pamo@utad.pt.
Abstract:
Cancers induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remain a significant public health threat, fueling the study of new therapies. Laurel (Laurus nobilis) compounds and extracts recently showed in vitro activity against HPV-transformed cell lines. This work aims to evaluate the in vivo efficacy and hepatic toxicity of a laurel extract in a transgenic mouse model of HPV16-induced cancer. The extract was administered in drinking water (20 mg per animal per day) for three consecutive weeks, using four experimental groups (n = 10) (group I: HPV16-/- without treatment, group II: treated HPV16-/-, group III: HPV16+/- without treatment and group IV: treated HPV16+/-). Following the treatment period, animals were sacrificed and skin samples were used to classify skin lesions histologically. Toxicological parameters included hematological and biochemical blood markers, splenic and hepatic histology and hepatic oxidative stress. The extract did not prevent the progression of HPV16-induced cutaneous lesions in this model. The treated wild-type animals showed mild hepatitis, while transgenic animals suffered weight loss. However, there were no changes concerning hematological, biochemical and hepatic oxidative stress markers.
Insights
Laurel extract did not prevent human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-induced skin cancer progression in mice. While showing no therapeutic effect, the extract caused mild hepatitis in wild-type mice and weight loss in transgenic mice.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cancer, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Laurel (Laurus nobilis) extracts have demonstrated in vitro efficacy against HPV-transformed cells, prompting further investigation.
- A transgenic mouse model of HPV16-induced cancer provides a platform for evaluating in vivo therapeutic potential and toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vivo efficacy of a laurel extract in preventing or treating HPV16-induced skin cancer.
- To evaluate the hepatic toxicity of the laurel extract in a mouse model.
- To investigate the extract's impact on disease progression and relevant toxicological markers.
Main Methods:
- Administration of laurel extract in drinking water to four groups of mice (wild-type and HPV16 transgenic) over three weeks.
- Histological classification of skin lesions to assess cancer progression.
- Toxicological evaluation including hematological and biochemical blood markers, splenic and hepatic histology, and hepatic oxidative stress analysis.
Main Results:
- The laurel extract did not inhibit the progression of HPV16-induced cutaneous lesions in the studied mouse model.
- Mild hepatitis was observed in wild-type mice treated with the laurel extract.
- Transgenic mice receiving the extract experienced weight loss, but no significant changes were noted in hematological, biochemical, or hepatic oxidative stress markers.
Conclusions:
- Laurel extract lacks efficacy in preventing HPV16-induced skin cancer progression in this in vivo model.
- The extract exhibits potential hepatotoxicity and adverse effects such as weight loss in susceptible animal models.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative natural compounds or refine laurel extract formulations for potential therapeutic applications.
