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The effect of earthworm extract on mice S180 tumor growth and apoptosis

Zhenhan Deng1, Shanshan Gao2, Xiang Xiao3

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, Guangdong, China.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|May 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Earthworm extract (EE) shows potential as an alternative cancer treatment by significantly reducing tumor size and promoting cancer cell apoptosis in mice. This natural compound offers a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Cancer treatment commonly involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  • Earthworm extract (EE) is gaining attention as a potential alternative therapy due to its accessibility and fewer side effects.
  • Limited research exists on the antitumor effects of earthworm-derived compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of earthworm extract (EE) on tumor cell apoptosis and growth.
  • To evaluate EE as a potential novel cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Earthworm extract (EE) was purified using centrifugation and chromatography.
  • Mice were inoculated with S180 sarcoma tumor cells and treated orally with varying doses of EE for 25 days.
  • Tumor samples were analyzed for size, cell apoptosis, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels.

Main Results:

  • A dose-dependent decrease in tumor weight and size was observed with EE administration.
  • Increased tumor cell apoptosis was detected in the EE-treated group.
  • Lowered lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, indicating reduced tumor invasiveness, were found in EE-treated mice.

Conclusions:

  • Earthworm extract (EE) significantly promotes tumor apoptosis and reduces tumor size in vivo.
  • EE demonstrates potential as a novel alternative therapeutic agent for cancer patients.
Keywords:
ApoptosisBaxBcl-2Earthworm extractSarcomaTumor growth

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