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A Fibroblast Growth Factor Antagonist Peptide Inhibits Breast Cancer in BALB/c Mice
Mehrzad Jafarzadeh1, Kazem Mousavizadeh2,3, Mohammad Taghi Joghataei2,4
1Department of Biology, University Campus2, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Objective:
Given the role of basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) in tumor growth, it has been considered as a potential target for tumor therapy. In this study, we investigate the effect of bFGF antagonistic peptide on the growth and angiogenesis of 4T1 mammary carcinoma tumor (MCT) in BALB/c mice.
Methods:
An engineered peptide was injected into BALB/c mice in doses of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg daily for 14 days. Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-CD31 and anti-CD34 were conducted as indices of angiogenesis. In addition, blood samples were taken from the eyes of treated and control mice and the levels of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS.
Results:
The antagonistic peptide inhibited growth and angiogenesis of MCT (P ≤0.05), and decreased the serum level of IL-8 and TNF-α in treated groups compared to the control groups.
Conclusion:
The inhibition of tumor angiogenesis has been considered as an important strategy to halt tumor growth. The results of current study confirm that the antiangiogenic peptide effectively inhibited the growth of MCT, and shows potential for clinical trials for the treatment of cancer in humans.
Insights
An engineered peptide targeting basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) effectively inhibited mammary carcinoma tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice. This anti-tumor peptide also reduced key inflammatory markers, showing potential for human cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a crucial role in tumor progression.
- Targeting bFGF is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
- Mammary carcinoma is a significant area of oncological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a bFGF antagonistic peptide against 4T1 mammary carcinoma.
- To evaluate the peptide's impact on tumor growth and angiogenesis.
- To assess the peptide's effect on inflammatory markers IL-8 and TNF-α.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 mammary carcinoma were treated with varying doses of the bFGF antagonistic peptide.
- Immunohistochemistry (CD31, CD34) was used to assess tumor angiogenesis.
- ELISA measured serum levels of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α).
Main Results:
- The bFGF antagonistic peptide significantly inhibited mammary carcinoma tumor growth (P ≤0.05).
- Tumor angiogenesis was markedly reduced in peptide-treated mice.
- Serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α were decreased in treated groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis is a viable strategy for controlling tumor growth.
- The bFGF antagonistic peptide demonstrates significant anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic properties.
- This peptide holds potential for clinical application in human cancer treatment.
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