Chemotherapeutic effect of Plumbagin on nitric oxide and redox status in 7, 12 dimethyl benze (a) anthrecene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinoma

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Plumbagin on attenuating malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), along with augmenting the endogenous antioxidant status in DMBA induced mammary carcinoma. Breast cancer was induced by providing 1ml of 7, 12 dimethyl benze (a) anthrecene(DMBA) 20mg/kg of body weight through orally and tissue antioxidants status along with histopathological studies were determined as per standard procedures. Western blot was also analyzed to determine the protein expression in all the experimental groups. Altered antioxidant status and upsurge free radical generation especially nitric oxide was observed in DMBA induce group when compared to control. This increase NO level was well supported by increase protein expression of iNOS and eNOS. However the altered antioxidant status was corroborated with decrease GSH protein expression. To support the detrimental effect of DMBA histopathology study showed neovasularization, presence of uniformly malignant ductal epithelial cells growing in vague cribiform pattern, necrosis formation along the tumor, and cell destructions. However, Plumbagin when administered at 4 mg/kg body weight showed attenuated free radical generation and upregulated the antioxidant activity. The increase free radical generation especially NO is also plays a pivotal causative role in breast cancer. Therapeutic efficacy targeting the antioxidant system could play a pivotal role in the treatment of breast cancer.