Tumor suppressive effect of Artemisia annua extract in 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene-induced breast cancer in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to detect the genetic and immunohistochemical effects ‎of the extract of Artemisia annua, a popular medicinal herb in a chemical model of ‎breast cancer. Methods: Breast cancer was induced in female rats by 7, 12-‎dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The rats were then treated with 100 and 200 ‎mg/kg A. annua extract after four months of DMBA administration, and the genetic ‎and immunohistochemical effects of A. annua extract were examined on DMBA-‎induced breast cancer. Results: We observed the up-regulation of Nkap, PCNA, and ‎PDK1 genes in DMBA administered rats, which were significantly normalized in the ‎treated groups, particularly with 100 and 200 mg/kg of A. annua extract. A significant ‎decrease in p53 expression was detected in DMBA administered rats, which was ‎normalized in the treated groups (P<0.05). Further, the expression of calponin-h2 was ‎enhanced, and that of p63 was declined in the breast tissue of DMBA administered ‎rats, and both levels were normalized in the treated groups. Conclusion: We ‎recommend the use of A. annua extract as a promising complementary drug in breast ‎cancer treatment. ‎