Evaluation of tumor-suppressive properties and apoptotic functions of Mad Honey and Vincristine applications in a rat model of breast cancer

Abstract

In this study, the suppressive effects of vincristine and Turkish mad honey alone and in co-applications were biochemically, hematologically, and histopathologically investigated in a mammary tumor model induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rats. A total of 72 rats, 43-49 days old, were divided into 6 groups of 12 rats each. The control group (CG) consisted of healthy rats. The vehicle group (VG) received only vehicle substance and the cancer control group (CCG) was given only DMBA. DMBA and the honey group (HG) given group. DMBA and the vincristine (VinG) given group, and DMBA, the vincristine-honey group (VHG) received both Turkish mad honey and vincristine. Turkish mad honey and/or vincristine was given in the last 4 weeks of the 13-week trial period. White blood cell and lymphocyte counts differed significantly in the CCG and VG groups. Alanine transaminase and total protein levels were higher in the CCG and VinG groups. Aspartate transaminase was higher in the CCG, HG and VG groups. Caspase-3 and Bax protein levels were in the HG and VHG groups significantly higher than CCG. In caspase-8 protein level VHG significantly higher than other groups. Caspase-9 protein level was in CG and VG groups significantly lower than other groups. Bcl-xL increased more in the CCG group. Anaplasia was reduced in the HG and VinG groups, although apoptosis and other cellular damages increased. It was concluded that mad honey and vincristine could be considered together as effective therapeutic agents in this model of DMBA-induced breast cancer.