Echinochrome Exhibits Antitumor Activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Background: Echinochrome (Ech) is a common pigment present in sea urchins, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antialgal, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities.

Purpose: The present investigation assessed the anticancer and antioxidant activities of Ech against the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor model in mice.

Methods: Forty female mice were divided into four groups (n = 10). All groups except the group I received EAC cells (5 × 10⁶ cells/mouse i.p.). Group I, served as saline control (5 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl w/v p.o); group II served as EAC; groups III and IV received Ech (1 mg/kg body weight i.p.), and reference drug (5-Fu, 20 mg/kg body weight i.p.) respectively. Tumor markers, hematological parameters, liver functions, kidney functions and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in the present study.

Results: A significant decrease (p < 0.05) were detected in the tumor volume, tumor cell counts, tumor cells viability, WBC count, MDA, urea, uric acid, AST, ALT, and ALP levels in Ech-treated mice. Furthermore, Ech-treated mice showed significant increases in RBCs count, Hb, Pt, GSH, CAT, and GST levels.

Conclusion: The study results revealed that echinochrome suppresses tumor growth, decreases lipid peroxidation and improves the antioxidant status.

Disclosure of Interest

The author reports no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a grant from the Scientific Research Projects Foundation of the Cairo University of Egypt [Project No: 2017-09-02-051].