Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae) latex reduces oxidative stress and modulates CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+ and HSP-60+ expressions in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Brazil, latex of Himatanthus drasticus is used to treat inflammation, wound healing and cancer. The present study evaluated the antitumoral potential of H. drasticus latex (HdCL) in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice (S180). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HdCL was obtained in Crato-CE, Brazil. Qualitative phytochemicals assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and microbiological analyzes were performed. Swiss mice were divided into six groups, according to tumor forms: 1) ascitic model, GI (Control; 0.9% saline), GII (S180asc) and GIII (S180asc/HdCL/14 days); 2) solid model, GIV (Control; 0.9% saline), GV (S180sol) and GVI (S180sol/HdCL/10 days). HdCL and 0.9% saline were administered at 0.2 mL, SID, by gavage, for 10 or 14 days. For ascitic model, 0.5 mL of S180 suspension (4×106 cells/mL) was inoculated intraperitoneally and for solid model, cells were inoculated subcutaneously (25 µL) on the right hind paw of mice. Blood samples were collected for hematological and oxidative stress evaluation. Thickness, volume and weight of paws were measured in solid model. After euthanasia, spleen, liver and kidney were collected in order to assess the relative organ weight. Tissue fragments of paws and popliteal lymph nodes (PLN) were analyzed by H&E and CD4+, CD8+, HSP-60+ and Foxp3+ immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: HdCL presented milky aspect and pinkish supernatant. Phenols, flavonols, flavanones, free steroids and cinnamoyl derivatives of lupeol, α-amyrin and ß-amyrin were detected at the phytochemistry analysis. HdCL did not alter the relative weight of organs, hematological parameters and volume of ascitic fluid recovered. In solid model, HdCL reduced (P < 0.05) paw volume, but did not altered thickness, paw weight and histological parameters. S180sol induced necrosis, metastasis and destruction of bone, cartilage and muscles. Bleeding, vessel congestion and oncocytes were observed in PLN. In paw, HdCL did not alter FoxP3+ and HSP-60+ expressions but reduced the CD4+ and CD8+ expressions, while at PLN, HdCL reduced the expressions of all markers. HdCL decreased (P < 0.05) serum levels of malondialdehyde in ascitic model. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with HdCL reduced oxidative damage and modulated the expressions of CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+and HSP-60+ in S180 solid tumor model, which can be associated to the presence of triterpenes, such as α-amyrin, ß-amyrin and lupeol cinnamate. Present data emphasizes the importance of immune system in cancer and highlights the evaluation of the pharmacological properties of plants used by population as phytoterapics.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of a water-soluble polysaccharide from Chaenomeles speciosa.

In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (CSP) was successfully purified from Chaenomeles speciosa by DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. CSP had a weight-average molecular weight of about 6.3 × 10(4)Da and was composed of glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), rhamnose (Rha) and arabinose (Ara) with a relative molar ratio of 4.6:1.3:0.8:0.5. CSP could not only inhibit the growth of S180 tumor transplanted in mice, but also increase the relative spleen index and body weight of tumor bearing mice. Moreover, concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced splenocyte proliferation and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis were also enhanced after CSP administration. Furthermore, CSP treatment could improve delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and promote the secretion of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum. The overall findings suggest that the antitumor effect of CSP is might be associated with its potent immunostimulatory activity.

Antitumor and Immunomodulating Activities of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Big Cup Culinary- Medicinal Mushroom Clitocybe maxima (Higher Basidiomycetes) in Liquid Submerged Culture.

Water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms have been found to have some physiological effects. In this study, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) were extracted by alcohol precipitation from cultivated broth of the mushroom Clitocybe maxima. EPSs with molecular weights of 10(4) and 10(5) Da were obtained by ultrafiltration; they are referred to as EPA and EPB, respectively. The major components of these EPSs were glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, and arabinose. ICR mice with artificially induced metastatic pulmonary tumors were fed a daily diet containing EPA or EPB at doses of 8, 20, or 50 mg/kg. Results showed that the proliferation of pulmonary sarcoma lesions was lower in the groups fed EPS. In addition, the numbers of total T cells, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and macrophages significantly increased in EPS-fed mice compared with the negative control group. The antitumor and immunomodulating effects observed in the EPB-fed groups were higher than those of EPA-fed groups. These results demonstrate the ability of EPSs of C. maxima to inhibit tumor cells while enhancing immune response.

Inhibitory effect of orally-administered sulfated polysaccharide ascophyllan isolated from ascophyllum nodosum on the growth of sarcoma-180 solid tumor in mice.

We evaluated the antitumor activity of crude extract and ascophyllan prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum in sarcoma-180 solid tumor-bearing mice with continuous intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day or oral administration at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight/day. Ascophyllan and crude extract administered via the oral route showed greater antitumor effects than via i.p. route, and the tumor sizes in mice treated with ascopyllan and crude extract were reduced by a mean of 68.7±6.8% and 42.4±24.8% by the oral route, and 41.4±16.1% and 13.6±20.6% by i.p. route compared to control mice. Splenic natural killer cell activity in the mice treated with ascophyllan and crude extract by i.p. route was significantly enhanced, while only a slight increase of this activity was observed in orally-treated mice. Furthermore, increase in spleen weight of tumor-bearing mice was slightly suppressed by oral administration of ascophyllan, whereas i.p. administration resulted in further enlargement. Analysis of serum cytokines revealed that oral treatment with ascophyllan resulted in significant increase of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 levels. Since ascophyllan showed no direct cytotoxic effect on sarcoma-180 cells, orally-administered ascophyllan is suggested to exhibit its antitumor activity through the activation of the host immune system.

Anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity of peptide fraction from the larvae of Musca domestica.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The larvae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) have been used traditionally for malnutritional stagnation, decubital necrosis, osteomyelitis, ecthyma and lip scald and also to treat coma and gastric cancer in the traditional Chinese medicine. Its in vitro antitumor activity and immunomodulatory effect in naïve mice in relation to the traditional uses were also reported. However, the in vivo antitumor effect of this insect and its mechanism of action have not yet been well studied. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vivo antitumor potential of the peptide fraction from Musca domestica larvae (MDPF) and to elucidate its immunological mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mice inoculated with sarcoma S180 cells were orally administered with MDPF at three doses for 10 days. The effects of MDPF on the growth of mouse S180 sarcoma, splenocyte proliferation, the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), production and mRNA expression of cytokines from splenocytes, and serum antigen-specific antibody levels in tumor-bearing mice were measured. RESULTS: MDPF could significantly not only inhibit the growth of mouse transplanted S180 sarcoma, but also promote splenocytes proliferation, NK cell and CTL activity from splenocytes, and enhance serum antigen-specific IgG, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody levels in S180-bearing mice. MDPF also significantly promoted the production of IFN-γ and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ and Th1 transcription factors T-bet and STAT-4 in splenocytes from the S180-bearing mice. However, Th2 cytokine IL-10 and transcription factors GATA-3 and STAT-6 were not significantly changed both at transcriptional and protein levels following MDPF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MDPF significantly inhibit the growth of transplantable tumor in mice and its in vivo antitumor activity might be achieved by switching-on of Th1-based protective cell-mediated immunity. MDPF could act as antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity.

Immunomodulatory and antitumour effects of abnormal Savda Munziq on S180 tumour-bearing mice.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional uyghur medicine, has shown anti-tumour properties in vitro. This study attempts to confirm these effects in vivo and measure effects on the immune system. METHODS: Kunming mice transplanted with Sarcoma 180 cells were treated with ASMq (2-8 g/kg/day) by intra-gastric administration compared to model and cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg/day). After the 14th day post tumour implant, thymus, liver, spleen and tumours were removed, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also taken for haematological and biochemical analyses including TNF-α , IL-1 ß and IL-2. Splenic lymphocyte function was measured with MTT; lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: ASMq treated animals had reduced tumour volume compared to model and increased concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-2 compared to untreated and to cyclophosphamide-treated animals. No histopathological alterations were observed. The absence of viable S180 cells and the presence of necrotic cells and granulation tissue were observed in tumour tissue of treated animals. The effect on T lymphocytes was unclear. CONCLUSIONS: ASMq confirmed in vivo anti-tumour effects observed in vitro, which may be at least in part mediated by increased immune activity.

Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Do they also prime the immune system resulting in long-term protection against cancer?

Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) induce apoptosis in a wide variety of cancer cells and are more effective than many well-established anticancer agents. Combination therapy of SRGs with cisplatin treats cisplatin-resistant cells such as lung cancer and breast cancer cells. Anticancer therapies with SRGs have been used intravenously, intraperitoneally, intralesionally, orally, and topically. Data is now presented that in addition to apoptosis and, perhaps as a consequence thereof, SRGs also have an effect of stimulating lasting immunity against cancer as shown with a mouse model and the terminal cancer Sarcoma 180. Mice were inoculated i. p. with Sarcoma 180. Groups of animals were administered SRGs half an hour after Sarcoma 180 inoculation. Mice treated with Sarcoma 180 but not with SRGs all died within 20 days. Four doses of SRGs caused total remission of Sarcoma 180 activity. Mice that went into remission were then reinoculated 20 days later with the cancer. Ten of twelve SRGs cured-animals were resistant to reinduction of terminal doses of the cancer. In comparison, twelve of twelve mice treated with SRGs without initial Sarcoma 180 activity but which were inoculated with Sarcoma 180 cells 20 days later, all died. In addition to apoptosis, SRGs stimulate lasting immunity against cancer. SRGs could play an important role in clinical management of diseases such a malignancy and also be used as a preventative therapy.

Immunomodulatory activity of butanol extract from Solanum lyratum in tumor-bearing mice.

Solanum lyratum Thunb (Solanaceae) has been widely used for cancer as a folk remedy in Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, the main active fraction n-butanol extract from S. lyratum (BESL) was evaluated for the therapeutic efficacies on mice transplantable tumor and immunomodulatory potentials on the immune response in tumor-bearing mice. The effects of BESL on the growth of mouse transplantable S180 sarcoma, splenocyte proliferation, the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), production of cytokines from splenocytes, and serum antigen-specific antibody levels in S180-bearing mice were measured. BESL could not only significantly inhibit the growth of S180 sarcoma transplanted in mice, but also remarkably promote splenocytes proliferation, NK cell and CTL activity, interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production from splenocytes, and serum antigen-specific antibody levels in tumor-bearing mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P <0.001). The results suggested that BESL might exhibit antitumor activity by improving immune response, and it could act as antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity. This study provided evidence to understand the therapeutic effects of S. lyratum for treatment of cancer and a natural product to further researches to be developed as a cancer chemopreventive agent.

GLIS, a bioactive proteoglycan fraction from Ganoderma lucidum, displays anti-tumour activity by increasing both humoral and cellular immune response.

AIMS: Ganoderma lucidum, a traditional Chinese medicine, is well known as a modulator of functions of the immune system as well as an anti-tumour agent. However, its active compounds and their molecular mechanisms of action are not well established. GLIS, a proteoglycan isolated from the fruiting body of G. lucidum, stimulates directly the activation of B lymphocytes. In this work, the immunoactivation capacities of GLIS as well as its anti-tumour effect were investigated in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS: Tumour-bearing mice were prepared by inoculation of mouse sarcoma S180 cells into BALB/c mice. Lymphocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from spleen and tibia/femurs, respectively. After stimulation with GLIS different immune responses of these cells were analysed. Anti-tumour effect of GLIS was determined. KEY FINDINGS: After treatment with GLIS, spleen-derived B lymphocytes from tumour-bearing mice became activated, proliferated and produced large amounts of immunoglobulins. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from tumour-bearing mice also became activated after exposure to GLIS, and they produced important immunomodulatory substances, such as IL-1ß, TNF-α and reactive nitrogen intermediates, like NO. GLIS markedly increased phagocytosis of macrophages, and very importantly, it markedly raised the macrophage-mediated tumour cytotoxicity. Treatment of mice with GLIS caused an inhibition of mouse sarcoma S180 tumour growth by 60% in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that GLIS exhibits a capacity to increase remarkably both humoral and cellular immune activities of tumour-bearing mice and inhibits tumour growth significantly. The anti-tumour effect of GLIS results from its capacity to increase the host's immune activity.

[Effect of freeze-dried sea cucumber powder of eastern sea on tumor and immune index of S180-bearing mouse].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of freeze-dried sea cucumber powder from eastern sea on tumor and immune of S180-bearing mouse. METHODS: S180 tumor cells were subcutaneouly inoculated to fifty health kunming mice and were randomly divided into five groups (model control group, positive control group, and low, medium, high dose groups). After the groups were orally treated with solution of freeze-dried sea cucumber powder for ten days,the weights of tumors and the inhibition rates of tumor were counted, and the pathological changes of tumors were observed and the expressions of caspase-3 proteins were detected in the tumor tissues, and the thymus index and spleen index were observed , the contents of interleukin-2(IL-2) in the serum were detected. RESULTS: (1) In comparison with the control groups,the weights of tumor were declined and the inhibition rates of tumor were remarkably decreased in the treated groups. (2) The pathological changes of model control group were very obvious. The expressions of caspase-3 proteins in the treated group were more higher than those of model control groups, while were more lower than those of positive control groups. (3) The thymus index, spleen index in the treated group indicated an increased tendency. (4) The contents of IL-2 in the treated groups were more higher than those of other groups. CONCLUSION: Freeze-dried sea cucumber powder could be effective antitumor and could protect and recovery the immune system of S180-bearing mice.

Enhanced anti-tumor effects achieved in a murine tumor model using combination therapy of recombinant human manganese superoxide dismutase and adriamycin.

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the only primary antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria that scavenges superoxide radicals. Overexpressing MnSOD in cancer cells by cDNA transfection suppresses tumor formation and reverses malignant growth. In this study, we examined the effect of recombinant human manganese superoxide dismutase (rhMnSOD) alone and in combination with adriamycin (ADR) against solid tumors of sarcoma 180 in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Administration of rhMnSOD alone and in combination with ADR significantly inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. The use of rhMnSOD in combination with ADR enhanced ADR's anti-tumor potency without increasing toxicity. Histopathological examination provided evidence of the anti-tumor effect. In addition, we found lymphocyte infiltration of the tumors, with an increase in both CD4- and CD8-positive cells in the treated tumors. The expression of CD4 and CD8 was up-regulated with increasing dose of rhMnSOD, and the combination treatment with ADR further enhanced this up-regulation. Collectively, these data indicate that rhMnSOD may exhibit an anti-tumor effect by stimulating the immune system and promoting the recruitment of lymphocytes into the tumor to kill tumor cells. Thus MnSOD may constitute a potential new therapeutic agent to be exploited as an adjuvant in cancer therapy.

[Effect of Patrinia scabra extracts on the level of serum cytokine in sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor burdened mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Potrinia scabro extracts (PSE) on the level of serum cytokine in Sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor burdened mice and its mechanism of anti-tumor. METHODS: The mice model of Sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor were established and divided into five groups randomly, including the model group with normal saline solution, the positive group with 10 mg/kg cytoxan and PSE treated groups at doses of 2.0 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg intraperitoneally for 10 days. The level of serum cytokine Th1 (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-gamma, IFN-alpha) and Th2 (IL-6, IL-10) were measured by double antibody sandwich ELISA assay. RESULTS: Compared with model group of Sarcoma 180 ascitic tumor burdened mice,the level of IL-2 and IFN-gamma increased in PSE 2.0 g/kg group, but the IL-6 and IL-10 decreased in PSE 2.0 g/kg and 1.0 mg/kg groups. CONCLUSION: PSE has anti-tumor effect in vivo that could be related to the level variation of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-10 in tumor burdened mice.

[Effects of Patrinia scabra bunge macroporous adsorptive resins extracts on erythrocyte immune function in tumor bearing mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the erythrocyte immuno-regulatory effect of Patrinia scabra Bunge extracts extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins in tumor bearing mice. METHODS: Patrinia scabra Bunge was extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins, and the amount of polysaccharides and saponins in the extract were determined. Mice bearing S180 tumor were treated with the extract and their survival prolongation rate, erythrocyte rosette formation rates of C3b receptor (ERR-CR), immune complex (ERR-IC) and tumor cell (ERR-TC), as well as the CD35 and CD44s were observed. RESULTS: Polysaccharide content was 21.4%, saponin 41.8% in the extract. As compared with the model group, the survival rate was increased, the erythrocyte immune function was improved (showed increase of ERR-CR and ERR-TC, decrease of ERR-IC), and the amount of CD35 and CD44s in red blood cell membrane increased in mice after being treated with the extract (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Extract of Patrinia scabra Bunge extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins can regulate the erythrocyte immune function to a certain extent.

Characterization and antitumor activity of pollen polysaccharide.

The polysaccharide LBPP was extracted and isolated from the pollen of brassica napus L., and the antitumor activity was evaluated on Sarcoma 180-bearing mice and B16 melanoma-bearing mice through transplantable animal tumor. Mice were treated with three doses of the polysaccharide LBPP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days. Tumor weight, relative spleen and thymus weight, lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), phagocytic function of monocyte, serum hemolysis antibody and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were studied. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, a significant decrease (P<0.01) in tumor formation, a significant increase (P<0.05) in relative spleen and thymus weight, natural killer cell activity, phagocytic function of monocyte, lymphocyte proliferation, and serum hemolysis antibody, and a significant improvement of peripheral blood abnormality (P<0.05) and anemia (P<0.01) were observed. Results of these studies demonstrated that the polysaccharide LBPP had anti-tumor activity, which was mediated by immunomodulation and leukogenic and antianemic actions.

Characterization and anti-tumor activity of pollen polysaccharide.

The polysaccharide LBPP was extracted and isolated from the pollen of Brassica napus L., and the anti-tumor activity was evaluated on Sarcoma 180-bearing mice and B16 melanoma-bearing mice through transplantable animal tumor. Mice were treated with three doses of the polysaccharide LBPP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days. Tumor weight, relative spleen and thymus weight, lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), phagocytic function of monocyte, serum hemolysis antibody and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were studied. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, a significant decrease (P<0.01) in tumor formation, a significant increase (P<0.05) in relative spleen and thymus weight, natural killer cell activity, phagocytic function of monocyte, lymphocyte proliferation, and serum hemolysis antibody, and a significant improvement of peripheral blood abnormality (P<0.05) and anemia (P<0.01) were observed. Results of these studies demonstrated that the polysaccharide LBPP had anti-tumor activity, which was mediated by immunomodulation and leukogenic and antianemic actions.

[Study on anti-tumor effect of extractions from roots of Actinidia deliciosa].

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-tumor effect of ADEE and ADBE in mice. METHODS: The models of S180 entity tumor mice and H22 bearing tumor mice were established to observe the effect of ADEE and ADBE on inhibiting S180 entity tumor growth and prolonging life time of H22-mice, and the effect on spleen and thymus index to S180 entity tumor. RESULTS: Both ADEE and ADBE had ohvious anti-tumor effects to S180-mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and could prolong H22-mice life (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In certain degree, ADEE and ADBE could improve the immune function of bearing tumor mice. CONCLUSION: ADEE and ADBE have obvious anti-tumor effect.

[Study on anticancer effect in vivo of active fraction from Nervilia fordii].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the active fraction with anticancer effect in vivo from Nervilia fordii. METHODS: The effective petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate extract parts preliminary were selected in vitro, then anticancer experiments in vivo were done by S180-mice and H22-mice models. RESULTS: Petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate extract parts both had obvious anticancer effects to S180-mice and H22-mice, and could prolong H22-mice life. Meanwhile, they could improve the immunoloregulation of mice. CONCLUSION: It is the first time that the petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate extract of Nervilia foadii are proved to be the effective anticancer fractions in vivo. On this basis, the further studies are needed on active principles or principle group with anticancer effect and the characteristics of this effect in Nervilia foadii.

Anti-tumor activities of the antlered form of Ganoderma lucidum in allogeneic and syngeneic tumor-bearing mice.

We investigated the anti-tumor effects of a dry powder preparation of the antlered form of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum AF, rokkaku-reishi in Japanese), a variant type of G. lucidum, not only in allogeneic Sarcoma 180-bearing ddY mice, but also in syngeneic MM 46-bearing C3H/He mice. G. lucidum AF inhibited tumor growth and elongated the life span when orally administered to mice by free-feeding of a 2.5% G. lucidum AF-containing diet. It also showed anti-tumor activity in spite of post-feeding after tumor inoculation. G. lucidum AF significantly countered the depression of splenic CD8+ cells and protected the decrease in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in regional lymph nodes of MM 46-bearing mice, indicating that the anti-tumor activity of G. lucidum AF might be caused by its immunostimulating action. These results suggest that the ingestion of G. lucidum AF can be useful for the prevention and curing of cancer.

Anti-tumor and immunomodulating effects of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelia-derived proteoglycans.

Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the widely cultivated edible mushrooms. Water-soluble proteoglycan fractions from P. ostreatus mycelia were purified by alcohol-precipitation, ion exchange and followed by gel permeation (Sephadex G-100) chromatography. Three neutral fractions were found, which had polysaccharide to protein ratios 14.2, 26.4 and 18.3, respectively. These fractions were tested for in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory and anticancer effects on Sarcoma-180-bearing mouse model. In vivo injection of proteoglycans to Sarcoma-180-bearing mice decreased the number of tumor cells and cell cycle analysis showed that most of the cells were found to be arrested in pre-G(0)/G(1) phase of cell cycle. All of the three proteoglycans elevated mouse natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and stimulated macrophages to produce nitric oxide. The Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectra suggested the presence of beta-glycosidic bond in all the fractions. Fraction I strongly interacted with glucose/mannose-specific lectin Concanavalin A (ConA), indicating the presence of large number of terminal sugar with glucose/mannose. Thus, the three neutral proteoglycans derived from the mushroom (P. ostreatus) mycelia could be used as immunomodulators and anti cancer agents.

Histopathological and immunophenotyping studies on normal and sarcoma 180-bearing mice treated with a complex homeopathic medication.

Canova is a homeopathic complex medicine, used as an immune modulator. We studied its effects in normal and sarcoma 180-bearing mice. Three control groups were also evaluated. The mice were examined at daily intervals and the tumours observed histologically. Peripheral blood was analysed by flow cytometry. A delay in the development, and a reduction in size of the tumours, and increased infiltration by lymphoid cells, granulation tissue, and fibrosis surrounding the tumour were observed with active treatment compared to control. All animals from the treated group survived, 30% of control groups died. In 30% of treated animals, a total regression of the tumour was confirmed using light microscopy, no regression was found in the control groups. Treatment with Canova increased total numbers of leukocytes and lymphocytes. Among lymphocytes, TCD4, increased in normal-treated group and B and NK cells in S180-treated groups. The results reflect enhanced immune response of the host after treatment with Canova.